In my years of clinical psychiatric practice, I met many people who were chronically angry.  We called it primitive rage.  Often, it wasn't directed at anyone or anything in particular.  It was as if there was an emotional reservoir in the mind that was and had been filled with anger for many years.

The psychological impact of bombings, although dramatic, is less  traumatic than the mind damage that is institutionally inflicted upon most of our society.  Blaming a handful of people for our dysfunctional nature is mindless.  We are all responsible.  Although there is no absolute physical defense against terrorism, we are able to effect a fundamental change in the attitudes and beliefs that dominate our society, and often lead to emotional anguish.

America is a great nation, and has been extremely generous with financial and human aid, receiving little in the way of repayment.  Conversely, we have made many enemies through attempts to control other nations, either through inappropriate military action, financial assistance to corrupt governments, or damaging embargos.  We need to listen more and threaten less.

President Bush has declared his intention to initiate a prolonged war.   Mindlessness is a worldwide problem, which cannot be solved by use of bombs or through a physical display of force.  Many people will die, and hatred of America will not go away until, as a society, we adapt a mindful approach.

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.   For our purposes, this statement essentially means that when you are vulnerable, it is not wise to provoke people.  America is vulnerable by the very nature of her wealth and power.