Restoring America's Soul: The Hero's Journey Of Barack Obama

Part I

It is by going down into the abyss
that we recover the treasures of life.
Where you stumble,
there lies your treasure.

Joseph Campbell

Last time, we began to explore the idea of the soul's recurring requirement to descend, to find its true nature in response to an inner call to deepen. In answering this call, the soul and the being in whom it dwells, often encounters loss and suffering, and is challenged to carve out character and find courage by facing up to and taking on its greatest fears.

This then, is the archetype of the "Hero", one who takes this journey on behalf of his own unfolding and for the greater good of the whole.

Restoring wholeness is the ultimate task of the Hero. One could say the soul chooses our bodies as its earthly vehicle, necessary to ferry it to the worldly classrooms where teachers abide and lessons unfold.

One such candidate for Hero has presented himself on the world stage today. President-elect Barack Obama. Only time will tell if he fulfills this destiny. But the stage is set. The mission is complex, as heroic missions often are.

The mission? Restore the Soul of America. An archetypal heroic assignment if ever there was one.

Approximately eighty per cent of the American people feel our country has lost its way.
But what does that actually mean and what are the implications for us and for our new president?

Our Part

Surveying the wreckage left behind by the absence of leadership for, let's just say, far too long, we see a country that has lost its rudder: that being the principles upon which the founding fathers wrote into our constitution 232 years ago. The last eight years have been a wholesale betrayal of that vision and of the pillars of the democracy, upon which we as a nation, have stood.

With no captain at the helm of this ship, we've gone seriously off course, and find ourselves having crashed up on the rocks. Huddled together as citizens, we cling to the rocks, wondering what will become of us? What will become of America? Will we make it and if not, what's the alternative?

We're just beginning to wake up to the realization that something more is going to be required of us as citizens. We can no longer simply be passengers on this ship and go to sleep for the next four years. We need to develop our "citizenship" muscles and take an active role in helping to guide this vessel.

There is a certain responsibility waiting to be shared by every American. By responsibility, I don't mean burden or obligation. I'm talking about a more enlightened understanding of what responsibility is: as in, the "ability to respond". This implies we have a choice about showing up. Or not. However, know this:

The soul's journey requires that it discovers its true nature and expresses itself authentically, so it's going to find a way to make that happen, whether we like it or not. And this is where the "dark night of the soul" comes in.

If we don't respond to the inner call to deepen, if we manage to distract ourselves successfully, drown out our ability to hear the inner summons through our addictions to substances, or the delusion that something outside ourselves will be the answer, we will miss the call. In which case, we'll create yet more challenges, more crises, more opportunities to do the work.

As James Hillman says, "The soul has its own ancestors", which is to say it has its own agenda. So the Call will come again, perhaps to a new generation. But it will come.

The question is: will we leave it to another generation to clean up the mess we've made? Or as one reader questioned last time: "Are we of the journey?" Buddha instructed us to "be in the world, but not of it". Perhaps "Are you of the journey?"is the question for these times.

We must be willing to get rid of
the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
The old skin has to be shed
before the new one can come.

Joseph Campbell

The outcome of Barack's Hero's Journey to restore the Soul of America is one for which we must all share responsibiity. We are the soul of America. He is the one we've chosen to lead us away from the abyss and guide us back to our roots.

Have we chosen well? Is he up to the task? What is our role on this journey?

Here is a simple truth: Barack can lead us, but we must do our part. What that is, is up to each of us to discover. It is not cast in stone. It dwells in possibility. But make no mistake. There is a part that each of us is meant to play in restoring the soul of our country.

Last week, in response to someone's comment, I described my vision of how the soul would look, if it were a "thing", which of course, it's not. But I thought it might look like a many faceted, mirrored ball that hangs above a ballroom floor. The ball turns and reflects the light in all directions. Each facet is unique, yet part of the whole. Each facet reflects the light from an angle that only it occupies. Together, the facets form a magnificent, brilliant, illuminated sphere.

