Can the recent tragedy on our own shores teach us empathy for all people?

Who does not agree that the perpetrators of the horrible acts of last Tuesday must be stopped and punished? But more is necessary to combat terrorism. Feelings of injustice, disregard, deprivation, and humiliation are significant roots of terrorism. When people with deep grievances are unable to get any kind of redress, a breeding ground for terrorism exists. Such people will not necessarily turn to terrorism. They may turn against each other or even against their families. Or they may simply suffer.

But the possibility of taking action in their own behalf or the behalf of their family or group will be very appealing. And violent actions are often framed by “leaders,” whatever the leaders' motives, as expressions of higher ideals, such as the welfare of their people, serving justice, or the will of God. People in pain and others who identify with them can replace helplessness with a sense of meaning and purpose by striking out against those they see as their enemies, or the enemies of these higher ideals.

I believe the United States is a special target for terrorism for several reasons. One is that many people see some of our actions as a nation and some of the actions of U.S. corporations as contributor to their own and others' suffering. Another is that we are a source of and a symbol of great changes in the contemporary world.