X-Message-Number: 18048 Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001 21:42:06 -0700 From: Mike Perry <> Subject: Terrorism At the risk of further opening a can of worms and spending a lot of time to insufficient purpose, I thought it appropriate to make a few comments about recent postings on terrorism. First, I'll say that this subject is relevant to cryonics, unfortunately, since it could determine whether the frozen stay frozen (among other things)--and I think most readers can see why well enough. Second, the other day someone posted a quotation more or less criticizing the use of laser-guided bombs in a military action against terrorists, who in turn, by indications, bear responsibility of their own for inflicting heavy damage. Third, someone else posted a critical reply saying, in effect, that the military action was called for and the laser-guided bombs were better than alternatives that would increase the risk for those taking the action. Finally, the original poster came back with a counter-response. My feeling is that, of course there are two sides to the terrorism issue (or more), as with many others. But in the main I support the attempts being made to counter the terrorists, who in this case are responsible (by indications) for the surprise attacks against the U.S. on September 11 which killed thousands. The bombs are not simply "targeting civilians" as some seem trying to make you think, though, inevitably, some civilians have been hit. (Ironically, the laser guidance helps *reduce* these unwanted casualties.) And not all food relief shipments sent to the area of action, Afghanistan, fall either on land mines or on houses with people in them who thereby get killed or maimed--very few, probably, out of the total. I certainly deplore violence and killing, and I recognize that news media can transform this sort of thing into a spectacle of entertainment for many who sit comfortably far away, watching the tube and munching their favorite snacks. But, keeping things in perspective, I have to side with those representing the U.S. and its allies who are now trying to rid the world of the threat in question, Al Qaeda and the Taliban. At least I see what is being done as a lesser evil. I hope that the military action is soon brought to a conclusion, that we can redouble our constructive efforts to help the people of Afghanistan, and that we can also address other problems to reduce the threat of terrorism in the future. Mike Perry Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=18048