"For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers
have searched out. For we are but of yesterday and know nothing,
for our days on earth are a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you
and utter words out of their understanding? Can the rush grow up
without mire? Can the flag grow without water? (Job 8:8-11)"
Brussels- The horrendous attack by Islamic extremist criminals on innocent people in this beautiful historic European capital is an affront to humanity and a diabolical play as an attempt to gain center stage with perverted plans for power. Unfortunately, 24/7 global news plays right into the strategy of competing terrorist organizations. They each desire fame, fortune and fear. This eventuates by constantly reporting their deplorable crimes, thereby glorifying the perpetrators. It is better that they not be named but be treated and hunted down like a pack of wolves. Their inhumane acts of violence were notably orchestrated to take place during the holiest week of Christianity, leading to Easter Sunday. Immediate response begs one to utter the words of shock and dismay as when Paris was attacked on November 13, 2015 and when "9/11" happened in New York City, "How could we not have known and stopped it?" Failed intelligence. No excuse.
The bad guy who perpetrated the Paris attack was caught on March 18th in Brussels at a "safe house" with other bad guys. Days were wasted following his capture debating whether to allow him to be extradited to France or would he be treated better in more liberal Belgium? The very European capital this criminal was apprehended in, Brussels, is where reportedly he operated from for conducting mass murder in neighboring France and retreated to for participating in this attack. It is significant that Brussels is the home of the European Union and NATO. Logically one would have expected Belgian and French security with international law enforcement to have worked together to obtain critical information from this coveted fugitive to learn of imminent attacks, and the March 22nd slaughter of human life in Belgium could have been prevented.
"C'est La Vie?" or "Fight for Life!"
Are government officials more concerned about the sensitivities of criminals out of "political correctness" than saving lives? Or, are they corruptly turning a blind eye to the evil in their midst? Or, in the words of GOP Presidential Frontrunner, Donald Trump, are they just "stupid" or "wimps?" It's no surprise that the controversially outspoken-tough guy, is gaining rapid support by voters of all demographics and endorsements from respected people in the intelligence and law enforcement community. Even skeptical media, conservative and liberal, who were against him are now supporting some of his positions. Interesting to observe that following the Brussels attack, his closest competitors, Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton are now claiming some of his views as their own and imitating his criticized hard-hitting stance which appeals to American voters looking for unwavering strength in a Commander and Chief.
Appeasement and apathy is antithesis to the American spirit and Constitution "to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity." America's mentality.
It's "common defense" and common sense to confront and root out criminals before they inflict harm. Interesting to note that CEO Trump was grilled by the Washington Post Editorial Board the day before Brussels was attacked and he was vilified for holding the position that "nuclear" and "terrorist attacks" was a greater immediate threat to humanity than "climate change." Again CEO Trump is vindicated by the news that the Belgian Nuclear facility was another target for this attack. It is fortunate this plot to hit it was inadvertently thwarted, but reports indicate it is still an "emerging threat." CEO Trump also argued that NATO, based in Brussels, needed to be supported in a more meaningful way by European members to lift some of the resource burden off America.
Given the current cataclysmic "climate" of more bad guys plotting to destroy Europe, America and beyond, maybe it is time to listen to CEO Trump, the advice of military and intelligence authorities including Special Forces Commanders with frontline experience, Islam experts, and the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. Thomas Jefferson taught, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Samuel Adams announced, "The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks."
Just as France and other nations stood by America after "9/11" pronouncing an attack on America was an attack on them, America must resolutely stand not only with Belgium and France, but with the community of nations to protect life and eradicate intrinsic evil perpetrated by criminals which affects us all.
Problem Is Clear-So Is Solution
The Good Book informs us in The Apocalypse, "Whoever has ears, let them hear (Revelation 2:7)". Those who remember September 11, 2001 recall exactly where they were on that historic day, what they saw and heard. I was in Brussels alongside former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. The otherwise jovial American leader gave a somber response to my question of his opinion of the greatest threat facing the United States and the world. He looked me straight in the eye with steely resolve and without missing a heartbeat he firmly proclaimed, "Fundamentalist Islam." During our recent encounter at Nancy Reagan's funeral, we spoke again of his assessment and the need for strong leadership by America on the world stage.
This deduction of the most serious global threat was eerily exactly the same voiced to me prior and subsequent to "9/11" by former Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger. During encounters in Budapest, Washington D.C. and in Beijing, Dr. Kissinger expressed to me his view, "the greatest danger is Islamic Fundamentalism."
