Interesting essay.
On 11 September 2001, terrorists demonstrated the ease with which the twentieth century’s great symbol of technological prowess – the aeroplane – could be used to kill thousands of civilians. The warfare of terrorism, that had for many decades provoked terror in the Middle East, Africa, and former Soviet republics, now threatened Americans and Britons, fuelling a sense of fright that seemed unavoidable. Many of us learnt an important lesson: that the terrifying dangers facing individuals, communities and even nation states were the product of our own destructive urges. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that we have entered a new stage in history.
After all, all societies have regarded themselves as fearful. Who can honestly look back at the last century and deny that hatred and fear have been much more powerful forces than love? When we least expect it, fear flares up, structuring our lives.
It goes on. Read it.
This blog provokes, once again, my thoughts about adding a sidebar discussion forum, John. I had some satisfying hours precisely in a discussion of what was “terrorism” — when our local online newspaper still had a forum. There were only 2 of us with expert backgrounds: 1 of my 2 favorite [because of his honesty and objectivity] local Conservatives, who happens to be ex-British military who served from Eire to Iraq — and yours truly, who supported national liberation movements from Eire to Angola and Palestine with both political and “harder” means.
Point being, like so many topics, there still are many bright, inquisitive folks who never happen to bump into primary source information about controversial topics. Our candyass press doles out press releases and disinformation from Establishment politicians — until and unless you wander into a college-level source with courage and independence, you have to work hardest of all at just finding accurate information. Then, you get to try to step back from decades of malformed education.
We all need to be abused about archetypes and stereotypes. We can’t succeed in making progress on political questions without learning something about close-up political and social realities.
Incidentally, my Conservative associate and I agreed about 99% on what properly constitutes terrorism — and what should be considered insurgent military campaigns. Honestly, I wonder how many Americans even perceive a difference?
John I have read your columns for many years as the PC era progressed and I have always thought of you as a visionary and at times a brilliant person.
Brilliant people, like all people, can get stuck in a rut and ‘spin their wheels’. In my opinion that seems to be where you are at now.
I urge you to break out and apply your considerable talents to the future. Go in new directions. Find something that interests you and apply your sharpness and vision to it.
Just my opinion of course. Thanks for all your past insights and I hope you have a rich and happy life.
Jeff