Are Wars of Choice Our Only Option

              The "war on terrorism" is a label, and not necessarily a useful one.
This mindset led us into the "cold war" and the "war on drugs." These failed policies are bankrupt.
Instead of continuous war, we must insist that our leaders find real victory in peace.
              The "war on drugs" brought more drugs to America. We overfilled prisons while we criminalized
tens of thousands.  During this time, the CIA imported cocaine into our country. Drug problems require
medical intervention rather than declarations of war and covert activities.
              The "cold war" resulted in the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Trillions of US and Soviet dollars
spent on military-industrial boondoggles could have been spent to improve lives. There was a Soviet threat,
but the dangers were grossly overstated to line the pockets of profiteers.
              There are various factions which use the tactic of terror across the globe. But declarations of "war"
upon any who oppose George Bush is not prudent, nor is it coherent strategy. Six-plus years of these tactics
have been a disaster. The "war on terror" has been a smoke-screen for corporate colonialism.

              War is not "inevitable," it is failed diplomacy. We can implement peace, freedom, health, and security.
Tyrants, dictators, and plutocrats worldwide applaud the feckless belligerence of George W. Bush.   His strutting
arrogance plays right into their hands.  His surrender to their terms weakens our nation.
              Instead of declaring a "cold war," we can find common ground. Instead of a war on drugs, we have
medical solutions. Instead of war on iconic terror, we can rebuild alliances, bridge intelligence gaps, protect our
homes, and focus our efforts on providing peace and security for our children.
              We will reduce terror by working with our allies, rather than calling them irrelevant. Our present course
puts our troops in harm's way and has increased terror worldwide. Instead of reacting from fear, we can act with
courage. Our veterans and elder statesmen remind us that:
"America's true power lies not in its will to intimidate, but in its ability to inspire." (Robert Byrd)

best regards, Tim Flanagan
(Note: This was first published in the fall of 2003, but aside from minor editing, is still on target. )

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