Columns

Our ship of state was attacked

J.G. NASH, Of Cabbages, Of Cabbages
Published: September 20, 2012

On Sept. 11th, 11 years to the day from when irrational, fanatical followers of Mohammed launched despicable, sneak attacks on civilian targets in the United States of America, destroying valuable property, and killing thousands of innocent persons, a rag-tag group of the same lunatics, packed aboard a primitive sailing vessel, flying the black flag of Islamic Terrorism, approached our peacefully cruising Ship of State, then suddenly opened fire causing great property damage, and many casualties, including the death of one of the ship's officers.

There were brave and well-trained Marines aboard our "ship," but they had apparently been instructed, by the ship's inexperienced, indecisive, and emotionally torn "captain" to "hold fire." As our "ship" limped away, searching for friendly forces, which were reported to be in the area, but were nowhere to be seen, the skipper abandoned the bridge to Hillary Three Name, his unquestioning, bobble-headed, first mate, with instructions to take no action against the attackers. He had more important things to do (a television interview in his safe cabin); anyway, he'd never been aboard a ship before, didn't know how to change its course or speed, or even if he did, where was he to steer it?

The mentally-defective pirates, temporarily out of RPGs, turned away, wildly firing Russian machine guns in the air, shaking their filthy fists, and shouting that, in the name of their warrior god, they'd be back to finish the job. Considering the actions of our "ship's" captain, they will likely succeed.

Surely you have recognized that my "Ship of State" represents the U.S. of A., whose properties (consulates and embassies) in Moslem nations (Egypt, Libya, and Yemen) were recently savagely attacked by pre-planned and well coordinated attacks by paramilitary forces waving the banner of ruthless, intolerant, Islam. Since there are long-standing international diplomatic agreements specifying such attacks on embassies as acts of war, we should respond with enough force to clearly show the consequences of such behavior. Overwhelming, shocking, retaliatory action is called for, if we are to have a chance of stopping this growing trend, before it spreads even to our heartland. When Islamic hordes recently fought to overthrow Libya's dictator, the U.S. helped militarily, by neutralizing Libya's air defenses, and blockading their sea ports. We did not then take a significant role in direct attack on Libya's military ground forces, nor in bombing its cities. Perhaps the radical rebels took that as sign of our weakness, or lack of resolve; it's time to change that perception.

I suggest an immediate, "shock and awe" demonstration over Bengazi, which is apparently a snake's nest of Islamic fanatics. A couple of hours of relentless aerial and naval bombardment should make even the most rabid Islamist pause to think about his glorious future amidst dancing virgins.

In fact, the message would also be quickly received in Cairo, Sana, Tunis, Rabat, Algiers, and other capitals of nations openly leaning towards joining Mohammed's holy war on the non-Moslem world. If the complete destruction of Bengazi doesn't adequately cool the fanaticism of Islamic hordes in other places, then a second application, in, say, Cairo, should do the job. I've been to Cairo, and, believe me, its incineration would be no loss to the World.

The fact that our diplomatic installations, which are viewed by civilized nations as physical part of the nations there represented, were the targets of the recent, and ongoing, aggression against the United States, leads me to, once again, call for closure of all embassies and consulates (ours, as well as those in our nation), along with the elimination of archaic ambassadors and consuls.

Where we have a clear need for U.S. representation abroad (such as to help U.S. tourists and business men, in places such as China, Russia, or France), a simple suite of unpretentious offices, on second floor rear, over the Curry Bowl Cafe, should suffice, without offering a tempting target to anyone.

I've written before, many times, about why we should close embassies and consulates everywhere, and eliminate all jobs previously associated therewith. Rather than make this column far too lengthy, by attaching one of those earlier pices hereto, I suggest that those interested visit my Blog (www.jgnash.net) where an October 2008 column about embassies is reproduced for your convenience.

Bottom line is that we should start now to close all of our embassies, consulates, etc., while requiring foreign embassies here to pack up and leave. However, were we to do that by itself, it would be seen as a defeat and retreat by the United States, so such actions should be accompanied by clear explanation as to why we're eliminating embassies, along with the previously suggested military demonstration of our determination to deter future attacks on this nation, or its interests.

Of course such actions pre-suppose that we have an experienced, moral, adequately educated, dedicated, and courageous leader, which is not the case.

Of Cabbages and Kings is a syndicated feature by j.g.nash. He welcomes pertinent comment, which may be sent to him at jgn@jgnash.com.