The media are playing their familiar role. The Associated Press said the strike by the Israeli Defense Forces is "likely to escalate violence" and constituted "an enormous gamble by (Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon" that "risks triggering a dramatic escalation in bloodshed." Notice that Hamas attacks never risk an escalation in bloodshed, even though such attacks cause the shedding of blood. The AP offered an opinion in the place of reporting the news.

I say we let the Byzantine empire take over everything again and kill anyone who acts up. That'll work . . . except it didn't the first time. But so true.

Second note:

Numerous networks and newspapers call Yassin a "spiritual leader," though he frequently called for suicide terrorism as a religious obligation. What kind of credible religion exults in the death and dismemberment of children?

Let's see. We have the Methodists, the Anglicans, Reform Jews, Conservative Jews, Presbys, feminists, humanists, some Muslims, Lutherans, some Hindus . . . actually the list is kind of long. Which is why, of course, I don't consider any of them to be credible :-). Which is why everyone should be Catholic.

Next

The Bush administration properly noted that Israel has a right to defend itself, but White House spokesman Scott McClellan added the usual mumbo-jumbo about all parties needing to demonstrate "restraint." When have terrorists ever exercised restraint? All anti-terrorist parties should be going after these killers and liquidating them.

I like his point, but I have two issues. One, by saying liquidated, he's playing language games to make it sound better. If you're going to kill people, kill them. Don't "liquidate" them. Don't "terminate" them. Don't make a "choice". Just kill them and then we can debate whether you should. Second point, I fear that this will indeed lead to chaos. But perhaps chaos is the only thing that can save us. We'll see.