The Education of a Terrorist

NMB, Florida September 25, 2001 A.H. Schectman

THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on Issues, Ideas and Reflections on the Times. Published Now and
Then. Opinions Pro or Con Are Welcome.

THE EDUCATION OF A TERRORIST
Thomas Friedman in the New York Times today made the statement; "People who
are evil and suicidal don't tend to be educated." But.

Everyone has an education even if it is not in some accredited school with
diplomas or degrees issued to matriculated individuals. My education was
received in the Boy Scouts, on the streets with my stick ball friends and in
clubs and associations where I learned how the world worked. Terrorists get
the same education although the content probably is somewhat different.

Take the terrorist who lives in my building. We have 52 units in my
condominium. As president of the Board of Directors of 7th Moorings I have
had to have dealings with a few that proved to be stressful. I do not
really know the vast majority of my cohabitants. The ones who bring trouble
along with them are known quickly. They are not shy about asserting their
rights. When you argue that the rules apply equally to them they disagree.

I know we have a terrorist living here because last Saturday morning when
Carol and I got in our car to drive to our Bible Study class, the car
refused to move. It sat on four flat tires. Each was either slashed or
punctured by an ice pick - the weapon of choice in such an attack. The
terror involved was not the cost - four tires = @$460.00 - but the time
chosen, the dark of the night before. You never know when someone who
wishes to terrorize you will visit you. My neighbors were more distressed
than I was. I didn't expect this, but my position as the president of the
Board of Directors of 7th Moorings attracted the attention of a few
apartment owners who didn't appreciate my thwarting their proclivity to not
obey rules that apply equally to all those living here.

I suppose that the education of this terrorist was the same in many ways as
that of the rest of us. Included, however, was the notion that hurting your
opponent was wise. It might also be advantageous to get in the last word,
and most of all, send someone else to do it or skulk around in the dark of
night. I could also conclude that this terrorist might have been a Boy Scout
and studied the Bible. What do you think? Carol's Evaluation: 10+ out of
10.