Celia, this has been my war-cry for more than 4 years now:
Terrorists are the enemy of civilization. They are the enemies of the enlightenment. And the threat they pose is indeed existential. Not because Osama Bin Laden & Co. can really take over our civilization (because they can't) but because if we can't defend ourselves against murderers and tyrants, then we can't defend ourselves against anything.
This does not mean we have to always align ourselves 100% with those who seek to defend America or Europe or whatever. But we should be able to stand up forthrightly and say, "This will not stand! We will not be bowed by these cowards who blow up buildings and murder in the name of their grievances!"
Scoop Jackson would know what we are talking about.
You wrote and excellent article. I have been thinking about the religious aspects of this war. You put into words an excellent piece and your conclusion brings me an uneasiness. It is true though, it is true.
Terrorists are the enemy of civilization. They are the enemies of the enlightenment. And the threat they pose is indeed existential. Not because Osama Bin Laden & Co. can really take over our civilization (because they can't) but because if we can't defend ourselves against murderers and tyrants, then we can't defend ourselves against anything.
This does not mean we have to always align ourselves 100% with those who seek to defend America or Europe or whatever. But we should be able to stand up forthrightly and say, "This will not stand! We will not be bowed by these cowards who blow up buildings and murder in the name of their grievances!"
Scoop Jackson would know what we are talking about.
You wrote and excellent article. I have been thinking about the religious aspects of this war. You put into words an excellent piece and your conclusion brings me an uneasiness. It is true though, it is true.