Consider the possibility that our part is to be the brilliant Beings we came to be. The Hero's journey we each take is what polishes us, it's what turns us into the gems we're meant to be. Just as a diamond begins as carbon atoms and is formed through extreme heat and pressure in the darkness deep within the Earth, the fire of the Hero's Journey transforms us, burning away what doesn't serve, leaving its ashes as the compost from which new life begins.

Our part is to be willing to do the work and not shy away. In so doing, we polish. Our job is to polish. Chop wood, carry water, polish.

And then, there is Barack's Part.

Barack Obama: Dark Knight of the Soul

How perfect is it that America, in its "dark night of the soul" is being led by its first "Dark Knight"? Kind of like Batman! Barack was a Marvel comic book fan as a child and I see they're already publishing an edition of him teaming up with Spider-Man.

True to the mythic hero narrative, Barack arrives on the scene, just in the nick of time to help us sort through the wreckage wrought by the ignorance and indifference of the past eight years. His task is to sift through the ashes of greed and corruption and the arrogance of power so that we might once again find and reconnect with the core truths that define who we are as a nation and as a people.

Hillary Clinton was right. Our Dark Knight has been preparing for this journey since the day he was born. Only she meant it like a slam. From an archetypal perspective, her mockery of him spoke to the very core of Obama's mission, only she spoke without wisdom or reverence for the task itself. I'm referencing it as an essential part of the mythic journey of Obama and how he came to be given this task of reclaiming and restoring the soul of his country.

It all makes sense when viewed from this perspective. This seeming impossibility of his presidency did come down like the Red Seas parting. The stars (both Hollywood and Celestial) lined up for this. Hillary declared this during the campaign in the form of mockery. Yet perhaps unbeknown to her, she spoke a certain truth.

This man, of mixed descent, who described his father as "black as pitch" and his mother as "white as milk" felt like an outsider most of his life. No stranger to loss and suffering, (essential to the Hero's Journey), he saw his father only once at age 10, and lost his mother to ovarian cancer when he was 34. We grieved with him when his beloved grandmother died, only 2 days before his election. Yet he was able to transform his suffering into a mission to serve the greater good. Golden Boy meets Dark Knight.

Barack has already paid some dues, but there will be more to come. He may have raised record amounts of money to get elected, but that just got him in the door. There are dues yet to be paid, for which money will not be the means of exchange.

Opportunities
to find deeper powers within ourselves
come when life seems most challenging.

Joseph Campbell

As citizens, we will need to pay our dues as well. Indifference and ignorance come with a high price tag. Hubris and arrogance of power exact a heavy toll. The bill is due, America. Call in the Dark Knight. I think we're ready to take this on.

In honor of Obama's inauguration, I share this inspiring video with you. As you watch it, see the Hero's Journey of Barack being played out before us.

Godspeed, Barack and America. May the wind be at our backs. And just for good measure, shall we all join hands as we walk down this long, dark hallway together?

Will you do your part and inaugurate yourself along with Barack on Tues. Jan. 20th? See Arianna's post on citizen inauguration here.

What is your part in helping to restore the soul of America? What are your hopes for President Obama? If you could ask of him or tell him the one thing you think is most important for the restoration of our collective soul, what would that be?

Please share your hopes and dreams in the comment section below this post and consider subscribing to the RSS feed so you'll automatically receive blog updates. And thank you for being part of this reader community.

If you'd like personal contact, I can be reached at [e-mail].

Comments

[ImWithThatOne]

Dr. Rich, I'd like your opinion of O's official photograph, that was released today.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/14/official-obama-portrait-r_n_157804.html

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear ImWithThatOne,

I love the opportunity to weigh in on this one!

My very first impression is that he's trying his best to look presidential, whatever that means to him. Think about it. This is the photo of him that will go on the wall of the White House. It's how he'll be forever portrayed in an official sense. We all have our other images of him as well. But this is the "official" one, so his job is to instill confidence, look clear, present, calm, steady, grounded.

He looks like all those things to me in this photo. His intention is to carry the "mantle" of leadership, in spite of his youth and inexperience, I get he is extremely earnest in his commitment to bring about the kind of significant change that is called for in these times. Whether or not he is successful...... that story is not yet written.

