A real threat: There's no room for pretending that terrorists are neutralized

It is going to take something big.

Negotiating with Muslim terrorists has not worked -- and neither has the "changing hearts and minds" approach.

And it is time for those in Washington who think otherwise to wake up -- and soon.

The events in Chattanooga last week are not a call to clamp down on Muslims -- or to start a campaign of fear and prejudice.

But they are reason for pause.

This was a radicalized American -- a naturalized citizen who turned on his country.

He is not typical, but he is not alone.

And the extremist group that called him to jihad is not going away -- not unless this country and others around the world do what is necessary to make sure it does.

And, by the way, just in case it comes up later, this is not "domestic terrorism." This is Islamic extremism -- period.

So what do we do? Well, first off, we make sure the men and women who serve this country and their families are protected. These Marines were a target -- and we need to make sure others who serve are not similarly attacked.

We can start by making sure that people who are responsibly trained to carry firearms are able to do so -- even if they are on federal property.

And we stop pretending that there is no need to look harder in this country for those with radical beliefs.

That might mean asking more questions and following more leads.

But most importantly, some of our leaders in Washington need to stop worrying about their legacies and to start making decisions that stop those with a radical agenda from getting the tools they need to attack this country and others like it around the world.

Perhaps the shootings last week were the act of a mixed up young man. Perhaps the fact that there seems to be more violence in this country than ever before is a mere matter of timing and reporting.

But there is no question that there is a need for a plan -- a strong approach and a new direction.

And it is also clear that the current plan is not working -- anywhere.

This is a time for strength and purpose and action.

It is called being proactive. And it absolutely should be Job 1 in Washington.

Published in Editorials on July 18, 2015 11:18 PM