SIMPLISTIC METAPHOR

War can be even worse as a metaphor than as reality: a state of open, armed
conflict. The metaphor of war misleads by simplifying and demonizing
complex social problems, making them even more difficult to address
effectively. The war on poverty did not end poverty. The war on drugs did
not end drug abuse. The war on terrorism will not end this evil and
obscures its real roots in poverty, powerlessness, despair and injustice
and leads us away from solutions that are consistent with our beliefs and
values as Americans.

The strategy of dealing with terrorism by military action, as if it were
war, has been well tested by Israel. Israel's military action, in spite of
Israel's unchallenged military superiority, has only nurtured terrorist
organizations by insuring a growing reservoir of poverty, powerlessness,
despair and injustice in the Palestinian world.

We must deal with terrorists as we would with any mass murderers and their
accomplices; with a ruthless and relentless pursuit based on the rule of
law, justice and accountability. We must re-examine our role in the world
to insure that we are exporting prosperity, democratic empowerment, hope
and justice. It is only in this manner that we can both dry up the
reservoir of terrorism and strengthen our great democracy.

ROBERT GREENBERG Moab