Ira Chernus (Common Dreams): Thomas Friedman's Bad Bummer

[Jack Rabbit]

From Common Dreams
Dated Thursday April 14

Thomas Friedman's Bad Bummer
By Ira Chernus

Thomas Friedman, the pundit I love to hate, is at it again. In his latest column, Tom points out how easy it would be for “jihadists” to make another major strike somewhere in the U.S., despite our best efforts at homeland security. Then he says we should be extra nervous now, because the “jihadists” may see themselves losing in Iraq.

His theory: “The more the Jihadists lose in Iraq, the more likely they are to use their rump forces to try something really crazy in America to make up for it.” Not a totally compelling theory, but not totally silly either. What is totally silly is Tom’s conclusion: “So let's stay the course in Iraq, but stay extra-vigilant at home.”

Let me translate: There are lots of people in Iraq who desperately want U.S. troops, politicians, and corporate sharks to leave their country. They want Iraq to be run by Iraqis. Somehow, they got the idea that this is what real democracy looks like. Some of them (a surprisingly small number, really) have chosen to use guns and bombs to get what they want.

As Americans, we can hardly criticize their choice of means. After all, we now spend nearly half-a-trillion dollars a year preparing to use guns and bombs to get what we want. We call it “national security.” So do they.

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