The War on Earthquakes

While watching a science show the other night, the Ivory Madonna heard the following statement about earthquakes:

We know that there are going to be large earthquakes, and that they are going to injure and kill thousands of people. The best we can do is to study earthquakes, learn as much as we can about them, and take whatever steps we can to minimize the risks to those who are caught in them.

Two thought experiments spring to mind.

First, in the statement above, replace the word "earthquakes" with "terrorism."

Okay, have you thought about that for a moment? Good. Here's the second thought experiment. In the phrase "War on Terrorism," replace the word "terrorism" with "earthquakes."

The War on Earthquakes.

The notion of conducting a "war" on earthquakes is so patently absurd, that it's hard not to giggle. Whatever the appropriate response to earthquakes, war is obvious not it.

So when those in power speak of a "war on terrorism" (or, more frequently, a "war on terror"), why don't we all giggle and dismiss the notion as the absurdity it is?

Study terrorism. Learn all we can about it. Take whatever steps we can to minimize the risks to those caught in it. But don't make war against it, and don't think you're ever going to eliminate it entirely.

What's next, a war on volcanoes? Military campaigns against blizzards? More troops to eliminate the threat of tsunamis?

M.

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The Ivory Madonna's story is told in Dance for the Ivory Madonna by Don Sakers.