Reply To: Political Statements
I could write at great length about the distinction between conventional military forces, guerrilla forces, terrorist groups, and the gray areas in between, citing a great many examples, but I don’t really feel this is the place for it. The suggestion that poverty is the cause of terrorism and that terrorism can therefore be eliminated by throwing money at the terrorists is a gross oversimplification. Frankly, I don’t think this particular group of terrorists wants our money. Past groups clearly have wanted money: the Vikings that Kipling cites, Barbary pirates, all very much willing to be paid off. They were all effectively running protection rackets. Historically, many so-called terrorists have really been gangsters or bandits who wrap themselves in political issues for the sake of convenience.
You know how American conservatives, especially the talk radio listeners, are incensed about such issues as gay marriage? Muslim conservatives are similarly easily manipulated by their leaders, and they’re being directed against us. That’s the root cause of Islamic terrorism, and frankly, they’re as angry over “Baywatch” and Starbucks, the intrusion of Western culture, as they are over US foreign policy. We are no more responsible for their problems than gay couples are responsible for America’s problems. Don’t get taken in by a con that isn’t even directed at you.