Speaking of Offensive War...This Is Wrong

In the previous post I explained (not for the first time) why I favor an offensive (pre-emptive) war on terror. But this, from John Derbyshire at The Corner is wrong. No, it's sick. What is it? I hate to post it, but to save you the trouble of going there, here it is:

THE PUNITIVE APPROACH [John Derbyshire]

P.J. O'Rourke seems to be with me on Iraq -- i.e. teach 'em a lesson, then clear out: "A mess was left behind. But it's a mess without a military to fight aggressive wars; a mess without the facilities to develop dangerous weapons; a mess that cannot systematically kill, torture, and oppress millions of its citizens. It's a mess with a message - don't mess with us. As frightening as terrorism is, it's the weapon of losers. When someone detonates a suicide bomb, that person does not have career prospects. And no matter how horrific the terrorist attack, it's conducted by losers. Winners don't need to hijack airplanes. Winners have an air force."

Gentlemen, get a grip on yourselves. The "mess" affects a lot of people. Most of them aren't terrorists. Your attitude smacks of racism.