By the Rev. David Hernes, East Freeborn Lutheran Church

Treatment of Iraqi prisoners:

A cause for American humility.

A call for self-examination.

How could such atrocities happen?

Did some give such orders?

Did some simply obey?

Did many hold their tongues?

Did some find demonic delight?

Was it &uot;sport for the bored&uot;?

What guilt and shame!

We have prided ourselves!

Seen ourselves as world examples!

Boasted of our values and principles!

Accused others of flagrant abuses!

Now we must bow our heads.

Now we must eat humble pie.

Now we must ask forgiveness

And we who protest &045;

And wonder &045;

And ask &uot;Why?&uot;

We need to ask:

Would I have protested?

Would I have refused orders?

Would I have bucked the tide?

And even if I would have now

Would I have at age 23?

Would I have in the military?

Would I have rocked that boat?

Would I have risked my self?

And, further,

Do we protest now the injustices,

And the inhumanities we see?

That are in our own systems?

Our organizations?

Our workplaces?

Our churches?

Even &045; our homes?

What inhumanities do we participate in &045;

Unthinkingly?

Unconsciously?

Unknowingly?

Folks, it is time

For self-inventory

For all of us.

For humility. For &045; correction.

We will need willingness.

Are we willing?

Are we willing

To deal with ourselves?

That is our first call.

We will need

The guidance

And strength

Of God

For this task.