We've heard a lot about how "everything changed" on September 11, 2001, and that we now face a "new reality." In the upcoming election we are presented with two radically different approaches to that new reality: one approaches the new reality by force denying it and insisting that it be shaped to our wishes, the other would adapt to the new reality and grow through it.
George W. Bush's approach to the new reality was to declare his "War on Terror" and vow to fight on until one day, when each and every terrorist is either dead or in jail and unable to commit further acts of terror, victory will be declared. It is becoming clear that such a day, should it every come, is a very long time in future.
John Kerry, on the other hand, believes that we must acknowledge that we are living in a new reality and adapt to it, recognizing that there is no realistic hope of nailing every last terrorist and that at some point the war on terror must cease to be "the focus of our lives".
The Bush campaign, of course, immediately seized upon Kerry's comment as evidence of his willingness to be soft on terrorists. In fact, to continue to deny the new reality in the face of all evidence borders on delusion.
Charles Darwin explained that while change can help prolong survival, it is adaptation that results in progress. George Bush's orientation is one of survival, John Kerry would adapt to the new reality and grow as a result. Bush's approach counts on brute force, Kerry's requires real courage.
ITV (Ireland) - Bush and Kerry trade blows over New Mexico
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