Has The Idea of "Threat" Lost its Meaning?
The real argument in the United States in particular and in the world in general is between those who see a "real and present danger" and those who do not. One group sees a faction of fanatics who have declared war on our civilization, supported by possibly millions either directly or morally, and sees a mortal threat. The other group sees the same faction of fanatics, fails to see a threat and cautions against over-reaction. One group sees 9/11 as the first shot in the war to destroy our culture, the other group sees it as a lucky shot and warns against further provocation of the perpetrators.
In National Review Online, Clinton Taylor writes a thought provoking commentary about a mountain lion loose in Palo Alto California. The handling of the situation and the reaction to the handling is a perfect allegory as to our culture's congenital handicap in dealing with, or even understanding the meaning of a lethal menace. Do read it.
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