The most EFFECTIVE thing we could have done would be to frame our reply to 9-11 in punitive and retaliatory terms instead of a DEFENSIVE one, but that would have violated PC wouldn't it?
What else could possibly change when we do decide "enough is enough"?
"Punitive and retaliatory" had better not be against noncombatants or civilian targets. Let's hit military targets only.... and hit 'em hard