My letter to Mr. Bykofsky

[WidowsSon]

Dear Mr. Bykofsky

I can honestly say that although I recognize the controversy you ignited with your 9/11 article, I just found it a little strange. Before you stop reading, let me explain.

I cannot help but read your article within the context it was written. I imagine you believe you are writing from a wide perspective - looking at the "big picture", analyzing American culture and our decadence, our unwillingness to sacrifice, our propensity to live only for ourselves.

First let me point out that the "self-obesession" of Americans has been the stated goal of conservative thought for at least 75 years - witness Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, et al. I find it a little ironic that the conservative elite valorizes selfishness in themselves but will decry it in the unwashed middle-class masses during a time of war.

Second, your perspective is not as wide as you think. The failure of neo-conservatives like you to put the USA's current state within the greatest possible historical context is disturbing.

There is a precedent mentioned by the current GOA comptroller in his most recent report: Rome before the fall.

What disturbs me most about your weltanschauung is your lack of understanding about why there are Islamic terrorists that are willing to kill innocent people. Why didn't these terrorists emerge 70 years ago? Why is the USA a target now? Where did these terrorists come from? What motivates them? Why Islamic terrorists? Why not Japanese? Why not Mexican? German? Italian? Confederate?

Why does the USA currently have military bases in Germany, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Columbia, Bolivia? Are there currently any other countries in the world that operate like this?

Because your article fails to address these questions, I assume you have failed to ever ask them - even in your own mind. It is for this reason that I find your article a little weird and probably a product of ignorance. Even more tragic - the fact that this kind of ignorant viewpoint can get published as a serious editorial comment. It really speaks to the state of our civilization.

I wish you luck.

Sincerely


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[hobbit709]

1. Think you'll get any response?

[WidowsSon]

2. I'll post it if I do.

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