As I read The Times article on Saturdays Peace Rally I was struck by the naivety of those involved. Peace is a wonderful word that conjures up images of doves, flowers and the like. In order to critically examine events in the Middle East today one really needs to understand what peace means.
Peace is merely the absence of conflict. This is not always a good thing. The foe we face in the Middle East today is evil, barbaric and bent on establishing a sadistic theocracy from the dark ages. Peace with this enemy means surrender. You cannot negotiate with, wish or pray them away. Surrender will result in the subjugation of millions in the region to tyranny and free reign for extremist zealots to plan and prepare forcing this evil onto other continents. I believe it will probably result in a more widespread conflict with a better-armed foe at a later date. Just as peace activists consistently harangue those who support action to examine the costs involved so must they be prepared to face the costs of surrender.
The 18th century philosopher Edmund Burke put it best when he said, All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Those who participated in the rally will continue to pray for peace. I, however, will pray for victory for our troops.
Paul VanGinhoven
Arlington