Q & A

Was just having a conversation with this very nice conservative fellow who is very often at a same place I find myself on a regular basis.

Short version - it went something like this.

him: if we don't do something, eventually they will attack with nuclear bombs.

me: and you think the military or intelligence can prevent that?

him: I think so, yes, if we hit them hard enough.

me: hit who hard enough?

him: the terrorists.

me: who are where?

him: in the middle east.

me: uh huh... have you ever snuck in firecrackers from Mexico?

him: sure.

me: how much harder would it be if it were a loose nuke from the Ukraine instead?

him: (looking upset now) I guess we're doomed then.

me: not necessarily.. while you can't stop someone who is determined, you might be able to change the reason why they want to attack.

him: that will never happen.

me: why?

him: because it's a holy war they are waging against us.

me: so they have absolutely no reason to feel the way they do?

him: none at all.

me: so the only way to stop them is to kill 1.3 billion people?

him: that not what I said.

me: so, what's your solution then.

him: I don't know.

me: have you ever been outside the United States?

him: no.

me: uh huh