The Zone

[David Morris]

>From: "Dan Jizzenberry" With all the calls for realism I've been hearing 
>lately, I have only one question to ask: does anyone on this list seriously 
>believe that this new war of ours will wipe terrorism off the face of the 
>planet? [...]

Who is setting this goal as the standard besides you?  This is a very 
obvious straw dog.  Serious debate is not what you are offering.

>I fear that the coming war is going to be like the war against drugs X 
>10000. [...] in the long run I fear that this is going to end not only in 
>bloodshed (which is both realistic and predictable) but in apathy and 
>disillusionment. [...]

The reason that the war on drugs failed is that people want drugs.  People 
do not want terrorism.  Therein lies the big flaw in your analogy.

>I hope to show how Quixotic this 'crusade' is using language that every 
>American is familiar with: what will work and what will not.

It seems that so far you've only focused on what WON'T work.

>Now, if there's anyone on this list that seriously envisions an America 
>free of car bombs, hijackings, and other terrorist assaults when this, the 
>first war of the 21st century ends, then let your voices be heard.

Once again you raise this false standard.  Total eradication of terrorism is 
obviously impossible.  Substantial reduction is very possible.  Ask Israel.

>Otherwise, let's stop pretending that the retaliatory strikes which lay 
>ahead are based on anything but revenge fantasies and political expedience.

Here's where you expose the real reason for your straw dog.  What you have 
done is assume that this administration will pursue a pointless attack on 
Afganistan for mere political pandering to the blood-lust at home.  So far 
you have no proof for that assumption.  As more and more Americans are 
educated to the pitiful history of Afghanistan, the less they see massive 
bombing of the country as a satisfactory option.  However, leaving in place 
a Taliban which harbors Bin Laden and others who've declared a terrorist war 
against the US is not an option either.  And other _governments_ which 
sponsor/harbor terrorism cannot be left alone either.

So instead of assuming the worst about the goals and methods of this War on 
Terrorism while ignoring the cost of doing nothing, try being honestly 
realistic in searching for solutions to an unacceptable situation.

David Morris

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