War on Terrorism

My opponent states: First why would the U.S. want to spend billions of dollars. The nazis were just an idea and the U.S. stopped them didnt they. Passing anti-Muslim laws may reduce terrorism. First, allow me to make a distinction between ideas and forces. The US did not stop Nazism, it never stopped it, there are still Neo-Nazis today. They stopped the German military under Hitler, who were operating under the ideology of Nazism. You can't kill/destroy an idea. You can kill/destroy military forces that use that idea. Terrorists are, in most cases, not a single, allied force, but can be anyone. Anyone. Secondly, I don't believe passing anti-Muslim laws will reduce terrorism. Firstly, before any of the Muslim-terrorist controversy, this a clear denial of the first amendment, in the Constitution. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." People clearly have a right to the freedom of religion. The Supreme Court has declared such laws unconstitutional, and yet you want to bring them back. I am not calling you evil, nor bad, nor a terrible person. From a logical, non-sentimental perspective this is in conflict with the First Amendment, therefore the Constitution, and furthermore against the very principles of our country, democracy, etc. In addition, you are suggesting there is a direct correlation between the Islam faith and terrorism. The jihadist terrorists are to Islam as the KKK or the WBC are to Christianity: they are a small, extreme minority. Islam is, in fact, a peaceful God-worshipping religion that preaches love and peace. The fundamental Muslim laws this legislation is banning in no way incite violence against people of opposing religions. Such laws are an example of the bigotry and religious intolerance this "war on terror" encourages. If we are to eliminate terrorism, we as Americans must first learn about it. How many Americans really understand what terrorism is, how many really understand the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, why we are there. How many Americans understand the Muslim faith? Probably very few. You cannot speak badly of a religion based on what you hear from pundits and bigots. Islam does not encourage violence at all. In fact, here is a quote from it: "O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know and honor each other (not that you should despise one another). Indeed the most honorable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous." Chapter 49, Verse 13 Sources: http://www.religioustolerance.org... http://www.usconstitution.net... ' So my conventions are basically: 1) Such a "war on terror" encourages relgious bigotry and hatred. 2) Such a war is very costly, and not beneficial enough to outweigh negatives (cost, civiliand deaths, etc.) 3) Americans have a warped view of what a "terrorist" is. You gotta know the enemy. 4) Terrorism is an idea, not associated solely with any country or group. You cannot declare war on it and win. If you want to stop terrorism, start in America. More security, more safety is essential. This does not mean restricting freedom of speech, religion, etc. thank you