Rick:
You are absolutely correct in your observations. We should be thinking about
how we can mobilize a kind of Marshall Plan for the underdeveloped world
instead of giving in to revenge and hate. Unfortunately, Americans still
have a long way to go in understanding history and the underlying causes of
unrest in the world. We also have difficulty understanding other cultures and
religions and have been unable to properly address the dehumanizing effects
of standardization and excessive consumption. We take our wealth and freedoms
for granted, not realizing that we are among the lucky. The ultimate Left is
harmony. With nature, with ourselves, with life and even with death. I really
don't think that Fundamentalism and the Right are the same thing although I
do think that the Right doesn't seem to be as far away from it as the Left
seems to be. This is a long conversation given what I perceive to be the
weaknesses of our political system and those I mention above. From Dawn to
Decadence by Jacques Barzun addresses this in a compelling way. I agree with
you also that Colin Powell is a cool head. Let's hope he is heard.
Fred Good