It's interesting to read people's comments about the photo. Someone made a very good point, that he's not flashing the killer smile that makes people swoon. But his eyes suggest a deep, warm well of love and compassion.

Of course, you know, this is all projection!

But thanks for asking. I enjoyed contemplating this.......

Best,
Judith

[SeriousBlack]

Wonderful article, Dr. Rich!

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Judith,

What an inspiring post! I have an American friend who in the past has described Americans as being the "adolescents" of the world, meaning the enthusiasm, not yet mature, believe they know everything. I love the youthful American "can do" energy. However, maybe this is the time for the maturing.

I love the call for Americans to be of service. Michelle Obama's video touched me. When we are children we have need of our parents - and as we grow older, "parents" may show up in the forms of authority figures like politicians, business leaders, bosses. The issues we did not resolve towards our parents tend to be projected on to these authority figures. However, I think when we mature, we step away from dependency on those in "authority" and move into taking authority over our lives to become givers, in service to the world in which we are a part.

I feel sad when I get the sense that Americans are hanging their heads down in powerless shame for the outgoing presidency. Life as i see it is a learning curve. Ultimately, there is no good or bad as such. Life delivers its wake up calls and my prayer is that Americans now wake up to a deeper greatness that has been known up until now. I wait in wonder..... !

I so appreciate your perspective, Judith, and your generosity of spirit.

God bless you.
Anne

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Anne,

If they gave out marks for commentary, you'd get an A+! But that's because you're an A+ woman!

Indeed, I've heard the same remarks about America being the "adolescent" country. And yes, there's the good news about that, as you point out. And then, there's the not so great news about that and we know that part all too well also.

I do agree it's time for our maturing process. We are in our own dark night of the soul and if we are to emerge with any wisdom from this experience, we'll have to grow up. I think it's happening. Don't you feel it in the air? Consciousness precedes action......... it's coming.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and for your consistent service to this community of spirits.

Big hugs,
Judith

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Judith,

I think something absolutely wonderful is in the air. It is a joy to read those who are anticipating rich (your name is a good one!) changes ahead for us all.

Hugs to you,
Anne

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

great photo!

[KarBear]

Beautifully done Judith!
I love the Dark Knight twist, and the true backdrop for a hero's journey before our eyes. It is just as Odysseus faced; leaving Troy after ten years of war (kind of like Gaza) and setting sail to face the cyclops, the singing sirens and other distractions.
Our nation will face many cyclops, and let's hope most of them are not from the myopic lack of vision within our own elected officials, members of the press and 'main street' citizens.

We will have to "suspend our disbelief" that a true hero CAN land in a great suit and save the day, by bringing in tens of thousands of every day folk who are new believers in raising their hands to the Call of Service.
Kari

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Yes indeed, Kari! My hand is raised.

Beautiful comment, too! Thank you!

And let me put in a plug for YOUR first blog here at the HuffPo, just down the block in the Living section. Here's the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kari-henley/why-gathering-with-friend_b_157525.html

Check it out folks! Kari is naming 2009 as The Year of the Gathering. Fascinating and timely read and all a part of our shared path.

Love your way, dear friend,
Judith

[dandypuddin]

Thanks for this article and video clip. I love reading anything on the Hero's Journey. I find it facsinating.

It certainly does feel like a hero's journey for Obama and he does have monumental obstacles ahead, as our soon to be ex-President has left us a wasteland. I do believe he is up to the task of restoring our true heritage.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

dandpuddin,

Thanks for your comment, and please stay tuned. We'll be exploring more about the hero's journey in future posts.

This work has deep roots that go back to the beginning of life on the planet . Every species experiences its own version of it just to survive. So the wheel has turned and once again, we find ourselves having to dig deep to find our way through these dark times. Or the "wasteland" as you call it.

My point, and I think the PE's point, is that it's up to all of us to be the heroes in our story. Through his call to service, he is asking each of us to step up to the plate and take heroic action on behalf of our communities, our "tribes".

How will we answer this call?

It's very interesting to note in a couple of the comments left here and on other sites, the amount of cynicism that resides out there. Yes, we've all been disappointed in the past and yes, maybe we will be again. Maybe Obama won't measure up, etc. But can we please just give him a chance?

