Cunningham

 1)
 At first glance of this Benson’s View cartoon, I was delighted to see that I was not alone in my
 disappointment of the recent decision that Mr. Michael Heyman has made regarding the exhibit. The
 self-centered veterans may have won the battle for their desired exhibit, however, all of the opinions and
 ideas they forced upon the Smithsonian with disregard for their country’s future, will ultimately cost them
 the war as the much-deserved public humiliation ensues. The only worry they have regarding their past
 actions is the victorious outcome of their decisions. They have no regret for the extent of destruction they
 have caused to countless innocents. Despite the fact that the veterans got what they had coming to
 them, I do not foresee the cartoon aiding the controversy in any way. They will simply dig-in their heels
 out of spite and even become more set in their views.

2)
When I examine this cartoon, my attention is drawn to three words in particular: obliterated, vaporized,
 and annihilated. They are not only part of the drawing, they symbolize how we portray the history of our
 country. Now that there is no exhibit to be viewed, it is as though the bombing of World War II never
 happened. The history has been so minimized that it is virtually non-existent. Although there is a plane to
 be seen honoring the heroic efforts of the veterans, the problem lies with the fact that the Enola Gay
 alone doesn’t vocalize what truly happened. It can’t tell the children of our future about the countless
 innocent Japanese who were killed. Soon, the information won’t even be found in history books due to the
 simple fact that the veterans will always be allowed to get away with this ridiculous amount of “self-pride.”
 It is all going to their heads, and no one is willing to put their foot down and stand up for what is right. Mr.
 Heyman can’t make a decision and stand by it, so instead he makes none at all, leaving everyone at a
 loss. Sometimes the cold, hard truth must be faced, whether we like it or not.

3)
One of my favorite parts of the entire cartoon is the “propaganda bomb,” it’s remarkable! It shows how we
 as Americans try to make everything look good, even if it is not. We hide as many flaws as possible. It’s
 like selling a new invention, knowing very well that it is going to blow up after two minutes. Ultimately, the
 company recalls it, reimburses their customers, and reluctantly admits they had a faulty product. In this
 case though, the media covers any of the “loose-ends” that may happen to spill out somewhere along the
 way. Is that another way for the veterans to say, “mission accomplished?” It isn’t enough to have killed
 thousands of people, but now they need to cover up the truth?! The same mistakes will continue to be
 made again and again, and each time the veterans are going to proclaim themselves as the “saviors.”
 Why does America insist on being “perfect”? Can’t we admit our mistakes and be “man” about it? Live
 and learn from your misjudgments and shortcomings. It’s all part of growing-up and growing as a nation.

4)
On another note, I do respect the United States and have a great passion for our country. I respect and
 admire all of the sacrifices and service the veterans have given for the people of our nation. They are truly
 courageous citizens of the United States and deserve much credit. Had they not executed all of their
 actions in the past, we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. I feel very thankful to live in a
 country such as ours. Personally, I try to be the best citizen as I can, by aiding in affairs such as the
 fabrication of the Enola Gay exhibit. It has been one of my duties as a member of the Smithsonian staff,
 to tell the complete truth. I see this cartoon and despite my immediate personal judgments, feel that it is
 a dishonor to everyone in the United States. Our very name declares that we are a united nation, and this
 cartoon contradicts the very meaning of the term “united.” Constructive criticism is what is needed here,
 not only critique on how poorly anyone has performed. It creates a rebellious society, “pig-headed”
 people, and by no means creates a more peaceful world in which to live. How are we ever going to
 continue to stand united and confront the rest of the world in war, if we ourselves are at battle? At any
 rate, a compromise needs to be made. If we choose to ignore the facts and selectively bury both our
 accomplishments and defeats we will spend our future living in a repetitious cycle that will ultimately get
 our country nowhere.

                                                         -Martin Harwit