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September 16, 2001
Better World Must Ensue As we prepare for the first war of the 21st century, there are some things America, its leaders and its allies need to think about. Important questions need to be answered. Failure to answer them correctly could cause us to lose this war against terrorism, even if we don't lose a single battle. Recent editorials
Government has failed its duty The recent attack on our nation is not, as some would claim, a new form of warfare. This type of warfare has been going on for decades. It happened to U.S. Marines in Lebanon. It happened in subways in Japan. It happened to the U.S.S Cole, and it happens on the streets of Jerusalem and in Northern Ireland almost every day. U.S. foreign policy partly to blame We were not attacked simply because we are Americans; we were attacked because of our foreign policy, which unfortunately we do not know much about. Things such as Monica Lewinsky and Chandra Levy occupy our minds, our TV sets, and our newspapers and continue to bury the truth. Americans unite to help others The horrific mass murder of innocent people will not destroy the American psyche to be compassionate, generous and helpful to others when in need. Now Americans are uniting to help our own brethren. U.S. not alone It's understandable that in a moment like this, Americans forget their differences and come together as the great nation this one is. Many victims New York City's World Trade Center is the land of the brave and the graves. Unlike the twisted ideology of the terrorists who committed these acts, the men and women who perished in New York, Washington and Pittburgh were not martyrs. They were victims. Fear mustn't beget more suffering Americans were jolted to the depths of their hearts and souls Tuesday when innocent lives were sacrificed upon the altar of terrorist dogma. For so long, from the comfort of our living rooms, we have watched terrorism play out on the stage of countries far removed from these shores. For years we have taken sides as politics and religion -- the curse of humankind -- have devastated peoples and countries in the name of nationalism. Ideology and -ism have for eternity been placed on the point of a spear, or a gun, or a bomb and we have, as well, been participants in such endeavors. Truth is the first casualty of dogma, and innocent lives are sacrificed to enforce beliefs imposed by one upon another. But it is not supposed to happen here. Study history so we don't repeat it A wise man once said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Once again, we are foolishly repeating it by appeasing murderers. Attack assets of `well-financed' I just heard for the same phrase uttered for must be the 100th time: "well-financed." Money always leaves a trail. Osama bin Laden is supposed to have access to considerable wealth. Somehow I don't think he is keeping it under his mattress. The assets must be somewhere, in some bank or financial institution. Someone must know where it is. Someone must be transferring funds. I propose the following: Arafat's blood Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat donating blood? Who is he fooling? I would rather die than accept a drop of his blood. He is a spiller of blood, not a donor of blood. Recent letters
Intensive help can save young lives What can be done to keep kids from spiraling deeper into a life of crime and drugs? I hear the question frequently as secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Now for the first time, Florida is providing intensive help as early as first arrest to juvenile offenders at high risk of becoming repeat offenders. Give teachers more power to change system For the better part of the last 40 years we have allowed politicians and bureaucrats to reshape our educational system. Give patients a meaningful rights bill The patients' rights legislation is now entering its final scenario, the Senate House Conference Committee. Both major bills hold some degree of bipartisan support, indicating that the Congress realizes the importance of passing a meaningful bill. Members realize it would be morally and politically unwise to deadlock the issue as they did two years ago. The best result is for the committee to agree on a meaningful reform bill that can get President Bush's signature. True intent is gaining right to discriminate Broward County's Human Rights Ordinance has been in place for 15 years and protects every resident of Broward County from discrimination based on age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation and political party affiliation. There have been no problems with the ordinance and there is no reason to repeal it or any part of it now. Petition aims to give people right to speak Who can forget the turbulent aftermath of last fall's presidential election? Florida voters screamed, "Let every vote count!" as officials tediously counted punch cards under the watchful gaze of observers and media from around the world. Insure pregnant women With goodwill and a little hard work, the U.S. Congress can accomplish a significant achievement this year: guaranteeing that 99 percent of America's pregnant women have access to health coverage for maternity care. Recent opinion columns |
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