DON'T DESTROY THE WORLD IN OBLITERATING TERRORISM

This new war on terrorism is unlike any of our traditional wars. If
anything, it is like the war on drugs, or perhaps the Cold War. But now
there are no clear boundaries enclosing our enemies. They are everywhere.
Terrorists are not just in Afghanistan, Iraq or Iran, but also in England,
Germany, Canada and right here in the United States.Perhaps an even closer
parallel to this war on terrorism would be the war on cancer. How long have
we been fighting that one, or the war on drugs? Can we expect any more
rapid a conclusion to the war on terrorism? Can we really expect an end to
this war, and would we even recognize success?

Some people suggest that we should learn from the Israelis, who have so
much experience fighting terrorists. However, they have been fighting the
battle for almost half a century with little lasting success. And I fear so
shall we.

Indeed, we must act. The forest is full of treacherous and deadly
rattlesnakes and they must not be allowed to continue attacking the
innocents of this world. However, let us be sure that in eradicating snakes
we do not obliterate the forest. The judgment and delicacy required are
truly awesome.

Get used to it and pray for our country.

FRED D. McCAULEY