One of the factors contributing to our dilemma, I think, is semantic; our words of choice do not encourage us to think clearly. Take the 'War on Terror' - are we seriously saying that we are conducting a 'war on FEAR'? That is complete and utter nonsense. War of any kind creates and promotes fear.

I know, I know. That's shorthand for a 'war on TERRORISM'. But that too is poorly thought out. One cannot forever run around behind multiple others, putting out fires, responding to crisis, punishing and killing the aggrieved perpetrators and in the process raising up more terrorists. There will ALWAYS be a next generation, which means that the task is endless and the goal unachievable. The ONLY thing that stands a chance of eliminating terroristic acts is eliminating the causes. And that requires listening, learning, thinking...