Now What?

I agree that it is a good thing that the terrorists' leader is no longer alive, and that his associates know their home base will be vulnerable to our country's forces, and that we will never give up defending ourselves. Fine to all of that.

But do we think that their organization is unlike organized crime in other parts of the world? Will their structure crumble like a house of cards, or will there be countless wannabes and second or third fiddles who have been dreaming all their lives of rising to the top of the organization? I believe the latter is true. And I believe that the violence will never end unless methods of negotiation are radically overhauled.

Differences in ideology and economy do not mean that groups have to go to war. But I don't mean to trivialize the huge effort it would take to prevent war. I can't even prevent it in my own family with my three boys. But it takes an immense amount of wisdom, forethought, maturity, and energy to continually reframe every conflict as an opportunity and a challenge to figure out a better future.

And right now we're tired. Tired of war. Tired of political Romper Room nonsense. Tired of struggling in a failing economy. Tired of seeing our culture and our language and our environment polluted. Tired of seeing any remaining good torn down by others who have a different set of priorities and are looking for a fresh conquest. Can we somehow effect a sea change when we're all so tired?

Maybe we will find it in ourselves to take the steering wheel and, in a desperate last-ditch effort akin to an addict who hits rock bottom, yank it in the other direction. Why can't I hang on to a tiny shred of hope that my children will see a better tomorrow? If you've ever prayed for anything in your life, pray for this.