Drew Palmer
2002 Grand Prize Winner, Scottish Rite Paul R. Kach, 33°
DeMolay Prize Americanism Essay Contest Winner
10th Grade and Below Category, West Newton Chapter
131 Rohn Road, Mooresville, Indiana 46158-8073

Peacekeeper, defender of liberty, leader in economics and science-these are only a few of America's major roles in the world today.

Among the most important areas of global leadership for the United States today are the promotion of freedom and the expansion of trade. Because of the September 11th attacks, America's influence within the international community is especially important. Now, reacting to the horrific acts of the Taliban and al Qaeda, we lead the war, fought by every nation, against terrorism. When al Qaeda high-jacked three commercial airliners and crashed two into the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon, we had no choice but to retaliate. The United States immediately gained new allies, such as Russia and Pakistan, and shined a light on present enemies. Here was the opportunity to take the lead in the war against terrorism because the United States had the support of the majority of the rest of the world. With that support, we were given the responsibility of leading the effort to wipe out the major terrorist organizations of the world, in particular al Qaeda.

Another major role that the United States has always had is promoting freedom. Because of the September 11 attacks, you can now, more than ever, see positive results taking place in the spread of liberty. Before September 11, while the Taliban still ruled, women in Afghanistan had no freedom to work outside the home or to go to school. Also, the Taliban took away from women virtually all other freedoms, forcing women to wear clothing that covered their entire bodies except for the eyes. But since September, the United States has accompanied the Northern Alliance and liberated most of the country, freeing Afghans from Taliban rule. As a result of the United States military getting involved, almost half the population, or all of the women, were given freedoms they haven't had for years. The women are now able to work, and they do not have to cover their faces everywhere they go. Children are now able to have education whereas before only religious instruction was possible. We not only are helping other countries but we are also helping ourselves by getting rid of some terrorist organizations, such as al Qaeda, which threaten us. This is a great example of the role the United States plays promoting freedom all over the world.

The advancement of the world's economy and trade are a third but also important role the United States plays. By importing and exporting goods, we not only raise our own economy but also benefit the economies of the other countries with whom we trade. Our payment to other countries for the products they sell us allows them to buy products from other countries. Eventually, this trade gets back to us and boosts our economy. Global trade, properly regulated, is a win/win situation for all.

Another major role America plays is as a mediator. As a superpower in the world, the United States has the responsibility to help other countries get along. Peace is in the best interest of the United States and of the entire world. In the religious war between Israel and the Palestinians, we have been stepping in and trying to help both sides make peace treaties for years, and most likely we will attempt to broker a peace between these ancient enemies for years to come. A similar situation exists between Pakistan and India, and we are again helping to prevent war and create peace. Clearly, it is in everyone's best interest for us to mediate a solution in these troubled areas.

We help other countries when they are in need. Afghanistan is just one example. We provide medical assistance, food, and building materials to several African countries where AIDS and the HIV virus, tribal wars, weather-related disasters, or other circumstances have created crisis situations. Our mediation, assistance, and purchasing power can ensure the stability of our economy and the world economy. For instance, the United States does not have enough oil, so we buy petroleum from, among other countries, such Middle Eastern nations as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran. If we were to go to war with any major oil-producing country, our gas and oil prices would skyrocket harming our economy and the world's. It is important to us to help other counties and establish peace where possible. We depend on resources from other countries just as they depend on our resources and products. Without peace between countries, our economy would falter, and, more than likely, so would theirs. Therefore, we keep peace and are mediators not just for the good of our country, but for the good of the entire world.

In conclusion, our obligation as United States citizens is to help not only make our nation successful and to show patriotism but also to work toward helping people everywhere be treated fairly. To achieve these purposes, the United States plays many roles. As the leader of the free world today, it is our responsibility to show leadership, encourage trade, and promote freedom across the world.

Drew Palmer is an eighth-grade student at Martinsville West Middle School where he is active in the Tennis Team and Drug Free Club. His immediate goals are achieving straight-A and perfect attendance records. A member of the youth group of Camby Community Church, he enjoys listening to music, writing lyrics to songs, skateboarding, drawing, and working on computers. Among his personal goals in DeMolay are to learn the Ceremony of Light, Flower Talk, and Degree role of Jacques DeMolay.