April 21, 2004
Solomon
"There is nothing new under the sun." - King Solomon
In the late 1930’s Hitler’s intentions in Europe began to manifest themselves. There were those in favor of appeasement. History blames Neville Chamberlain but he couldn’t have had his way without plenty of support. Anyway, it was decided "don’t shoot at Hitler. It might make him mad". Look what happened.
In the mid 1960’s North Vietnam, noticing American bombs falling on their factories and fuel depots, began installing surface to air missile batteries to shoot down American warplanes. Washington’s response? Pilots were ordered "don’t shoot at the SAMs. It might make the Vietcong mad". Look what happened.
In the early 2000’s violent religious extremists are mounting attacks with more frequency and force on Western Civilization. They’re even launching attacks on their own people. Once again there are people who say "don’t shoot at the terrorists. It might make them mad". You see a pattern?
What is the history of peoples who were attacked and tried to negotiate themselves out of it? Nobody’s ever done that and retained their sovereignty.
"But Ed. The terrorists have legitimate grievances" Then why not let them be addressed legitimately through the United Nations or the World Court or whatever organization terrorist apologizers choose instead of randomly killing those who have nothing whatsoever to do with their disputes?
In the meantime, as long as they’re shooting at us, I think we should shoot back.
Ed Powell