The horrific terror attacks in Paris brought forth the predictable calls for prayers and solidarity -- and, from a certain segment of the American public -- the predictable saber-rattling and cries to defend France by invading ... someone, anyone. Ironically, this is much the same segment that, whenFrance declined to participate in Bush II's invasion of Iraq after 9/11, called for a ban on French wines and a renaming of French Fries as "Freedom Fries." (I wonder if there was a spate of Freedom Kissing? But I digress.)
There were also the predictable calls to ban all Muslims from entry into the USA -- including the Syrian refugees who are fleeing the same terrorists who claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris. And the gun lobby was quick to claim that if only France didn't have such strict gun control, the victims could have fought back. Many on the right blame Islam in general and Obama (of course) in specific, while many on the left blame years of imperialism, colonialism, and a state of things so desperate in the Mid East that becoming a suicide bomber is a desirable career move. And, as was pointed out, there was a terror attack in Beirut just a few days ago and another in Baghdad -- and more in Kenya . . . but these haven't received similar outpourings of rage and sympathy. No answers here . . . just profound sadness at the mess our world is in. And a hope that this doesn't send our nation back to war against someone, anyone -- at the loss of American lives and innocent civilian lives. And to the profit of the war machine -- the successors to Mr. Cheney's Halliburton and its subsidiaries. Follow the money. And follow THIS LINK for a historical look at the basis of the turmoil in the Middle East