Karen Hughes has an article at USA Today that expresses a common sense concern. In “Where’s The Outrage,” Ms. Hughes wonders why the world has failed to come together in condemning terrorism and the goals and tactics of the Islamic-fascists. Even liberals in Washington spend much more time criticizing President Bush and they join the terrorists and their supporters in calling for American to cut and run from Iraq. Karen Hughes has it right.
It is in the best interest of all the civilized people that the terror stops. And we have a model. Slavery’s path from international norm to pariah began with moral outrage. In 1833, one of every seven adults in Britain signed a petition against slavery. That was twice the number of people eligible to vote at the time and the largest public petitioning of Parliament to that date. The grassroots petition drive was born of the conviction that every person has value — a conviction that should guide us today.
Our challenge is to launch a new grassroots movement across all faiths and continents, a movement that clearly states that no grievance, no complaint, no matter how legitimate, can ever justify the targeting and killing of innocent civilians. A movement that commits to teach our children that life is precious, diversity should be celebrated, and hope can conquer hate.
I have read many stories of lives cut short by acts of terrorism. Almost all the victims’ families speak of the joy their loved ones brought to those around them. They didn’t deserve to die. And those who killed them earned only shame, not glory. The least the rest of us can do is say so loudly and in concert.
Of course, there will be opposition in U.S. politics, and we have previously made the case for a strong and appropriate opposition to President Bush. The appropriate response should not be treason that is extolled at the New York Times.
It is in the best interest of all the civilized people that the terror stops. And we have a model. Slavery’s path from international norm to pariah began with moral outrage. In 1833, one of every seven adults in Britain signed a petition against slavery. That was twice the number of people eligible to vote at the time and the largest public petitioning of Parliament to that date. The grassroots petition drive was born of the conviction that every person has value — a conviction that should guide us today.
Our challenge is to launch a new grassroots movement across all faiths and continents, a movement that clearly states that no grievance, no complaint, no matter how legitimate, can ever justify the targeting and killing of innocent civilians. A movement that commits to teach our children that life is precious, diversity should be celebrated, and hope can conquer hate.
I have read many stories of lives cut short by acts of terrorism. Almost all the victims’ families speak of the joy their loved ones brought to those around them. They didn’t deserve to die. And those who killed them earned only shame, not glory. The least the rest of us can do is say so loudly and in concert.
Of course, there will be opposition in U.S. politics, and we have previously made the case for a strong and appropriate opposition to President Bush. The appropriate response should not be treason that is extolled at the New York Times.
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