While the views of Lonestar in 'Malaysia must say no to war' (Sept 15) may sound reasonable and uplifting, one can be too philosophical in a world of harsh realities.

The writer, while deploring the horrendous carnage in the US and rejecting both retaliation and war as legitimate responses, has no solution to offer against the terrorist menace other than the pious hope that "All peace-loving people must stand up and say NO to terrorism and NO to war."

One wonders when that is going to happen. And while we are waiting for that beautiful day, more innocent lives will be destroyed by even worse means. Hijacked aeroplanes were used last week; in future, we could see nuclear bombs and biological weapons used by those who have absolutely no regard for human lives.

If one turns the other cheek, one will soon have no cheeks left. The writer's argument that retaliation will only breed a cycle of violence is precisely why the US must now use the strongest military means at its disposal to wipe out the terrorist scourge. All decent nations, including Malaysia, must assist in this aim until terrorist organisations like those aligned to Osama bin Laden are completely pulverised.

While it is true that revenge cannot bring back the innocent dead, it is also equally true that dead terrorists cannot strike again. Or does Lonestar imagine that terrorists will now graciously lay down their arms if the US does not take action? It is precisely this sort of pussy-footing in the past that resulted in worse acts of terrorism on American soil, a black record that other terrorist organisations will, from now on, strive to surpass.

The truth is that much of today's peace was bought at the price of war. This is not the time for beautiful philosophical thoughts. If we and our children want to live in a safer world, we must now go to war against the terrorists.