All the best to you,
Judith

[cayuse]

Judith, a quick note, Christ said, "be in this world, but not of this world". Buddha said live in the NOW not the past of the future. All of these are great values to live by as Obama gets America back on its course. But getting on course is where we must leave Obama and America in out bodys. Till the DARK SIDE steals it once againg. GOD Bless Roosevelt, Kennedy, Carter and Clinton. I look foward to Obama joining this list, but I cannot look ahead, only NOW, well then.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Yes, Cayuse, well said. Only NOW is where we can get back on track. Since NOW is all there is, no point in looking elsewhere for solutions.

Buddha taught the need for non-attachment, which is another way of saying what Christ said. Some think that Jesus was exposed to Buddhist ideas, that some of Gautama's ideas were vaguely in the air of first century Palestine. Sort of a part of the marketplace of ideas.

Nice to see you back, Cayuse. Have a nice NOW!
Judith

[cayuse]

Judith,

The great teachers teach each of us to to make our journey to transcend from our ego self bubble to Cosmic Consciousness of the sea itself. No one leads others there. At best they show us the way.

Obama shows potential of right action in regards leading the Politics, Economy, Social well being far beyond Bush. But each of us must participate not by dutiful service but by our participation in a free society defending the Consitutionn and the unaleinable rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. This is an evironment that best allow each person to find their way.

I leave it at the body conscious leve. Obama is not my teacher he is my president. My teachers teach they do not lead.

Bless You, but what am I missing?

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Sorry for the belated response to your question cayuse.......

You've posed an interesting question: what is the distinction between "teaching" and "leading"?

Do teachers lead students to find their own answers? Do they lead them to find new openings? Do they guide them through the fog of confusion and misunderstanding and into clarity? Is this not also leadership?

Do leaders teach by example? Do they not set the context for others by the way in which they lead?

Who's a teacher and who's a leader? Aren't we all both? I think we are. I don't think it's black or white. Not such a clear cut distinction as "teachers teach they don't lead".

I see it as we're all teaching, we're all learning (thus we're all students) and we're all leading. And we get to choose which teachers we want to learn from. I recently began attending a church that is about 80% African-American and 20% "other". The minister is considered a "spiritual leader" in the community, but on Sunday mornings, she's up there teaching, while leading the congregation.

It's a glorious stew we live in. I love it!

Thanks for your thoughtful, reflective contribution here, cayuse.

Best,
Judith

[cayuse]

Reminds me of my own son who pass on into the non body light. As you say I was his father, but he was mine too in body. We made that relationship. Now he is there without body and I am following.

Well said. Om, Sat, Tat

[SangZe]

Nicely written piece. Too bad Obama has proven such a failure, unable to deal with the republican-led congress. Already two of his wonderful choices for cabinet posts have fallen to the wayside. How many more will follow? Will there really be an economic stimulus, or just more laughable rhetoric? We dwell in a darkening wasteland, but there is no one in sight to bring the elixir. Too late. It's all too late. CHange is no longer possible. Just look at what's happening in the country's capitol.

[BarackstarObama]

Get a life, you republican windbag, your crummy party is the failure.

Anyway, I've heard that Superman wears Obama underwear. LOL

[dandypuddin]

You are aware that he doesn't become the actual President until next Tuesday, aren't you? Bush has left a wasteland, you are correct, but it is never too late my dear pessimist. You sound just like a trickster in a hero's journey.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

SangZe,

If I'm not mistaken, the Republicans LOST everything in the election. Perhaps that's why you're so gloomy? What IS your point in this comment? I'd love to respond, but I just don't get what you're trying to say. Sounds like you're in deep resignation and cynicism, not exactly fodder for renewal.

Special blessings to you,

Judith

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Cara, Great blog. Insightful and interesting.

I would ask President Barack Obama to take time to be aware of the feminine power. To honour and acknowledge the goddess energy.

We have lived long enough in a male dominated world and it has brought to much suffering. Let wars be over and out an dialogue come enter in.

With Love,
Ed

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Ed,

This is funny! Sometimes people do get Cara and me mixed up. So I'm not sure if you think you're commenting on my blog or if you're commenting on Cara's comment.

