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Weapons
NMB, Florida October 2, 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.
WEAPONS
The current explorations of how to battle terrorism have disclosed how
little we know about the various weapons at the terrorists' disposal. The
unthought of use of a hijacked passenger airliner to attack non-military
targets in an undeclared war has caused us to pause and think. It is
necessary for us to really think this out.
Dramatic weapons such as the airliners deliberate crashing into icons of
American wealth are likened to "conventional" bombs. No one seriously
proposes using the most terrible of bombs against elusive guerrilla
fighters. Atomic or hydrogen bombs are as inappropriate as armies,
divisions and battalions of foot soldiers in pursuit of the plotters who
caused such enormous pain.
The horrors of gas warfare have been brought to our attention. The
delivery of canisters of gas provides problems both for us and our enemies.
We have not thought of this weapon seriously and if used it will catch us
unprepared. But just the thought of gas attacks by trained and deliberate
fanatics is a highly successful weapon that weakens us without being used.
Chemical and biological weapons are areas where we are unpracticed for "our
side" considers such devices uncivilized. These things, like the trade
tower suicide vehicles are unthinkable for us. They are not, obviously,
unthinkable to religious fanatics. They have won the battle thus far
engaged.
The one imponderable weapon that is most difficult for our western minds to
grasp is the mind-set of the martyr. He is willing to immolate and
liquidate himself so there are no remains of his mortal self in the belief
that he will go to a heaven where his victims will not be allowed to enter.
He will willingly sacrifice thousands along with himself so he can gain a
reward in an afterlife, an afterlife our religious teachings do not include.
How can we confront such weapons without becoming just like these
self-identified and elusive enemies? What do you think? Carol's Evaluation:
8 out of 10.
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