William Saletan’s response to the foiled British terrorist plot, “The liquid world,” is the best expression I’ve found so far of just the things I’ve been thinking (and, occasionally, saying) pretty much since 9/11. The world is different, and there are a few ways to respond. Sometimes, you have to make the tough choice and embrace the chaos, because that is the only solution. This essay is important, please read it.
Aside
“The answer is, some of us die.” I agree. Although I’d add, and “we hope to hell its not us or anyone we know†I also wonder if we can tie this into the whole heroic measures debate. When ‘terminally’ ill, is it worth spending $100,000 to extend your life an extra six months suffering through some new drug? Is it worth spending an extra $100 billion to stop one more terrorist attack a year and live in a constant state of fear? Yes, I made up those numbers don’t jump on me, but is it possible to quantify if all this effort is doing any good or just a waste of time, money and effort? I supposed that answer depends on each individual’s definition of quality of life.
The next question, is it better to walk around wearing the latest bulletproof vest hoping no bullets will pierce it, or to walk around with a smile and hope you can turn your enemies into friends? (this goes both for our troops in Iraq and our national foreign policy)