<HTML>Garrett,
> >>So I echo Kat in this regard: the idea that America
> is getting what it deserves is pretty disgusting and offensive
>
> I completely agree.
I think we all agree that there can is absolutely no justification for this wanton act of terrorism. However until the US govt. and American people realise that they cannot solve the problems of the world with cruise missiles you will never irradicate terrorism.
The US is the most heavily armoured nation in the world and yet it was brought to its knees by the actions of men with knives that were prepared to die. As callous and as evil as this terrible incident was if you do not ask why you will never break the cycle of violence.
We should punish those responsible for committing and financing these acts of terror but if we bomb Afghanistan for harboring terrorists why not bomb the UK or parts of Florida as many supporters and trained 'friends' of bin Laden are also hiding there. If you point a finger at Afghanistan why not also at the US govt. and the CIA that financed and trained them initially and also contributed to the current situation there?
What has happened has stunned the world but it is still not justification to wage a war on Afghanistan however despicable the Taliban govt. may be.
We've all wept at the human stories associated with the events in the US this week but how many of us wept as innocent Arab civilians perished in Tripoli, Baghdad, Kabul, Israel? How many Americans whooped in delight as cruise missiles wreaked their havoc during the Gulf war? Until the US realises the effects its bullying tactics have elsewhere in the world wanton acts of terrorism will also continue.
We agreed earlier to ensure those responsible are brought to justice but it's also time the US govt. and the American people realised that the power and might they possess should also be used with a conscience. Imposing terror because you're under the banner of democracy is no better than the actions of the scum that imposed terror this week.
Duncan</HTML>
