Those of us who work in human services try very hard to develop competency in the various cultures of those we serve.  Emphasis is always placed on being sensitive to the intricacies of their histories, religions, and traditions.  Heritage is of the greatest importance.  We can hope that this emphasis on understanding is mutual because it is what sets the groundwork for mutual communication that is mutually respectful of backgrounds and cultures. 

With most of our clients, the goal of learning effective ways to communicate with people from diverse cultures is to improve the ways in which services are delivered and received.  More broadly, however, effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds is just good sense.  Through good communication we learn people’s intent and they learn ours. In a diverse society we need to understand people and we need them to understand us. 

Dealing with terrorists is no different.  We need to understand their intent.  They need to understand ours.  We have learned that their intent is to kill anyone with whom they disagree.  We know that they will kill their own.  We know that they will kill civilians.  We know that they will do anything to destroy what they hate.  Most of all, we know that their overall goal is to destroy America.

Understanding must be a two way street. Islamic fascist/socialists have spoken with immense clarity.  Unfortunately, America has not been nearly as clear in communicating its intent as have the terrorists.  America has presented a divided voice.  This divided voice has not been lost on the terrorists.  They have come to see America as weak and as a nation that will no longer stand up for itself.  While we would hope that our willingness to enter into war in Iraq would counter this image of weakness, the constant anti-war, anti America voice coming from the left continues to convey weakness.  As during the Vietnam War, that voice has continued to lend hope to the enemy. 

America can end this if we develop cultural competency.  All Americans need to understand the terrorists and act appropriately.  It is time that our nation speaks with one voice in communicating its intent.  America must speak and act without hesitation.  Clarity must be met with clarity.  Force must be met with force.  This is what the Islamic fascist/socialists understand given their heritage.  Americans need to be culturally competent not only in delivering services to diverse peoples but in defending our nation.  Its only fair.