Good Walls, Good Neighbors

A Belfast security wall from Workman Avenue to Lanark Way

1988 - 2003

I was reviewing all our many wars. You know, we like quick results. I recall writing that some people were saying the stimulus wasn't working. After having spent years and years destroying the economy, we wanted a six month fix from the new Administration. Iraq may be a success...but it may only be recognized as such 100 years from now. Ditto Afghanistan...maybe 200 years. In two centuries, the Afghanis will stand up their model democracy and take a vote of thanks to the NATO forces who inspired them so long ago. It takes a while, Look at the photo of Belfast above. Walls don't come down overnight. Mental walls may take longer. It's a long term investment - God willing, the river doesn't rise, and the cows don't run away - that'll pay off in spades in the far future. Israel may still have its walls. Baghdad may still have its neighborhood walls: good walls make good neighbors.

So, don't say we never did anything for out grandkids, other than leaving them outrageous debts to pay off. 100 years from now, everyone will give a darn!