Actually, I agree with you, if we can identify and target a terrorist cell or camp, here, or in some rogue country, muslim or non-muslim . . . take it out and don't hold back on the rough stuff. What I have a problem with, is since 9/11 all talk has focused on muslim extremists, so now we have a situation were Sikhs, East Indians, and many other people of color are harassed and forced to prove/declare their allegiance to this country because of jingoistic paranoia. The fact is you and I are far more likely to be a victim of domestic crime or terrorism (militia, skinheads, symbionese liberation army types, etc.) than a screaming horde of muslim fanatics. Threats to our person and country should be prepared for and dealt with, absolutely, where they may come from.

In my opinion many of our current laws are more than adequate to protect us, if our enforcement agencies and leaders were a little more competent. So I am concerned that we as a people are allowing politicians to restrict civil liberties as a knee-jerk reaction. Having said this, I do not mean that we sit back and do nothing. I have absolutely no problem with overwhelming force when needed, but it seems whenever this discussion comes up, use of force and diplomacy, or a discussion of social problems, are held up as mutually exclusive. Why, can't we hit extremists anywhere with a big stick and also say, listen if you have problems with us deal with us in a reasonable fashion or more big stick? At the same time we destroy our enemies, can we not examine possible reasons for why the became enemies? So hopefully we can avoiding making more.

And one more thing, Even when I think a military action is appropriate . . . I still grieve for those who lose their lives, especially the innocents. I honestly believe our leaders (even the ones I disagree with) feel the same way . . . its pretty obvious to me, what the weight of the world does to our Presidents just by watching their faces age over four years.

Sorry for rambling,

David





: *** Hmmm, white high school kids have brought guns to school and killed how many times in the last few years!****

: Too many. That's why more and more schools have metal detectors and armed policemen in the halls; to protect the innocent. Do you think they should be removed because some students or parents may find that offensive?

: ***A white college kid drove through a crowd in Santa Barbara, A white college kid attempted to make a smiley face pattern with pipe bombs.***

: Yep. But unfortunately they acted alone. Not much anyone could have done to *prevent* it.

: ***Sooo . . . using your warped logic we must immediately detain all white school kids between the ages of 14 and 22.***

: I think you and I can agree this is logistically impossible. What I AM saying is that after 9/11 we are now living in a whole new world. There are a group of people walking among us that want nothing more than to see us dead. They are white, black, asian, catholic, protestant ect ect ect. Because of this, I believe we ALL should expect to be inconvenienced, whether it's in an airport, on a train or at a sporting event.

: I don't believe (as I think you do) we should all sit idly by and wait for the next big event and then point fingers at who was to blame for "allowing" it to happen. NO ONE wants to experience another 9/11. I just think we all should be PRO active rather than RE active. And

: I think the majority of the survivors of the 3,000 people killed that day may agree with me.

: But I could be wrong...