More Thoughts
Having just completed a refreasher class in Counterterrorism from my favorite place. A home away from home ( http://www.k2ftc.com/ ), I have come to think about what is considered insurgent from terrorist. Is one mans Maryter anothers Patriot? Does the end justify the means? Just how vulnerable are we here at home, is the government doing all it can to keep us safe in our beds late at night when we dream of peace and illusions of equality.
A point of disagreement with the instructor on some of the origions of modern terrorism. I conclude that during the American Revolution certain proAmerican groups used certain terrorist tactice to exploit and advance the succession from England. The tar and feathering of judicials and tax collectors in order to get the point of a free america , along with the Boston Tea Party seem to me as acts of terrorism by definition. My instructor for the class argues it was guriella tactics. I concead these tactics on the actual battle fronts. There was no way the American Army could stand toe to toe with the British army. I do however support holeheartedly with what the Minute Men and Patriots did in order to form the greatest nation in History. My point being thewse men used terrorist tactics yet we call them Patriots/ Martyers.
Does the end justify the means? Well again this is all in perception of the events at hand. Was the dropping of the most powerful bomb ever developed on the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima endeing a long and bloody war justified? The immediate elimanation of thousands in the blink of an eye, with thousands and thousands more subject to cancer and radiation. Yes this was a case where the means justified the end result as it brought the Imperial Japanese to the table and surrender. If this had not been done the blood to be shed next in the invasion of Japan proper would have made Tarawa, Guadelcanal. Okinawa, and Iwo Jima a Sunday walk in the park ( in case you are not aware those were the bloodiest battles in the pacific during WWII).
Is our government doing all they can to protect us? I think that they are. The last terrorist attack in the United States was Sept. 11. Anyone with half a brian can see that by taking the fight to them has for now left the terrorist impotant in thier ability of command and communication world wide. Sure one can argue that in Iraq they are somewhat successful, but that is only do to the aid of our news agencies failure to report our military accomplishments.
Will ther be another major attack in America? Most definately, I can not fore see another possibility as you can never squash a belief or ideology totally. As long as it is written some where or spoken of it will always be around. History is recorded and thus ensureing evil thoughts and deeds for future generations to look upon.
Can we do something to help in protecting ourselves? Most definately! Be aware of your surroundings and whats going on in front of your nose. If the nieghbor goes on vacation do you not watch his/her home even if not asked to? I do, its part of knowing whats going on. If i see someone that just seems out of place I watch and see what they are up to. Most of the time it is nothing, but the day may come when it is something. What will I do? I like to think that I will act by calling the authorities and sounding the alarm before people are hurt. Then again I may freeze and be caught up in the situation as a victem. I certainly hope that my military training and continued classes in awareness will prevent this but who knows.
Take a firm stand in letting your politicians (really a bunch of buerocrats) that thier turn the other cheek polocies are not right and detrimental to our safety. Take a proactive stance and continue to support our troops and those who make it possible for them to do thier job as needed.
[ For them to do thier job, and it is a job that must get nasty and mean. Poloticians must allow them to take the kiddie gloves off and use all means neccessary with extreme prejudice, to accomplish the task at hand.]
Well thats what was on my mind this morning.
A point of disagreement with the instructor on some of the origions of modern terrorism. I conclude that during the American Revolution certain proAmerican groups used certain terrorist tactice to exploit and advance the succession from England. The tar and feathering of judicials and tax collectors in order to get the point of a free america , along with the Boston Tea Party seem to me as acts of terrorism by definition. My instructor for the class argues it was guriella tactics. I concead these tactics on the actual battle fronts. There was no way the American Army could stand toe to toe with the British army. I do however support holeheartedly with what the Minute Men and Patriots did in order to form the greatest nation in History. My point being thewse men used terrorist tactics yet we call them Patriots/ Martyers.
Does the end justify the means? Well again this is all in perception of the events at hand. Was the dropping of the most powerful bomb ever developed on the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima endeing a long and bloody war justified? The immediate elimanation of thousands in the blink of an eye, with thousands and thousands more subject to cancer and radiation. Yes this was a case where the means justified the end result as it brought the Imperial Japanese to the table and surrender. If this had not been done the blood to be shed next in the invasion of Japan proper would have made Tarawa, Guadelcanal. Okinawa, and Iwo Jima a Sunday walk in the park ( in case you are not aware those were the bloodiest battles in the pacific during WWII).
Is our government doing all they can to protect us? I think that they are. The last terrorist attack in the United States was Sept. 11. Anyone with half a brian can see that by taking the fight to them has for now left the terrorist impotant in thier ability of command and communication world wide. Sure one can argue that in Iraq they are somewhat successful, but that is only do to the aid of our news agencies failure to report our military accomplishments.
Will ther be another major attack in America? Most definately, I can not fore see another possibility as you can never squash a belief or ideology totally. As long as it is written some where or spoken of it will always be around. History is recorded and thus ensureing evil thoughts and deeds for future generations to look upon.
Can we do something to help in protecting ourselves? Most definately! Be aware of your surroundings and whats going on in front of your nose. If the nieghbor goes on vacation do you not watch his/her home even if not asked to? I do, its part of knowing whats going on. If i see someone that just seems out of place I watch and see what they are up to. Most of the time it is nothing, but the day may come when it is something. What will I do? I like to think that I will act by calling the authorities and sounding the alarm before people are hurt. Then again I may freeze and be caught up in the situation as a victem. I certainly hope that my military training and continued classes in awareness will prevent this but who knows.
Take a firm stand in letting your politicians (really a bunch of buerocrats) that thier turn the other cheek polocies are not right and detrimental to our safety. Take a proactive stance and continue to support our troops and those who make it possible for them to do thier job as needed.
[ For them to do thier job, and it is a job that must get nasty and mean. Poloticians must allow them to take the kiddie gloves off and use all means neccessary with extreme prejudice, to accomplish the task at hand.]
Well thats what was on my mind this morning.
