The Laughing Wolf

Blow It Up And Pave It

Events of the past few days have reminded me of a discussion the English Werewolf and I had just before the liberation of Afghanistan. We both agreed that there was a clear need for bombing, and decided to take up the loon cry with a twist. The loon cry you say? Yes, the loon cry of turning place X into a parking lot. Pave it over. More than ever, I think the Werewolf and I were onto something simply because we now fight two separate wars.

The fact is, we cannot defeat our current enemies. They are fanatics, convinced of their right, their might, and that if they die in such a holy power grab that they will receive an eternal reward. They must fight and win, or fight and die – to their mindset there is no third choice. They will use every trick, every deceit, tell any lie, and do any horror to win, for the end justifies the means.

Nor will they be content with a limited provenance, because anything and everything outside their borders is a threat to them. It shows that better things do exist, that other views exist, and that differing ideas can exist in relative harmony. Their way is the way of the sword, and any other philosophy is a threat, just as any example – no matter how small – that things can be different is a threat. They cannot rest until all is Caliphate.

So, they have no choice but to attack, and win. They must kill all who will not convert, make slaves of the weak, subjugate women, and raise a new generation of holy male warriors to maintain the cause.

No, we cannot defeat our current enemies, merely contain them or kill them. That is by their choice, not ours.

Containment and killing is the open part of war, but wise warriors recognize the second part clearly. It is there right in front of you: break the cycle by eliminating that new generation warriors. Break the cycle, by education and by example. Many wise warriors over there are leading the way.

Yes, we should blow things up and pave. We should blow up old, outdated structures and obstacles, and pave them over with new roads, new buildings, and even parking lots for cars. We should build new schools that truly teach, and do so for all. We should teach philosophy, tolerance, and that radical form of governance known as democracy. We should teach the concepts of individual liberty and responsibility. If this be Cultural Imperialism, so be it and call me Imperator.

We should build new hospitals, clinics, and centers so that healthcare is available not just to the elites, but to the lowest around. Nor should this be government projects – unleash the hounds of capitalism and business, and show what a diverse and strong economy means to all.

The terror depends on misery, class distinctions, and ignorance. Pave it. Pave it over with cement and hope. Rebuild it, and let it shine as a beacon to all. If you break the cycle, educate and give examples that show the lie, then we will only have to kill our current enemies. The war will end.

If we fail to do this, then the war will not end. This is why you see me supporting wise warriors such as Operation Shoe Fly and Chief Wiggles and Spirit of America. They break the cycle and make it much, much harder for our enemies to recruit and indoctrinate that next generation. Our enemies fear such efforts, and there is a reason that they are so desperate to stop the transfer of power, for a liberated and prosperous Iraq is a nightmare to them and to those in the region who also depend on the misery and oppression. Think about it a bit.

Then do something to help. Donate, partner in a business, encourage economic growth for Iraq and all members of the Coalition, and get involved. Break the cycle and pave over the ignorance and barbarity. Break the cycle, or it may well break us. We can fight this war, break the cycle, and win. Or, we can surrender and die. Choose now, and choose wisely.

LW