So far, at least, I'm encouraged that we haven't lashed out blindly with a volley of cruise missiles upon Afghanistan or other rash military action unlikely to offer much return for our investment of munitions and possibly lives.

While there are a few who may still be hostage to bloodlust, I think most rational Americans and our allies recongnize the very difficult task we have before us - there are no obvious targets for any bombing campaign, no armored columns to cut off, no supply lines to interdict, no large forces in the field to outmaneuver.

Blind or misguided retaliation will almost certainly be counterproductive.

Now, with the country united as we have not seen in a long, long time, and our allies lining up with us, the president and his advisors are wise to husband this unity for a more thoughtful, long-term strategy against this evil.

I'm also heartened by President Bush's efforts to address the moderate Muslim world and isolate the radical Islamic Fundamentalists from any support they might have with these moderates.

In a conventional war, the infrastructure supporting the enemy's armies in the field is a tempting target. Bomb the tank, aircraft and munition factories, and our foe will soon be out of weapons.

But in this war, the enemy infrastructure is based on hate for America, the Great Satan. This burning passion provides the terrorists an almost limitless body of recruits eager to sacrifice themselves for an easy pass to paradise, where perpetual erections and a bevy of beauties await.

This is a war by civilians on civilians. The primary enemy weapon is the terrorist ready to sacrifice himself. By eliminating the passions which impel the terrorists to their murderous actions, we will have gone a long way toward defusing the enemy weapons and underming his infrastructure.

Suprisingly then, this is a campaign in which we can all participate.

sp