U.S. WISDOM, NOT WEAPONS NEEDED TO END TERRORISM 08/26/1998

U.S. WISDOM, NOT WEAPONS NEEDED TO END TERRORISM 08/26/1998

Terrorism, whether foreign or domestic, is always the last desperate act of an individual or group in response to a perceived act of tyranny. I emphasize the word "perceived" because an actual act of tyranny need not take place; the terrorist simply needs to believe that it has. Terrorism cannot exist without linkage to a perceived act of tyranny. Without the belief that a government is exercising absolute power unjustly or in a cruel manner (the definition of tyranny), the motive for terrorism ceases to exist.

Since we are obvious targets of terrorism, our first question has to be, what act or actions has the U.S. government taken that can be perceived as acts of tyranny? It's fairly common knowledge that the CIA has been installing and maintaining "puppet" dictators and governments around the world for decades. In the past, Iran, Panama and Vietnam were all CIA-controlled governments that were highly tyrannical regimes. During the Cold War it was always "our" dictators vs. "their" dictators. I doubt anyone can argue the fact that "our" puppet regimes were always highly tyrannical in nature. And only a fool would believe that the CIA involvement wasn't noticed or perceived by many in the world as our government exercising absolute power in an unjust or cruel manner. Actual tyranny, maybe. Perceived tyranny, absolutely.

The next question must be, will these retaliatory strikes help reduce terrorism in the world? History has shown just the opposite to be true. Retaliation simply reinforces the perceived belief that the U.S. is a tyrannical government which, in turn, spawns more terrorists. It creates the never ending loop, the Catch 22, the Hatfields and McCoys. You shot at me so I'll shoot at you, you shoot back and I return fire, ad infinitum. Already many Muslim fundamentalist groups are calling for retaliatory terrorist attacks. U.S. airports are under increased security measures, U.S. citizens abroad have been placed in jeopardy and the fear of terrorism worldwide escalates.

The last question, then has to be, what do we do to stop terrorism? I can only offer the following suggestion. Before all else we need to change our focus from revenge to reason. We need to address the perceptions of tyranny that is the motivation of the terrorist. Our government must stand up and admit past mistakes and then stop its incessant meddling in the internal affairs of, or in the disputes between, sovereign states. As the last great super power, we must understand that we cannot continue to act as the world's policeman in international affairs or disputes. As much as it might hurt us emotionally as we stand by and watch the hurt and the dying in other countries, we must understand that we cannot become involved in these events. While other countries may intervene, these situations must be resolved without intervention by us.
Instead of attacking with our weapons of destruction, let us instead present our beliefs to the world: The right of freedom of religion, of speech and of the press; the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances; the right of citizens to organize a militia and to keep and bear arms; the freedom from intrusion into our homes by the military; the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects from unreasonable search and seizures; the freedom from double jeopardy, unreasonable prosecution, self incrimination and the right to a speedy trial by ones peers; and the prohibition of the government from imposing excessive bail, fines, or cruel and unusual punishment.

As the last great super power, let us not be perceived as a bully wielding the big stick but instead as the noblest of all nations preserving the hopes for all mankind. Wisdom, not weapons, is the solution that will eventually end terrorism.