The battle to defeat terrorism cannot be won on the battlefield; guns don’t change minds. While all of the presidential candidates have offered suggestions about how to defeat the enemies of mankind, none of them have addressed the actual problem. Changing the way our young people think is the only way the world can defeat extremism. Continuous verbal attacks and the use of fear tactics and generalization invite younger minds to seek alternatives and support the goals of groups such as ISIS.

The growth of terrorism after 2003 must be halted. The only manner of defeating it entirely in a short period of time would require a time machine. Taking our nation back to 2000 and electing a president who would not have lied to Congress and the American people and launched the invasion of Iraq is the only way to remove ISIS and their ilk instantly. The destabilization of the Middle East is the direct cause of increased terrorism throughout the world.

Donald Trump and Ted Cruz would launch an all-out ground attack, which would only invite more recruits. Trump would also create the growth of other terrorist groups by claiming that he would seek out and murder the families of terrorist leaders and fighters.

We have far too many politicians who lack intellect and have allowed their emotions to become policy. The American people deserve leaders who have positive and constructive ideas for the safety and betterment of our nation. Rash action for the sake of ambition has placed us in a more dangerous world. Instead of inciting anger and hatred related to the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, we should be learning about those who committed the atrocity. Defeating extremists at the core is the only way that they can be forever vanquished.

Unfortunately, extremism exists within our own government; and they are equally dangerous to the people of our nation. They support racism, bigotry and hatred. Their intelligence level is below average and they should not be representative of the United States of America. They support a rush to war, the destruction of all religions with the exception of Christianity, increased surveillance of our nation’s people without due process, restricting the right to vote, exorcising the LGBT community, and refusing to allow refugees seeking asylum into our nation while supporting the sale of guns to tens of thousands of suspected terrorists already living in our country.

All of the presidential wannabees stated that we must destroy ISIS and Al Qaeda, but none of them laid out a workable plan. The reality is that America no longer wins a war. To place our military on the ground in Iraq and Syria places them in harm’s way without the training and tools to win this new style of warfare. It’s nearly impossible to defeat an enemy which plans to die on the battlefield.

The immediate solution in the Middle East should be to control ISIS. Once they are isolated, they can be defeated. This is not a time for action based on emotion. This is a time for thoughtful and considered action. Our nation must cease a rush to war as the first step in defeating our enemies.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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