Say What you Mean.

I think we need to define the terms that we are using so that a common language is shared between us. War is a state or period of armed hostility between two or more separate entities, aimed at reorganizing a subjectively designed, geo-politically desired result. Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. When we consider the acts of extremist, "acts of war," we legitimize and give credibility to them and their cause. Saying that you are at war with a terrorist is like comparing a boxing match to a street fight. One has a measured outcome and "rules" the other, no sense of purpose or measurable outcome. Who is the true winner in a street fight? The one with the most punches landed or the one that causes the greatest damage? We have killed 100,000+ terrorist and insurgents over the past 9 years. We have even removed a head of state (Sadam Hussein) from his position. People and countries have been bombed, attacked and held under siege. September 11, 2001 still remains vivid in our minds and continues to challenge all we hold sacred and dear to our heart. How did someone reach across the oceans and cause such grave damage to our homeland? The aim of a terrorist is simple..terror. Whether someone claims to have political gains in mind, their only goal is terror. On September 11, 2001, I watched the second plane hit the tower live. I returned to my classroom and watched it with my students. Those feelings reminded me of the day Ronald Reagan was shot. If someone could shoot the president, how safe am I. If a terrorist could penetrate our defenses and complete such a coordinated and devastating attack, what's next? That's the goal of terror! I have no fear of war, terrorism...that's a different story.