What’s the link between terrorists and roaches?

Historian Larry Schweikart offered the answer during his Headliner Lecture today in Wilmington:

I see parallels throughout history. In 1879, the British invaded Zululand with a massive column. They headed straight for King Cetshwayo’s headquarters. They marched in a giant square. Their goal was not so much to get Cetshwayo’s headquarters as it was to draw out the Zulus in open battle — make them attack the British.

In World War II, we did the same thing. We put these bombers over Europe, and we drew out the Luftwaffe and shot them down in droves.

Folks, we’re doing the same thing in Iraq. Iraq is a roach motel. We set up a big roach motel. We’re drawing all of the terrorists from all around the world in, and we’re killing them in incredible numbers. You aren’t hearing this on the news. I’ve done my own calculations — just back-of-the-envelope stuff. I calculate we’ve already killed over 20,000 of these terrorists.

No, their supply is not endless. They are reaching the end of their rope, and very quickly.

Schweikart’s latest book is called America’s Victories: Why The U.S. Wins Wars and Will Win the War on Terror.

If you’d like to hear more about terrorists, roaches, or other elements of U.S. military history, C-SPAN2’s “Book TV” will broadcast Schweikart’s speech.

Stay tuned for updates from the John Locke Foundation about the broadcast schedule.