To voice the parallels between Pearl Harbor and the terrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, is inevitable, considering the obvious facts:
Both were air strikes, early in the morning with little or no warning and were characterized by suicide attack, not to mention the immense devastation and tragic loss of life.
It?s clear that the sentiment following the attack is also the same: Instead of a crippling blow, it became a rude awakening of a sleeping lion, and that lion is now provoked and angry.
However, our current enemy has attempted to remain anonymous, and has chosen civilian targets that were not prepared to defend themselves.
These were cowardly acts of terrorism, followed by cowardly little celebrations of our suffering. No one is rushing forth to claim responsibility. The monstrous individuals who made this happen do not have even the slightest shred of decency, humanity, or civility that would compel them to let us know who they are (were) and why they intended to “punish” us.
Without such a declaration, their viciousness has no meaning?it is merely hollow and barbaric hatred.
Men take responsibility for their actions and face the consequences. Children run for cover behind mommy.
Perhaps one should expect this as part of their hypocrisy. Hell, I?ve seen terrorists wearing Polo shirts or a celebrating child with a rifle sporting something suspiciously resembling a Chicago Bears jersey.
Apparently it is acceptable to adorn one?s temple of God with hip clothing made by the Great Satan.
Like everyone else in the civilized world, I am shocked, sickened, and filled with deep sadness for the victims. I wonder, were not the deviations from flight plans severe enough to arouse suspicion or some measure of pursuit?
Will the providence of America (and our caretakers God, Fate, Karma, what have you) prevail as always and bring our villains to justice? Can we do so without starting World War III or committing rash acts of injustice or scapegoatism in the process?
Once again, we face the challenge of upholding justice despite our passions. Under no circumstances should these repugnant deeds provoke us to act in kind, to deviate from the principles for which we stand, for which we were attacked.
Our first act of retaliation must be to identify these criminals with total certainty?destroy their anonymity.
Let them have no refuge, no shelter, not a glimmer of the comfort that they stole from us. Finally, if it is Divine Wrath they think they are executing, let us show them what Divine Wrath really is.
Our bearing must exude both our power and our humanity, both our wrath and our restraint. Our actions, even the use of deadly force, must be carried out in a way that exhibits our humanity and discernment.
We must transcend our anger; we must be as a surgeon cutting out a diseased member?decisive, prompt, precise, and complete. We must take our revenge with honor, not only for ourselves, but also for those around the world who have lent us their sympathy and support. It is the only way to restore balance to the free world.
Mike Kimball