In last night’s Fox News debate, Ron Paul claimed that U.S. military activity (and in particular the bombing of Iraq for over a decade) contributed to the aggression against the U.S. on September 11th. Giulliani, who may have trademarked the term 9-11, was dumbfounded by the preposterousness of Paul’s claim and asked Paul to withdraw it.

But Rudy’s remarks indicate an astounding fact about the former Mayor: he is either shockingly ignorant or not very bright. And here’s why:
Osama Bin Ladin’s reason for attacking the U.S. is in writing in multiple places, and has been both before and after 9-11. A cursory reading of Bin Ladin’s Fatwa reveals the origin of his discontent.

It should not be hidden from you that the people of Islam had suffered from aggression, iniquity and injustice imposed on them by the Zionist-Crusaders alliance and their collaborators; to the extent that the Muslims blood became the cheapest and their wealth as loot in the hands of the enemies. Their blood was spilled in Palestine and Iraq. The horrifying pictures of the massacre of Qana, in Lebanon are still fresh in our memory. Massacres in Tajakestan, Burma, Cashmere, Assam, Philippine, Fatani, Ogadin, Somalia, Erithria, Chechnia and in Bosnia-Herzegovina took place, massacres that send shivers in the body and shake the conscience. All of this and the world watch and hear, and not only didn’t respond to these atrocities, but also with a clear conspiracy between the USA and its’ allies and under the cover of the iniquitous United Nations, the dispossessed people were even prevented from obtaining arms to defend themselves.

Ron Paul demonstrated knowledge of this fact, one which is so basic that any future President should know it. And one which, if known and remembered, could plausibly said to be Bin Laden’s reason for attacking the U.S. If Rudy hadn’t even considered this readily available reasoning, and–what’s more–demanded that it be retracted, I shudder to think what other self-evident bits of information he’d be stunned by in the White House. Although, a trend of either not knowing, forgetting, or not understanding key political or historical facts doesn’t mean you won’t be elected… twice.