Perhaps we survived the Cold War based upon the time-proven deterrence of MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)
If we are unwilling to target at the same level of collateral damage as the Islamofacists, then they will by default defeat us.
If however President Bush were to come forward, and simply state. "Enough is enough. We will not tolerate threats against American cities. If any attack occurs on American soil, our list of targets is as follows.
1. Nuclear attack of suspected Bin-Laden Hideout.
2. Next, key cities known to be hot-beds of Islamofacists.
3. Highly visible targets, of public knowledge. (Holy Sites)
What? You'd nuke Detroit? (sarc)