THE American experience has been horrendous.
Shock, grief, anger, repulsion and wanting to strike back touched each of us. These natural reactions were experienced more deeply by Americans.
Against this background President George W. Bush spoke to the nation and the world on September 22.
‘Our grief has turned to anger, anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done. On September 11 enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. The only way to defeat terrorism … is eliminate and destroy where it grows. This is the world’s fight. This is civilisation’s fight. We ask every nation to join us.’
He asks two very important questions. ‘Why do people hate us? How do we fight and win this way?’
It was an excellent speech, a leadership political speech touching into deep emotions of anger turning to resolutions. It was a patriotic call to defend liberty and freedom.
To pursue justice and stamp out terrorism are sound ideals. But the call to war and how we will fight raises questions.
1. Is modern weaponry war the best approach?
2. How may innocent civilians and service personnel may be sacrificed?
3. Even if all known and proved terrorists are eliminated might not war stimulate further hate and revulsion leading to other post-war acts of terrorism?
4. Does the end justify the means? Can any modern war be justified? We may win the war but lose the battle between good and evil.
5. Why do people hate Americans?
6. How do we respond to this crisis?
God is in this crisis. God loves participants on both sides, not loving terrorism but still loving the terrorist.
We need to keep this understanding in perspective whilst pursuing justice.
Is the Jesus message of compassion, forgiveness and love to be our guide? Can we accept his invitation to follow him and his teaching more assiduously? If so, how?
FR J.C. McKENZIE Beachmere, Qld
