Thank you for your editorial. Well written, thoughtful, compelling. I truly wish I could agree with you.

You work references to President Obama’s Oslo speech into your logic well, but other sections of his speech present 2 premises that, if accepted, lead to a conclusion that contradicts the primary thrust of your essay – “Only by laying down our arms and seeking that common ground in our diverse faiths that Obama alluded to, will we ever achieve some semblance of peace on Earth.”

First, “For make no mistake: evil does exist in the world. A non-violent movement could not have halted Hitler’s armies.”. I accept the fact that evil exists in this world. Hard to deny. Much, but not all, of this evil is based on a distorted view of a particular religion (Not singling out Islam here. Radical Islamic fundamentalists hold no monopoly on misuse and distortion of religious tenets.).

Second, “Terrorism has long been a tactic [of war], but modern technology allows a few small men with outsized rage to murder innocents on a horrific scale.”. Again, it is hard to deny the validity of this premise.

Given these 2 assertions, a logical conclusion would be that to lay down one’s arms, to fail to respond to such a horrific wrong as that of 9/11 would only invite further atrocities. More loss of life.

Self preservation is built into us at the genetic level. This drive can, and has been over-ridden countless times, for both good and evil. We see it all the time. Man drowns trying to rescue child. Man badly burned while pulling victim from burning vehicle. Suicide bomber kills 20 in Baghdad produce market.

But it is difficult to over-ride this drive of self preservation when the scale is that of nations. We must protect ourselves.

To paraphrase a very eloquent statement put forth by President Obama’s administration, if we could be certain that all of those who hate our nation would unclench their fist when we extend an open hand, then I could agree with you without reservation. Think of the peace dividend. Not only in the matter of our national wealth, but more importantly in the precious blood spilled by all involved. I simply do not see a path to that end. Perhaps someday, but most likely not within our lifetimes.

Keep up the most excellent work, Good Sir.

Best Regards, and a joyous Christmas Holiday to you and yours. Loyd Cook