JUDAS GOAT

Editor:

Osama bin Laden is a Judas Goat. He is a Judas Goat who is leading the United States into a confrontation with himself and other terrorists, their various ideologies and the agendas that spring from those ideologies.

Neither the United States, the terrorists nor any other entities nor individuals need to follow this Judas Goat.

Instead of following this Judas Goat into confrontation - that would be a disservice to world peace and stability - another path is available: The path of peace.

It is a difficult path, but the correct one.

The journey down that path begins with the recognition that the most effective way of dealing with bin Laden and others of his ilk is to remove misery and suffering, which are what supports them.

One of the finest things the United States ever did for other countries was the Marshall Plan: It helped Europe emerge from the destruction of World War II. Masses of economic aid - given even to the Axis nations - helped rebuild Europe socially, politically, and economically.

That is what we need to do now! Instead of confrontation, let us take the more sensible path of reconstruction. Osama bin Laden and those who advocate violence cannot survive in the atmosphere of constructive non-violence.

Gandhi "defeated" the British Empire with his constructive approach. Hitler lost to the Allies because he chose the destructive path. Did the destructive approach used in the Gulf War oust Saddam Hussein from power? It did not!

The first step is to give carefully monitored aid to the starving people of Afghanistan. Rebuild the country. Encourage those who have fled to return. The Judas Path does not lead to success.

The path of constructive non-violence often does.

Sincerely,

Hal Mansfield, 1138 C. R. 302, Durango, CO 81303-8050

970.259.1324 mansfield_h@fortlewis.edu