|
|
Against Terror, We Need a Tough Offense
Dear Bay Weekly:
We need first to contrast ourselves from the terrorists’ philosophic base, reactionary Islam. The reactionaries pine for the old Muslim model of a theocratic society ruled by one big cleric with all aspects of life controlled by religious law. And they feel a sacred duty to extend this model, by violence if necessary, over everyone on earth.
Unlike the many more moderate Muslims, the reactionaries don’t mind being poor if economic development requires going modern, becoming educated, adopting democracy, recognizing civil liberties and allowing people to pursue happiness in their own way. The terrorists attack America because we are the “Great Satan,” the supreme example of the model they oppose.
The reactionaries can live in the 11th century if they want to, but they can’t force their model upon us. We can begin by turning corn into ethanol to lessen the world’s dependence on Arab oil. Most Muslims are not Arabs, but Arab oil finances many a terrorist operation.
We must confiscate the assets of any rich people anywhere who fund terrorists. We must imprison in the U.S. for life the members of terrorist groups and the leaders of states that help them. These states must have all their military facilities obliterated. Too tough?
Read on: Five terrorist nations now can produce anthrax, smallpox and plague weapons. Imagine the terror, after an attack, as vaccine supplies run out. China sells nuclear weapons to terrorist nations. And then there are the chemical and computer weapons …
The reactionaries are now naming their children Osama. The terrorists hope a prolonged war will frustrate us. But moderate Muslims and the rest of us also read holy books. In one of them, the prophet Isaiah promises that “Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain.”
— J.A. Hoage, Severna Park
Remembering Max: Dogs Belong in Offices and Heaven
Dear Bay Weekly:
I’d like to extend my condolences regarding Max [Appreciation: Vol. IX, No. 33, Aug. 16-22). I remember seeing some photos of him during your move. Any establishment that has a dog ‘working’ in it is a place that I either want to visit or return to.
As an owner of four dogs, (all throwaways) I know first-hand the special bond that grows between owner and pet. In fact, I don’t even refer to my dogs as ‘pets’; they are more like family, each with a very distinct personality. And when their time comes to pass, I will grieve, but I will also know that they each had healthy, happy, comfortable lives. And when my time comes, as it must for all of us, to paraphrase someone famous who I can’t remember right now, ‘If there are no dogs in heaven, I ain’t going.’
— Allen Delaney, Prince Frederick
We welcome your letters and opinions. We will edit when necessary. Include your name, address and phone number for verification. Mail them to Bay Weekly, P.O. Box 358, Deale, MD 20751 E-mail them to us at [email protected].
Copyright 2001
Bay Weekly
|
