Sun Tzu( and your name was from a great military theorist)--
I agree entirely with your sensitive and sophisticated reasoning. In the opposite way, I am repelled by the lack of logic of Lone Star. However, until Reagan retaliated for Libyan terrorism by going after Khadaffi, Libya played politics-terrorism as if they were in a chess game where their opponent did not have any moves. Libyan terrorism stopped after they were bombed.
Altho the causes of this act of war are mainly political and religious, the military issue should be addressed. W should announce that any country that supports or allows for terrorism is committing an aggressive act and will be held responsible. They, then, will have the responsibility for policeing. We know that terrorism is encouraged in Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Afganistan-- and perhaps other countries. Our response should not be to hurt innocent civilians-we would be no better than they if we did, but to give the leaders of these countries notice that their personal asses will be held accountable. We should then do what Reagan did to Khaddafi. We have the technology to do so. The knowledge that we have counter-moves will be a highly motivating force for them to curb terrorism. It seemed to moderate Khadaffi.
In addition, and many will know more about this than I if this is practical, we should equip planes with security devices that pilots--like some punch-in code--that pilots have to frequently press. If they don't, the automatic pilot should kick in. I can't start my Saturn without punching the keybox.
However, before we retailiate willy-nilly--which may have already begun in Kabul--I think Sun's advice is well taken. We have enough hate in the world without adding enemies. However, we almost certainly agree that national security is a prime function of government. Anyone who threatens us should know there will be a response before they begin.
My son had a meeting that morning in the WTC that he didn't go to. I'm sure we'll know people who were not as fortunate and my heart is with them.
fred |
