what the terrorists want

Something that has always struck me as odd is this idea that we, as freedom-loving westerners, should refuse to react to terrorism in the way that the terrorists "want us to". What exactly is that? What do the terrorists want?

Well, if you listen to Bush, the terrorist hate our freedoms, so one thing they want is for us be unfree. Well, this is being accomplished quite effectively since September 11th, but only partly because of the terrorists. Mostly it is because of stupid decisions of the Bush administration.

We know that terrorists are aiming to strike fear into the hearts of people, but more accurately, they are trying to get our attention. They want us to ask ourselves, "what did we do to deserve this?" They want us to examine what our policies are that oppress their people, and change the way we live to allow others to enjoy what it is that we enjoy. They want us to stop practicing terrorism in their countries. They want us to treat them like humans worthy of life and liberty, and show concern for the welfare of less-fortunate peoples.

And what would be so bad about that?

Would it be bad for us to stop being so damn arrogant? Would it be bad for us to learn a thing or two about the outside world? Would it be bad to stop thinking life is about driving the minivan to the Wal-Mart every weekend and pigging out at McDonald's? Would it be bad to think about people who live in poor countries? Would it play into the terrorists hands if we spent a bit less time working and more time playing with our kids?

If the terrorists want John Kerry to win this year's election, should you vote for Bush?