War vs. Anti-war Response
We all know the events of September 11th, 2001. We all know the pain of loss and the anger that was in us all. As many people, the President, parents, teachers, peers, have told us, it is how we react that matters. Do we as a nation try to coax the Taliban into giving up Osama bin Laden and other key members of his terrorist group al-Qaeda? Do we bring in our planes, tanks, and ground troops to take over Afghanistan and throw out the Taliban regime? Because the reaction we give is not just the reaction of President Bush, it is not just the reaction of our Congress; it is the reaction of our nation, every man woman and child. Negotiations with the Taliban on the exiling or giving up of Osama bin Laden were unsuccessful. The Taliban refused to extradite bin Laden and has steadfastly justified his methods of Jihad. President Bush has put together a coalition of nations to help the US fight its war on terrorism, which extends far beyond NATO. Even some of Afghanistan's neighbors, Uzbekistan and China, and friends, Pakistan, have promised aid to the US. There is a disagreement, however, about how this war should be waged. Through non-military means, such as econo
Where there is a majority there must be a minority. This minority comes with signs, anti-war songs from the Vietnam era, and for the most part some very interesting clothing. Many of those opposed to the use of military force have been out and about, protesting a thing that until Saturday, the 7th of October, didn't even exist. There are those against the war who are less visible, such as Rabbi Michael Lerner. In a Viewpoint article in Time, "The Case for Peace", he gives a precise, albeit brief chronicling of his feelings. "More military force, more spies, more repression of civil liberties at home-none of this can stop people willing to lose their lives to hurt us", says Rabbi Lerner. The only way that the US can beat terrorism is by making itself less appealing to the anger of the disenfranchised. He believes that three steps need to be taken to ensure no repetitions of September 11th, in any form. It would be very hard for the terrorists to rouse a following if the US were using its economic power and resources to redistribute wealth and food to all people. If the US were the pinnacle of environmental responsibility and a willing mentor to others, how could people despise us? The US also needs to provide equality for its minority groups. A United States like that could not truthfully be the Great Satan or the enemy of Islam that the terrorists are trying to paint us as. Rabbi Lerner believes that that kind of United States would provide much more safety for its children than the bombing of Afghanistan would achieve. The bottom lin
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Approximate Word count = 1042
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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