Writings

Buying peace

In a real analysis, the problem with the kill 'em now, sort it out later approach that we seem to be hurtling towards, is that it will make the problem worse. From what I've heard, "them" number in the millions and reside in 34 countries. We will be forced into light, cosmetic bombing that will kill no one but innocent civilians, or into a massive and possibly nuclear war. And in either case, we Americans will probably suffer more terrorist attacks.

In response to the idea of "bombing Afghanistan into the Stone Age," the New York Times has reported that Afghanistan is already there. The people are starving, the infrastructure nonexistent. Countries have been taking turns bombing Afghanistan for decades.

Were I President Bush, I would take the $50 billion provided by Congress, march up to the border of Afghanistan, and feed 'em. Feed every single Afghani. Feed the mothers and the fathers and the starving orphans. This would take about $10 billion. Then, after another six months without an attack, do it again. You may call this buying peace, but isn't that what we're trying to do with the $50 billion anyway?

Tony Brasunas
San Francisco