GENERAL:
Are you suggesting there’s no such thing as al-Qaida?
CLARK:
Can I speak freely, sir?
GENERAL:
(rolls his eyes) Go on.
CLARK:
Qaeda is not as an organization we can target in any meaningful way.
GENERAL:
OK, they’re a slippery target, but they sure as hell have us in their sights and are a clear and present danger.
CLARK:
Not really, sir.
GENERAL:
(incredulous) Excuse me, Lieutenant?
CLARK:
Statistically terrorists kill less people than the flu.
GENERAL:
Because we haven’t given them the opportunity.
84