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A Prayer for the Moment

Dear God,

Please tell me I don't live in a world where a few dozen suicidal idiots can transform the rest of society into suicidal idiots. Please tell me our culture is mature enough to resist our animal instincts and draw a firm line between justice and revenge. Please tell me the freedoms for which our Founders gave so much will not be discarded for the illusion of safety. Please tell me there are enough Americans with the wisdom to ask "Why?" to ask "Why do they hate us so much?" and "What must we do to reduce that hatred?" Please give me the comfort of knowing that when this is all over, the good that will be born will justify the pains of labor. All these years, Israel has been suffering terrorist attacks and America has been pleading with them to make peace. Please tell me that America is wise enough now to show Israel how to deal with terrorism in ways that produce peace, not war. Please, God, show us the way to end this madness and live as the brothers and sisters we profess to be.

Ken Larsen

More on Terrorism:

09-14-01

Just a couple of thoughts: When rats are exposed to intermittent shocks, they attack each other. I hope we are more evolved than rats.

We cannot make war for several reasons:

First, we cannot define victory. Let me try. Victory will be when everyone who hates America enough to hurt us has been killed. Isn't that the only possible end to such a struggle? It is as unwinable as America's stupid drug war.

Second, we cannot reduce their numbers by killing them. For every enemy we kill, several will become new enemies. Our military will actually be waging war against America as it builds the strength, numbers and resolve of our enemies. This vicious truth about human nature has kept the Jews and Arabs fighting for 4,000 years. Are we ready to enter a 4,000 year-old war that could easily last another 4,000 years?

Third, we won't be fighting any government or country. In fact, we won't be fighting individuals or organizations. We will be fighting an idea. The only weapon that works against an idea is an idea. Ideas thrive on the blood of martyrs.

Concerning terrorism:

We cannot prevent terrorism in America. It is even more impossible than winning the stupid drug war. The airliner attacks worked because it was a new idea. Why should our enemies try it again? Our water supplies cannot be secured. One ounce gelatin containers of purified mad-cow proteins could be thrown into dozens of streams and reservoirs, killing millions. We could never protect ourselves against such an attack. Our railroads and highways are forever vulnerable. A single madman with a hacksaw and a rock hammer could bring down a communications relay tower. A six-foot helium balloon with a few hundred yards of picture-hanging cable could short out a power line. A dozen or so model airplanes with explosives could easily fly through the front door of the White House. One satellite going the "wrong" way could explode into a cloud of debris and destroy our entire satellite communications system.

The word "sabotage" comes from the wooden shoes (French "sabots") early workers threw into the gears of heavy machinery. Virtually anyone with a wooden shoe and guts could stop an entire industry. One fool with a rifle can kill a president. Anything we attempt to try to stop terrorism is an illusion. Do you really believe the locks on your house or car could stop a madman from getting in and destroying your property? Some precautions are reasonable. Precautions that destroy American freedoms are not. Apprehending and punishing terrorists are reasonable acts. Terrorists should be brought before tribunals, proven guilty, and properly executed. Assassinations and acts of war against innocent civilians are not reasonable. They only make the enemy more powerful. The best strategy is to attack their motives. Stop supporting their enemies. Return to the wise words of George Washington who counselled against entangling alliances: "It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world." If Israel is incapable of self-defense, let them apply for membership as a US territory. Otherwise, we can no longer afford the luxury of taking sides against our Moslem brothers and sisters.

I'm sorry if this is painful. But, part of growing up is facing reality. It is time for America to grow up and face the truth. The real world is full of risk. Accepting that is the path to joy.

Ken