As we prepare for the inevitable......
Everyone who knows me personally will tell you that I am not a proponent of war, in fact I despise it. Those who were around me during the Persian Gulf War know that I, while watching in awe at the precision of our military strikes, was greiving for those on the receiving ends of our "smart bombs". Those around me at that time will tell you how I was quick to point out that this was nothing to cheer about, that we were witnessing on our televisions thousands of people dying with every explosion and thousands more not dying, but writhing in pain and perhaps wishing they had died instead. I hate war, I hate hate. Yet, I am at a loss for an alternative in responding to Terrorism. So far, our Government has taken some steps aside from military action ~ diplomacy with other Nations, freezing assets, sealing off borders, calling for Prayer, etc... But are these measures alone enough to deter and defeat Terrorism throughout the world? I have my doubts.
I have discussed alternatives to war with passivists and searched relentlessly for information leading to some concrete actions and policies that would be effective nonviolent reactions to defeating Terrorism and I have been severely dissapointed in what I have found. I have heard or found nothing besides some inspirational rhetoric of an ideal response that would only work in a ideal world, and surely fail in the world in which we live. The mind of the Terrorist does not function like the minds of non-Terrorists -- they simply just do not listen to reason or diplomacy, due primarily to their lack of respect for human life in their crusade to push their ideals and beliefs. What alternatives do we have when confronted by such a mindset ~ a mindset that has no misgivings of using innocent lives to get the attention of the world? It seems that Military action is inevitable, and as much as I have struggled with that reality, I include myself in the mass majority who to date voice approval for the decisions of our Leaders.
I, like the rest of world, remain open for suggestions.............
