On the USS Cole...

Terrorist attack. A cowardly attack. A moment of silence. Our brave men and women.

These soundbites anger and unify a nation against the ever-so-popularly demonized group - the Arabs. But as we look deeper into the situation, we must ask ourselves-who really are the terrorists?

Who are the brave souls in such conflicts? When a ship can sit off shore and launch missiles from a hundred miles away, when a bomber can drop its load from 30,000 feet above, at a moment's notice, for any reason, from central command, this is true terror.

Would it be any different if a known truck drove with identifiable insignias around the city of Chicago, loaded with dynamite, just waiting for a command to go crashing into a building to blow it up? We would not hesitate to eliminate that threat without second thought. So, why should other people sit around and wait for a known military delivery system to launch its reign of terror via bombs and missiles?

"Our planes and ships are not there to preserve a peace that does not exist, but to extend the military might of the U.S., to keep sea lanes open, to have a quick-strike capability and ensure our interests are protected." (Mahan) This military hardware is nothing more than a high tech Ryder Truck ready to crash into a building on command.

Thus, it is understandable why such a act of courage and insanity occurs. However, the mindset of the U.S. is about as deep as a 3 inch puddle of rain. We just don't get it.

Were these sailors brave men and women? Is it so brave to press a button, turn a key, flick a switch, to launch a deadly barrage of explosives at a target miles away? These people never really see combat. They never see the victims. They never know the true extent of the damage. They are really never in harm's way.

This is called bravery, while "terrorists"-willing to confront the military might of the sole world power in the face-are just simply cowards.

This is not to downplay the tragedy, but these so-called "brave men and women" are nothing more than expendable pawns in the game of "New World Strategy." The leaders don't care. That's why none of their sons and daughters go into military service or if they do, they get the best cush jobs and perks.

The whole event is simple to sum up. The media, the political hacks, the pundits, give us sound bites that sell, that anger, that unify. In order to preserve our national pride and dignity we will institute a terror upon the perpetrators and anyone or anything in the vicinity! And this goes without question.

How convenient! Another reason is provided for keeping our bloated military budget. Another reason is given to demonize a whole group of people. Another reason is given why our priorities must be screwed up in this country.

Now, I understand. I understand why we need a $60B missile defense system. God bless AmeriKKKa, land of the free and home of the brave.