Given the extreme that you cite, I can accept that you compare these actions to "fraternity hazing". That's the current buzz on hate radio, by the way. Among some jock sniffers (as well as drug addicts like Rush Limbaugh) this comparison is meant to soften the outrage. Still, the sexual degradation that we have witnessed is at least a serious felony in the laws of my community, not to mention a violation of the Geneva conventions. And with at least two homicides now hinted at, if this was truly just a few "pranks" that got out of hand, wouldn't one death have been enough? It's outrageous and disgraceful behavior and given the traditional way DOD disseminates bad news, we can expect even worse to come. But the definition of outrage is on the move, even as I write. The real atrocities we can witness via the Internet against an American civilian now surpass the vulgarities of the most graphic video games and movies. And I drove pass the cheerful playground down the street earlier today, my thoughts may have been similar to yours, wondering if we will leave them a safer world after all, or just a wish list of bloodlust.
Clarke said one of OBL’s fundamental prophecies was that the US was itching to occupy an oil rich Arab country. While the righties are all for the in-your-face stuff, it was not wise to fulfill the extremists' prediction especially without a germ of a plan. We should have never invaded Iraq if we could not have found a sufficient number of Islamic peacekeepers to put in the field in the immediate aftermath.
The next blow to terrorism, after actually finishing the job in Afghanistan, should have been moving heaven and earth to enforce a positive peace in Palestine and Israel. This would have cut the heart out of the extremists’ recruitment campaign. Even though Bush has never been up to this task, the road to peace still leads to that part of the world. Kerry is the best answer, if there is an answer, to navigate us through the morass. Even, as you suggest, by using subtraction alone.
If he wins, Kerry will have still have quite a time getting all the couch bound warmongers, focus group wannabees and blog soaked pundits to shut up (or maybe pass out). But these are the same tin heroes who are willing to denigrate the truly heroic such as McCain or Max Cleland.
Sorry, but the UN must be involved in the solution. As for the French, their sense of compassion towards the US after 9/11 should outweigh the right wing’s need for at least one ethnic group or two to taunt. Just more damage by the buffoons that will be left for Kerry to repair. |
