”I live in Europe, and the main difference I see is that Europeans see the complexities of international politics clearer than average Americans.”
Translation: Europeans are sophisticated, Americans are dumb. Remember the old expression that was common when the USSR existed: Americans play checkers, Russians play chess? The USSR collapsed and you don’t hear that expression much any more. Maybe there is an advantage to playing checkers. The oh so sophisticated Europeans managed to destroy their continent twice in 50 years.
He then goes on to say:” It's not a black and white world, and, given the choice between sending young men to die and achieving the same results through political negotiation, they will go more readily to the bargaining table.”
To which I reply: Given that choice of course we negotiate. But that begs the question … how do you bargain with someone who wants you dead so badly he will kill himself and his children to kill you? What evidence is there that negotiation will achieve your objective? And if negotiations fail, what is your alternative? The dilemma that Europe faces is that it suddenly realizes that in a dangerous world they have disarmed. They don’t prefer negotiation; it is their only alternative. But human psychology will not allow them to admit their helplessness and to rationalize their position they dress up their impotence as sophistication.
Your are having an arguement with another man. You tell him that sometimes, even if you don't like to, you are forced to fight to defend yourself with force. He absolutely disagrees. He says resorting to force is always wrong. Mature Adults always negotiate their differences and violence begets violence. In the middle of his arguement you suddenly cock back your arm and punch him in the middle of the face. You step back as he gets to his feet. He starts to charge at you. You stop him by apologizing for your anger and use of force. He calms down. When the argument heats up again you punch him once again, hard. As he stands, you apologize again. You continue until he can't remain pacifist any longer. At that point, you have proven your point.....there are times when you are forced to defend yourself with force. The only real question is when you will do it.
How many injuries will we suffer at the hands of those who wish to do us harm? They are not shy about telling us. There is no guess work to be done. The fundamental muslims are very open about their intentions to destroy us and our way of life. Instead of fighting, there are many among us who wish to understand the enemy and persuade him to like us. How long would anyone tolerate a neighbor down the street who threatened to enslave his family and destroy his career?
It is something to think about. Hopefully there will be enough time for Europe to figure it out.