In 1970 the late French political philosopher Jean—Francois Revel said this:

Democratic civilization is the first in history to blame itself because another is trying to destroy it.

This is an apt articulation of a startling truth, but it still fails to capture the whole reality. With the New York Times leaking national secrets, liberals granting constitutional protections to terrorists, and some of our western 'allies' buttressing our enemies, an updated version of the statement should read:

Democratic civilization is the first in history to actively assist those who try to destroy it.

Vasko Kohlmayer   7 27 06