I'm going to assume you know this is Judith's blog you've visited and respond to your comment. Let's hear it for honoring the Sacred Feminine! I truly believe Barack knows this, intuitively. Look at the powerful women he's been surrounded by since his birth. And now, he brings 4 of them, count em, 4 to the White House. His wife, 2 daughters, and Mrs. Robinson, Michelle's mother.

Are we going to have powerful female energy in the White House or what? It's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out. As Barack says, "This is our time. This is our moment. We are the ones we've been waiting for". And so it is!

Blessings always,
Judith

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Oops, Of course I meant you Judith. I guess I had Cara on my mind. You both do rock.

That's true a he embodies the balance of feminine and masculine with elegance. It's interesting times and I am glad that you are able to bring a fresh outlook to life.

I won't make that mistake again. Best to you Cara.

Big Love Judith,

Ed

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

O.K., here's what comes to me, Judith, about what I would say to Barack Obama. It would be first, a hearty 'thank you.' Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for rising to the times. Thank you for extending your heart, mind, and hands to differing points of view.
I would also share with him privately some of my observations in watching my own Godfather go through the 8 year White House stint: Dwight D. Eisenhower. But, it would be private.
Last, I would encourage him to NOT take on the Messiah archetype which is being projected upon him. Every archetype carries a hook. This particular one has nasty consequences. That said, I would ask him to stand steady in leading us to be better community organizers, to grow in our own leadership styles as citizens, and to do all that we can to do so from our best strengths. Toward that end, I would encourage him to find a faculty that would lead the charge for any citizens committed to this growth in action. My volunteering hand is raised. I know I am not alone.
With love and gratitude,
Cara

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Yes, Cara. Perhaps we should add "Humble" to the "Hero" name tag. This is always the challenge, for the Hero to stay Humble. So far, so good, I think. I think we have in our midst, the makings of a Humble Hero. We're in trouble if the Messiah part shows up. We already did that one.

And no, you are not alone, my dear in your commitment to serve. My hand is also being raised as a volunteer. This is what these times are calling for. A Call To Service. That will be coming along in future blog posts for me as I continue to follow this thread of the soul's journey to wholeness.

It's a big ride and I'm sure glad we're all on it together!

With love,
Judith

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

Judith, it is amazing our shared timing! In my blog this week: "Lost Girls: When Does Me Become We?", the issue runs in synche regarding the loss that we find in the journey on our way back Home. But the real question, is not what descent we've made, but what we do with what we've found? Those who do, as Campbell points out, return to the village with their offering. This is why I love your article. You're reminding us of Campbell's findings, in ways that hold meaning for today.

You ask what we can do in our own inauguration, as does Arianna. Many years ago, I heard Mother Teresa say: "You in America must begin with the spiritual poverty you have in your own backyard." I have taken her words to heart. As for me, I am launching work more deeply into the vital issue of Finding Our Voice, and using it as global citizens to do what we came here to do. Naturally, as in any launching, ala Campbell, we find monsters in modern clothes to test our resolve, and help-mates, too. You are such a helpmate.

As for the rest, let me reflect.
In peace and love,
Cara

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Once again Cara,

Synchronicity, which has always been part of our shared journey, is at play. Our writing themes parallel one another's as the Hero's Journey work is really about Finding Our Voice. At the end of the journey, that's what we find. Our authentic voice.

Thank you for being another voice is this glorious chorus of human beings, always standing for the truth.

With love,
Judith

[Arithrianos]

The first and most profound step i remember in my own journey of looking beneath and reconnecting with reality was when my most beloved grandmother died during the deepest part of my "depression". I saw really that grief, as most people know it was not authentic for me, that the real emotion that i really wanted to feel was tremendous gratitude that she had been around at all. From that perspective grief was like recieving a gift and then crying because it wasn't enough. But in order to see this i had to see through the egoic tendancy to feel like i was owed more time, like somehow i had a contract that said you get 30 years with your grandmother, or something, instead of the 19 i did get. This led furthur to gratitude that i am alive at all, who am i to expect more? this is what allowed me to finally, after decades to accept the Great Perfection, or in other words, everything is already perfect and working just as it should. Everything that happens happens because it is needed at that time and place for the journey. All that is left for me is either gratitude, or what is left of my egoic clinging which manifests as suffering. It is just as you say, the authentic self will not stop with the suffering until you are fully done.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Amen, Arithrianos,

Sounds like you've done excellent work.