The difficulty in controlling Radical Islam, is partly due to sympathies held by good Muslims who are influenced by contradictory theological teachings in The Qur'an, especially in Surah 9, or those fearful of repercussions if they speak out against Qur'an or Hadith teachings that incite jihad annihilation of non-believers. Dr. Nabeel Qureshi, an Islam specialist, wrote a compelling editorial "The Quran's Deadly Role in Inspiring Belgian Slaughter" published in USA Today on March 23rd. It is imperative for leaders to listen to his first-hand perspective as vital intelligence and act on it.
Immediately after "9/11" we began working with Mayor Rudy Giuliani to help rebuild tourism to New York. During a dinner with him in Los Angeles for the New York Firefighters, we were briefed by the New York Police Commissioner that the modus operandi of these terrorist-gangsters is to never give up on failed attempts. They keep trying until they succeed or are caught and put out of commission.
As a military and law enforcement expert in criminal prevention, the police commissioner was adamant that:
"A culture change in intelligence and information sharing is essential,
and those that refuse to change must be removed. There can be no compromise.
I believe our battles have just begun. We must stand firm, stay preemptive,
and never believe for one minute that this war is over.
Why us on September 11, 2001?
They brought this war to us, and it is a war we cannot afford to lose.
We need to continue the battle before us. For without it ... we lose."
Another relevant point to consider is that terrorism is a profitable business and a job generator for disenfranchised youth who are recruited just as gang members are in inner cities and ghettos. Muslim youth in search of identity are targets for recruiting. They respond to the literal Islamic promise of spiritual gain for inflicting pain on infidels or apostates, plus reportedly they receive 50,000 Euros each as perpetrators, whether they commit suicide or not. The promise of virgins in the afterlife is appealing but the attraction of financial security in the here and now for themselves or their families is a huge motivator for signing up.
Interesting to note, the criminal fugitive arrested in Brussels decided not once, but twice to not blow himself up. He must not be afraid of recrimination. That speaks loudly about the laws and consequences or lack thereof in Europe. They must feel completely emboldened and disconnected to be raised in Europe and have zero national commitment to their birth nation or their fellow countrymen. That is something for other countries to seriously consider. It means that these natural born citizens who are radicalized are potential cells everywhere. Unless their families, friends or neighbors report them to law enforcement, tragedy inflicted in Paris, San Bernardino and Brussels is only the beginning.
Terrorism Inc.
The evening of September 11, 2001 was a disturbing eye-opener offering a glimpse of clarity in how this "terrorism for hire" underground operates. Part of our delegation was taken to visit a section in the heart of Brussels called the "hotbed" (literally) of trouble. We were informed on that tragic day in 2001 that the Brussels crime syndicate and many neighborhoods were controlled by Muslim gangsters from Albania and North Africa who greatly profited in human and drug trafficking. We were told that they primarily preyed upon Eastern Europeans desiring a better life. Seducing them with promises of honest work, then kidnapping, drugging and forcing victims into the sex trade which is active, highly-profitable and sadly accepted in Brussels. Ironically the headquarters for this depraved anti-woman, anti-child activity is the same city as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. From our van we saw many women and adolescents, noticeably spaced-out, in cubicles and windows offering sex for payment. There were swarthy gangsters guarding the streets, some holding machine guns on their shoulders. It was frightening but insightful, just like watching the movie "Taken" but not cinematic fiction, reality. We were advised it is organized crime partnered with orchestrated jihad, for money and power. Our Belgian hosts informed us that local judges and prosecutors were threatened for their lives and that of their families if they convicted these organized home grown and immigrant malefactors.
The information being reported during the aftermath of the Paris and Brussels attacks is evidence that European authorities have not been aggressively rooting out and convicting criminal jihadists. Reports that family and friends hid the bad guys in Brussels is deeply disturbing. This was also the case in San Bernardino and must be addressed with consequences for not reporting the criminals, whether family or not. It affirms the argument that they benefit financially and support the same criminal jihadist mentality as the perpetrators or they fear retaliation that is advanced by Sharia Law. They are essentially accomplices and must be held accountable to change the mentality to prevent future complicity.
