The Corner

The Punitive Approach

P.J. O’Rourke seems to be with me on Iraq — i.e. teach ‘em a lesson, then

clear out: “A mess was left behind. But it’s a mess without a military to

fight aggressive wars; a mess without the facilities to develop dangerous

weapons; a mess that cannot systematically kill, torture, and oppress

millions of its citizens. It’s a mess with a message – don’t mess with us.

As frightening as terrorism is, it’s the weapon of losers. When someone

detonates a suicide bomb, that person does not have career prospects. And

no matter how horrific the terrorist attack, it’s conducted by losers.

Winners don’t need to hijack airplanes. Winners have an air force.”

John Derbyshire — Mr. Derbyshire is a former contributing editor of National Review.
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