As we reflect on the tragic and terrible events of September 11th, 2001, the greatest attack on the United States of America in the first decade of the 21st century, the event that began the War on Terror, we are well served to be reminded of what we fight, why we fight. To shed light on this subject, let us turn to Osama bin Laden's "Letter to the American People," written a year after the attacks on our soil. In it he details seven reasons for his opposition to America and the American way.
First, he called us to embrace the foundational elements of his faith; sincerity, righteousness, mercy, honor, purity, and piety.
That couldn't hurt.
The second thing requested of us is to stop the oppression, lies, immorality and debauchery that have spread among us.
He's got a point there. Check Wall Street and Reality television.
Thirdly, we are urged to take an honest stance with ourselves and admit that we are functionally a nation without principles or manners.
Ditto.
Fourth, we are called to stop supporting Israel to the exclusion of the Palestinians, the Russians against the Chechens, the Indians against the Kashmiris, the Chinese against the Tibetans and Uighurs and so forth. Seems only fair.
Fifth, U.S, troops have no business in the holy land of Arabia.
Well, we certainly not getting value for dollar spent by keeping them there.
Sixth, we should end our support for corrupt leaders in Moslem countries.
And wherever else they are to be found, it might be added.
Seventh, we are called to deal with Islam on the basis of mutual interests and benefits.
No argument on that score.
Now, to Osama bin Ladin and to all who propose violence as a solution to anything, we say good riddance. We are better off without you. For the good of our species, violence has no place in our repertoire. And we worked long and hard, sometimes employing draconian measures ourselves, to weed it out. As to the points he raised, his hypocrisy aside, please consider for yourselves.
Thank you.