America, Lead, Do Not Follow
The solution is for America to lead our allies with strong intelligence, strong military, strong economy and strong moral foundation. America needs to be relentless in eliminating gangster-terrorism as a priority. In addition to listening to our military-intelligence and Islam experts, we should offer skills and jobs for at-risk Muslim youth so they reject being recruited. Tie any aid America provides with required education of virtue values, global ethics and vocational training. Encourage entrepreneurism. Perhaps open American Internet Café's across the Middle East and North Africa, partnering with Arab youth entrepreneurs. Open tourism-training centers to counteract terrorism-training. Since 1990, we have worked successfully with Princess Basma bint Talal of Jordan on sustainable development programs. Currently we cooperate on educating "Arab Youth Advancing Tourism" to provide good futures.
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu teaches to wisely use unorthodox means to win. Consider the strategy of Hamas, although known as a terrorism organization, they have strong support from the Palestinian people because they provide education, healthcare, jobs and charity for them. We should not support any organization with a history of terrorism but we can influence good people by helping them to be healthy and successful. It is better to pay for good to be perpetuated or we will pay a much greater price if the bad guys have the "nukes." There will be no debate about climate change then. It will be an indisputable reality.
President Reagan's words are insightful to consider:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.
It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."
Our flag of the United States of America must be embraced by future generations of Americans. Acts of selflessness makes patriotism grow. "Old Glory" is watered with the blood, sweat and tears of the American people who fight for freedom and human life, holding it dear in their hearts to the death. The flag stars symbolize heaven, the Divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripes are symbols of rays of light emanating from the sun, encouraging Americans to always walk in The Light, leading virtuously by example. The U.S.A. flag colors, red, white and blue combined, have a dramatic and everlasting meaning. "Red is valor and bravery; white symbolizes purity and innocence; blue is vigilance, perseverance and justice for all."
We must be vigilant, never allowing personal desire for power to bring dishonor to our American House. We must elect honest leaders who are trustworthy, courageous and patriotic. The lesson from President Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" must be passed onto our children and their children. We cannot allow the debacle that happened at Benghazi to fellow Americans and the ensuing lies told to the grieving families and the American people to ever happen again. Those who place America's destiny to be a beacon of light and hope at the forefront as decreed by "We The People" in the Preamble of America's Constitution, should be chosen to lead, to protect and to serve our nation.
Foundation Matters: Sand Disintegrates, Rock Eternal
Belgium, called the "Battlefield of Europe," a reputation strengthened by two world wars is considered a neutral country. My first visit to the Kingdom of Belgium was in 1968. Although small it is strategically important. There are primarily two distinct European mentalities within its borders. One that is French (the Walloons-except Brussels) who generally only speak Belgian French. The other is Flemish which is closer to The Netherlands. They have a Northern European mentality but they speak French and Flemish (Belgian Dutch). To complicate it more, there is a section in Eastern Belgium that speaks a dialect of German and has more of a German mentality. You can tell by the names of the towns the dividing lines between the Walloons and the Flemish. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy with a King and a parliamentary system.
Besides being known for exceptional chocolate, beer and lace, Belgium is considered one of the most liberal-thinking societies in Europe. Highest number of women ministers in the world (55% in 2,000). Euthanasia was enacted in 2002 and same-sex marriage legalized in 2003. Belgium is also where Prussian (German) philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote the Communist Manifesto between 1845-48 and the Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by the British Duke of Wellington at Waterloo in 1815.
The three official religions of Belgium are Christianity, Judaism and Islam, but it is a secular society. Belgium is predominately Catholic, historically and culturally, but only 5% of the country attends church, reportedly 3% of Catholics living in Brussels. Citizens of primarily French and Flemish descent, that are mostly Christian with some Jewish, co-exist with immigrant communities that are primarily Muslim and not well assimilated even if born in Belgium. Understanding mentalities of people matters in politics, business and law enforcement. The minority in Belgium from the Middle East and North Africa have distinct mentalities based on cultural and religious backgrounds. This is a major challenge to overcome when confronting the lure of being recruited by Radical Islam criminal-terrorist organizations that are clearly anti-Europe, anti-America, anti-Christian, anti-Jewish, anti-women, anti-humanity and anti-Islam, if they don't support their demonic tactics.
European Union members may wish to reconsider their foundation and the highly contentious decision to exclude any reference of a Creator or higher power than man in the European Constitution of 2004.
This last word of caution is found in The Good Book, Jesus taught:
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,
I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock;
and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,
shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand.
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it! (Matthew 7:24-27)"
America's Rock is Her Constitution and Declaration of Independence as set forth by the Founding Fathers (and Mothers). George Washington, the Father of our country, summed up the Foundation of America best: "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."
Brothers and Sisters, Alleluia. Amen.