"Everything that happens happens because it is needed at that time and place for the journey." That's the lesson! Including what's happened over the past 8 years. We must also accept our past as Grist For the Mill, part of the soup that has prepared us to take this next step.

There is more suffering ahead, in a collective sense. So let's just take it on together and do the work. I think we've got ourselves a good captain.

All the best my dear,
Judith

[SailFree]

Superman stood for "Truth, justice, and the AMERICAN way." Or as noted in WSJ today:

If "the world" sides with an Islamist supremacist movement that cheers the deaths of Arab Muslims as a means to the end of exterminating the Jews, perhaps Obama is coming to realize that he--and America--can do without the respect of such a world.--J. Taranto

[SailFree]

Making the assumption that America has lost its soul...

Meanwhile, back in the real world, we note that the jihadists are NOT JUST LIKE US!

" A car arrived with more patients. One was a 21-year-old man with shrapnel in his left leg who demanded quick treatment. He turned out to be a militant with Islamic Jihad. He was smiling a big smile.

"Hurry, I must get back so I can keep fighting," he told the doctors.

He was told that there were more serious cases than his, that he needed to wait. But he insisted. "We are fighting the Israelis," he said. "When we fire we run, but they hit back so fast. We run into the houses to get away." He continued smiling.

"Why are you so happy?" this reporter asked. "Look around you."

A girl who looked about 18 screamed as a surgeon removed shrapnel from her leg. An elderly man was soaked in blood. A baby a few weeks old and slightly wounded looked around helplessly. A man lay with parts of his brain coming out. His family wailed at his side.

"Don't you see that these people are hurting?" the militant was asked.

"But I am from the people, too," he said, his smile incandescent. "They lost their loved ones as martyrs. They should be happy. I want to be a martyr, too."

(From the New York Times)

[starboymikey]

Meanwhile, back in the real world, we note that the jihadists are NOT JUST LIKE US!
_______________________________________________________________________

Maybe not, but they do make an excellent symbol of the enemy within each of us. And that, by the way, *is* the real world.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear SailFree (love the name!)

Using the "ballroom mirrored ball" analogy from my post, we can see that the facets on the collective soul also reflect its suffering. So our collective suffering is also being expressed through those "thousand faces" Joseph Campbell writes about.

Obama announced himself as a "citizen of the world". The old paradigm of dominate and control is giving way to the necessity for learning how to be citizens of the world. The American Way is no longer the only way. We must come to terms with that. It's a new day.

Hopefully, our Dark Knight of the Soul is enlightened enough as a leader to see the pitfalls of continuing to follow the old paradigm. He talks the talk. Now let's all support him by getting in the parade of walking the walk.

Thank you, SailFree, for adding your voice to this chorus.

All the best
Judith

[SailFree]

Whoops! Clicked on wrong "reply" by mistake. Check below.

By the way, re: taking the oath, I and a great many of my friends have taken the almost-identical oath many times in our careers as soldiers in the US military. Many of us have served under several CinCs, good and bad. I have been through Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, GHWB, Clinton, and GWB, the good and the bad, and though one wishes the success for Obama in the best interests of our country, I have to say that his general approach to the world, as he's expressed it himself, is unlikely to work.

What will be interesting to see is whether Obama UNDERSTANDS the oath he'll be taking.

[SailFree]

It is rather the liberal trope that, whenever Israel or America defend themselves, they are charged with wanting to oppress somebody. The old paradigm (or with inflation, a paraquarters) of knuckling under and backing down and apologizing for self-defense is what has to go. You can't appease terrorists. Understanding and negotiation depends upon BOTH SIDES' entering into the negotiations honestly. Terrorists simply do not do that.

[walk0nwalls]

So your argument that the only difference between engaging parties should be perspective?

That's a short, fast road down to hell.