Resolution

Reading the online responses to the news articles about the botched bombing of a US airplane and the suicide bombing at a CIA base in the farthest regions of Afghanistan, I am astounded how passive our reaction is to the execution of American citizens by terrorists. What – exactly – are we waiting for in the “war on terror”? Do Americans think that (1) if we do nothing, the attacks stop or (2) if we do something, they escalate? How about rethinking those opposing positions into a mindset that used to characterize America. The word "resolution" applies to more than just a promise made at the New Year that the maker has no intent to fulfill.

There’s a historic American flag with the words “Don’t Tread On Me,” a warning that when America’s democratic principles are crossed there is a consequence, not a conversation. In the Bible’s Old Testament, God smote them, whoever “them” was; in the New Testament, God sent his only Son to convince the people that once the enemy is conquered, we can work toward world-wide reconciliation between people. However, when the threat of annihilation constantly hangs overhead, people cannot bridge the gaps and create world-wide peace and harmony because they are too busy watching their backs.

In the movie The American President, which was released prior to 9-11, America is attacked (hypothetically); when the Cabinet meets to discuss the event, the decision is made to conduct what is termed a “proportional response,” one that is quick, decisive, final – and sends a clear, concise message about the consequences for attacking the US, even on foreign soil. We say we don’t negotiate with terrorists, but isn’t that what we’re doing when we engage in conversation, rather than confrontation? At least a dozen people were killed at the CIA camp, and you better believe that the CIA knows who is responsible for the attack and where they are: respond. Immediately. Forcefully. Finally. Send a message that cannot be misunderstood, rather than have an on-going discussion about how tragic it is to lose these American lives.

Thank God there was a “foreigner” onboard the airplane over Detroit, a man who took immediate action when he realized what was happening. He didn’t watch and wonder what was happening or call the crew to do something; he jumped over seats, tackled the bomber, and put out the fire. His goal was to neutralize the immediate threat, not wonder whether his actions were politically correct and/or would be supported by the press coverage. People admire courage and immediate, decisive action because that’s what not only saves lives, but prevents future attacks using our airplanes as the delivery system for terrorism. When we complain about the inconvenience of new screening procedures at the airport terminals, aren't we dishonoring the men, women, and children aboard an airplane intended as a weapon of mass destruction on 9-11 who fought the terrorists? Who rode the plane nose-first into the ground rather than allow the terrorists to complete their mission?

No one respects the kid who is bullied, but when s/he fights back, even if the bully wins the fight, we applaud the victim for standing up for him/herself. We may not always win the fight, but at least we fight back. Why have we forgotten that part of our historical heritage? We're so busy comforting the victim that we have turned our backs on the bully, trusting that s/he won't hurt us while we're taking care of our wounded! Right: the bully hurts his/her victim, but won't hurt me because ... why? When I turn my back on the bully, I simply become the next victim because that's the nature of a bully.

One commentor on the newspaper’s webpage decried the “John Wayne mentality” of the macho men who run in with guns blazing to take out the bad guys. Why is that not a good tactic? I’d rather have John Wayne protecting me than a politician whose primary goal is re-election. President G.W. Bush was excoriated in the press for sitting like a deer caught in the headlights when he was informed about the events on 9-11 while visiting a classroom filled with children. No one knew at that time exactly what was happening, but now we have that history to put an event into an immediate context and react. I’m glad President Obama and his family are enjoying a Hawaiian holiday, but if Bush’s actions were inappropriate in a classroom filled with little children, how does anyone explain the President continuing to surf while two separate terrorist attacks occur involving US citizens?

If I were CIA, I’d take care of business immediately and worry about the media and political consequences after the business is finished. I’d send the message to the Taliban that our political system seems afraid to talk about: DON'T TREAD ON THE USA. However, if the only consequence for the terrorists is more publicity, why not do whatever it takes to remain in the power position? We empower terrorists to do more and to do it more often because we do nothing. How can any other nation either admire or follow the leadership of an American nation afraid to stand up for itself?

If we do not possess the resolve to fight back -- all out -- then we deserve whatever the terrorists hand us.