Fighting Terrorism

The horrific attack last week finally woke us up to the reality of terrorism, and the consequences of not dealing with it earlier.

Well, better late than never.

People who are crazy enough to fly hijacked airplanes into buildings are crazy enough to do absolutely anything. Any sign of weakness, any lack of resolve now on the part of the USA and other civilized nations would only invite even more horrific chemical, biological, and even nuclear acts of terrorism that could claim many, many more victims.

It's quite clear now that dropping a few bombs, firing off a few missiles, and letting out a gung-ho cheer or two may look entertaining on television, but it's a woefully inadequate response to this scourge of international terrorism. Every tool of diplomacy, intelligence, economic clout, and military power must be focused, for as long as it takes, to annihilate the terrorist networks, their leaders, and the governments that support them.

We must rid ourselves of the delusional thinking that if only we are nice and respectful to others, they will be nice and respectful of us. Radical Islamic terrorists don't think or operate under that or any other civilized set of assumptions. We must face and accept the sobering truth that we will have to break things, kill people, collaborate for a time with unsavory characters less evil than the terrorists, and yes, violently overthrow governments in order to win this war, and preserve our free and democratic way of life.