The Test of Peace

In the aftermath of terrorist strikes upon America’s most prominent symbols of commerce and military might, it seems as if previous calls for vengeance upon these shadowy perpetrators have been reduced in some circles to “second guessing” our administration’s declaration of war, as being too provocative.

Instead of a putting our nation on a “war footing,” we hear calls for a “measured response,” and appeals for pursuing only the “legal means” of apprehending the “individuals” involved, in order that justice may be served, and peace may be restored.

The administration’s declaration of war however, was a deliberate course of action intended to broaden the aperture of retaliation options against the forces of hatred, destruction and anarchy that oppose U.S. interests. Surely the unprovoked, indiscriminant carnage visited upon thousands of innocent citizens –on American soil, set a dangerous new precedent that outstrips any recourse by way of “individual” legal means. As a result, our sustained federal and military response should be of sufficient scope to completely debilitate terrorism.

While the Christian admonishment to forgive and “turn the other cheek” should be the goal for interpersonal relationships, it was never intended for governing sovereign nations. In a perfect world, achieving a “lasting peace” would require forgiveness –or forbearing our right to retaliate. However, such an act of mercy could only be extended where there is the admission of guilt, accompanied by change in demeanor, evidenced by redressing the wrongs committed.

The test of peace for fanatics and the Islamic regimes that support them, can only be passed by renouncing the use of terrorism as a means of change, especially within the democratic societies of America, Israel and our allies. As long as the flames of generational hatred for Judaism and Christianity are stoked by the official pronouncements and inculcated through teachings from Islamic factions in Muslim mosques, schools, and training camps –there can be no peace.

Sadly, we are left with the policy of, “Allow them to hate us, so long as they still fear.”

Roy Tanner