From the Editor |
Can a small band of terrorists destroy a great nation?
Yes, and here is how you do it: Create an incident and then let the people essentially kill off each other. One may take advantage of an incident such as a disease epidemic. That one does not work as well any more, but blowing up buildings is a darn good one. Either way, the next step is to start assigning blame. You plant a cancer into the minds of the people that then grows. That is what kills the nation. Not the original incident.
In the aftermath of the bombings in New York and Washington, was a lashing out at Arabs. Even anyone who looks like an Arab. Especially anyone who adheres to the Islamic faith. Never mind that the person may be hard working, making house payments and with kids in school. Anyone who looks as if they might have come from the Middle East and especially anyone who practices the Islamic faith is suspect. Oh yeah, don’t forget the other perceived God haters. People like Buddhists or others that believe differently. Jerry Falwell said, “God allowed us to be given what we deserve." Always helps to pull some things out of the Bible and change around a word or two here and there and quote out of context.
Yet, I have hope for the future and I will tell you why. The above quote some extremist Christian Fundamentalists spouted out this past week in one form or another. I am sure some fire was started. Some people do believe that God has withdrawn his protection for the United States because the former President of the US engaged in fellatio. Or that we have organizations like the National Organization of Women. But, it seems to be a sputter more than a forest fire. At least some Christians put Falwell down thankfully. In the main, I am proud of the way Americans have reacted. I am also proud of the Mensans I know. Most seem quite rational about this whole thing.
Many Mensans both here and throughout the world contributed their thoughts of concern and rationality to this issue. It is the attitude of people in the wake of this whole thing that to me is important. The inputs from our fellow Mensans is an example.
Mr. Bin Laden, you thought we were weaker than we appear to be. Looks like we going to win because we are not going to let the cancer of bigotry and hate take root in our society.