TnT said:
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But I also know that some bearded warlord in Afganistan does affect us
as well. I suspect that was part of the biggest shock to many Americans
on 9/11. Our bubble burst. We all live in a world where we affect one
another.
=================

I don't mean to appear callous, but I think part of the problem lies
with a nation that has lived virtually untouched by the reast of the
world for 2 centuries. A nation that could afford to practice
isolationist policies. When your "bubble burst", you couldn't believe
it. And you likely over-reacted (see other posts putting the
casualities into perspective -- and I truly mean no disrespect to the
innocent victims of the bearded warlord).

Other nations, not isolated from neighbors by a huge ocean, better
understand the interconnectedness. By all means, go after the warlord
(as you know, most other nations supported you in those efforts). But
don't try to con the world into believing that a secular dictator has
anything in common with a religious fundamentalist (in this case, I'm
referring to Osama) who despises secularism. That, and WMD were thinly
veiled excuses to gain control of oil.

TnT says:
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That does not mean that we should just go along with the other parts of
the world, but that we should attempt to influence them with what we
believe.
==================

That's a tad arrogant, don't you think? When should I expect American
troops strolling down my boulevard and knocking on my door so as to
"influence" me to "believe" in the American dream?

Cheers,
frtzw906