When we kill innocents, the terrorists win

“Then the terrorists win” has been a recurring phrase to explain why we should rebuild at the World Trade Center and go right on doing what we've always done. As I see it, the terrorists continue to win, every day.

When we invaded Iraq on false pretenses, the terrorists won.

When we began bombing Afghanistan, the terrorists won.

When we launched the first drone, the terrorists won.

Whenever innocent civilians are killed by our military or contracted employees (mercenaries), the terrorists win.

When we use extraordinary rendition, sending captives to countries where torture is certain, the terrorists win.

When our officials use waterboarding or any other form of torture, the terrorists win.

When more than 40 percent of our federal budget goes to support the military establishment, the terrorists win.

When the FBI and CIA have free rein to spy on our citizens, without warrant or cause, the terrorists win.

Whenever fear causes us to forget basic human rights and the laws of our own country, the terrorists win.

Kathleen J. Hall

Cedar Rapids