Anger

Please spare us the naive ramblings from "educators" ("Why Do They Hate Us?" by Asma Barlas) regarding our complicity in the murder of 3,000 civilians by terrorists. I find it incredibly insulting to the memory of the innocent people, including the alums you profiled, who were murdered on 9/11.

The constant "the American government is to blame" whining is tiring at best. It is also incredibly unoriginal. Believing that our troubles would go away if we would just sit down and chat with the Husseins and bin Ladens of the world is beyond the grasp of most sane people. Turning our backs on Israel may help us avoid some terrorist acts against our people, but is it the right thing to do? I think not. But, of course, I’m not as worldly as Ms. Barlas.

Implying that the children of Iraq would receive all of the food, medicine, and education they need if we would just lift that darn embargo is simplistic. Hussein’s people starve while he lives in luxury. He blames this on America. The United Nations arms inspectors remain unable to verify Iraq’s compliance with the terms of their own surrender, i.e., weapons and chemical plant inspections. The Taliban shelter and support a mass murderer along with his followers. They park military vehicles next to schools and civilian housing. They prevent women from learning the things Ms. Barlas takes for granted. This is civility? Bin Laden’s smiling celebration at our country’s pain, and the pain felt by the sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives of those murdered, cannot be swept under the carpet of "American imperialism."

I firmly believe our country should aggressively pursue terror where it hides. This includes military action against governments that support, house, and fund terrorists. Failing to act with swift retribution increases the chances we will be struck again. While we may never stamp out terror, countries will be less likely to harbor terrorists after they digest what happened to the Taliban.

I understand the role of Ms. Barlas. Her objective may be to increase thought, discussion, and debate regarding the events of 9/11 and our role in them. I applaud her on the execution of this role.

I would imagine many alums will write with their own thoughts. I had to send mine. God bless America, and God bless President George W. Bush.

Raymond Noone ’82
Fairport, New York