In a Sept. 19 editorial, you wonder in childish agony as to why the other European countries will not just support the U.S. in its endeavors to attack terrorism.
The reason is quite simple.
If you want international support, then you must be forthcoming with other countries and court international approval.
The rhetoric in the United States has become much more about revenge at all costs and making someone wanted dead or alive. This is at a time when nations want to support a wounded nation, not an angry, vengeful nation.
In order to gain support in their countries, those countries’ leaders must demonstrate what the action will be and why it is necessary.
This is more than just saying, “look at the terrible damage, and let’s go get ’em.”
The United States is founded on the belief that all deserve due process of law, that even the guilty have rights. It is a sacrifice in a civilized society that the guilty do not get punished in kind.
With a blank check to act however it wants, the U.S. will be able to target anyone regardless of guilt or evidence.
Terrorists attack without remorse and without the same restrictions that we have, but we must act larger than they have. We must remain the victim to gain a victim’s support. That is what the other countries want–a reason to support the actions of the victim.
