Long Time Coming
Reader comment on item: Violence and Humanitarian Aid

Submitted by Norm, Jun 7, 2010 14:49

Although I'm a consumate liberal, I absolutely agree with most of McCarthy's points. I joined the Navy after our hostages were in Iran for over a year while Jimmy Carter meandered aimlessly through diplomatic channels trying to appease Islamic radicals. It was embarrassing and pathetic...

Granted, we should have never propped up the Shah in the first place but to see Muslims burn our flag and efigies of Carter shouting "Death to America!!" was a bit over the top.

That was over 30 years ago and, time after time, it's painfully obvious that force and strength NOT diplomacy are what jihadists respond to. So whenever people argue in favor of peaceful alternatives all I do is briefly point out the results Carter achieved in 444 days vs. what Reagan accomplished his first hour in office. The silence afterwards is deafening...

That's why I think we should have finished the job back then. Because if McCarthy is as right as he appears, then it's entirely possible that there are thousands of militant store clerks at over half the gas stations (and many critical infrastructure computer terminals in the U.S.) who are simply standing their posts. Mark my words...

So, regardless of whether you're liberal or conservative, we must all be vigilant and constantly aware. Ignorance and apathy are not options at this point.

Norm, Tulsa, OK

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