by Reason Wilken
As the initial shock from these terrible events of the past ten days begins to wear off, we are beginning to ask the question “What next?” The country is beginning to move past a stage of surreality and disbelief into one of inquisitiveness and resolve. “I can’t believe that this is happening!” is being replaced by “Who did this, where are they and what are we going to do about it?” in the minds of our people. It is a complicated dilemma, as we are definitely fighting a war but with whom we are unsure. Without delving into the details of foreign policy and possible international consequences to our eventual course of action, there are several issues to be considered.
My perspective is that of a new student of synergic science. Synergy means working together—operating together as in Co-Operation—laboring together as in Co-Laboration—acting together as in Co-Action. The goal of synergic union is to accomplish a larger or more difficult task than can be accomplished by individuals working separately. Synergists are committed to a world where I win, you win, others win and the Earth wins. Win-Win-Win-Win.
How do synergic (win-win) principles guide us (or not) in determining a due course of action in bringing these ambushers to justice and making our world safe?
The events in New York and Washington D.C. were clearly executed in an extremely adversary manner. Those responsible had a message or statement that they felt, for whatever reason, could only be communicated with violence. Instead of scheduling a conference with the American government to discuss points of conflict or protesting in the streets, the attackers chose instead to slam hijacked passenger aircrafts into their carefully selected targets. In addition, these individuals were so committed to their cause that they were willing to give up their own lives for it. Words such as “cowardly”, “evil” and “zealots” have been used to describe those that perpetrated these attacks. Perhaps “animalistic” and “subhuman” have their place on that list as well.
When one asks “What separates humans from other animals?”, qualities such as “the ability to think rationally”, “the ability to weigh risks and benefits of a course of action ” and “ a special empathetic connection and kinship with other members of the human race” might come to mind. In considering these points, it becomes evident that the terrorists who executed the attacks were behaving in a truly inhuman manner.
Although the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were well thought out and (sadly) well-executed, the actual motives for the bombings are less clear. It is suspected that religion may have played a role, and that the terrorists may have seen themselves as martyrs for a cause when they aimed those jets at their targets. To these individuals with their evangelical beliefs, the attacks were not only justifiable but necessary. Evidently, the massive number of casualties that would result was not too high a price to pay.
The absolute and utter disrespect that these terrorists had for human life (including their own) is nothing short of incredible. Their willingness to throw themselves and hundreds of innocents into a wall of fire to prove a point is beyond disgusting and beyond reproach. It is beyond inhuman.
Aside from the unforgettable pictures of the twin towers being hit by the aircrafts and subsequently collapsing, one of the most haunting images was that of the reaction in Palestine. All manner of people, including young children, were shouting with glee in the streets when they heard news of the attacks on America. They were jumping joyously for the destruction of two of this nation’s most famous landmarks, exalting in every injury and death of an American citizen. It is difficult to understand Palestine’s reaction to this tragedy, and it is even more difficult to accept. How can any American watch this “celebration” and not want to bomb the hell out of those who hold it? Not want to bring death and destruction and bloody fury to those who find so much fun in human suffering?
As we in America are forced to deal with this almost irrepressible anger that clenches our fists and brings tears to our eyes, what are we to do? Not surprisingly, there has been a lot of U.S. support for President Bush’s declarations that America will retaliate against those who perpetrated these attacks and “whip terrorism”. Indeed, it is hard to think of a synergic (win-win) solution to this dilemma. It is impossible to have a win-win situation by any stretch of the imagination, as America has lost so much that will never be recovered. In addition to the lives of all those killed on the planes, in the towers and in the Pentagon, America has lost some of her feelings of sanctity, security and innocence.
Synergic scientists realize and accept that there will be times and situations where loss is unavoidable. When this occurs synergic mechanism dictates that the group accept reality and focus on minimizing the loss. Hopefully, we Americans can work to minimize the loss for ourselves and all of humanity.
Judging from the philosophy and actions of the individuals who committed these acts, it is ludicrous to think that some kind of peace treaty can be reached with them. If America wants to prevent another attack, a friendly meeting with terrorist leaders is not the answer. The terrorists who carried out these acts are not rational, responsible human beings by any stretch of the imagination. Synergic relations among parties require that each party has a sincere desire to help and understand others. No matter how good the intentions are of one party to make peace and go forth in negotiations, it is useless if the other parties do not share the same goal. In fact, putting too much faith in untrustworthy individuals could prove very deadly. Like the unwise rabbit who ventures out of its hole in an attempt to bargain with the wolf, America could easily be struck again if no attempt is made to contain the reprehensible people who are responsible for these horrendous attacks.
In formulating an intelligent response to the terrorists, it is important for this nation to remain committed to a rational course of action and to not let anger cloud our judgement. While it is necessary to find and neutralize those responsible for the attacks on America, care must be taken to avoid the involvement of innocent citizens. How can America preach the importance of human life and then proceed to bomb civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan or wherever these terrorists hailed from? Even in this time of profound grief and anger, to do so would lower ourselves to the level of those kamikaze pilots.
The synergic scientists whose work I am studying believe that you should, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
What is it that most of us want others to do unto us? Synergic scientists answer this question as follows: Help others as you would wish them to help you.
If I was being angry and destructive, I would hope that others would help me by containing my dangerous behavior. I would hope they would prevent me from hurting others and myself. I think America must act with strength and resolve to contain the terrorists and eliminate their threat to all humanity.
If we wish to act as a synergists, America must put away its anger. We must realize that with crisis always comes opportunity. Opportunity to grow, to become stronger and more resilient. As we watched citizens from all over the country come together with surprising fervor to donate blood, help and supplies, it became very clear that America will get through this. Instead of allowing these attacks to weaken our morale as they were intended to do, this crisis has only proven the strength of our patriotic spirit and united our citizens. We will not be a nation whose inhabitants live among rubble and go about their daily lives in fear. America must remain resolutely united against terrorist attacks, so that tenants of high-rise buildings will never be required to keep a parachute handy under their desks just in case.