At home, the consequences of our singular reliance on a military response to the tragedies of 9-11 have been far-reaching. Our nation has yet to begin a meaningful, independent investigation of how and why the September 11 attacks occurred, information that is crucial for protecting us from similar attacks in the future. Our domestic problems—unemployment, inadequate health care, poor schools, and hunger—continue to grow, as does our military budget.

The war on terrorism does not put reality on hold. It is time to acknowledge that pursuing a military response in the absence of pursuing other options is an extravagantly expensive, wasteful and limited means of action. The real work begins when the bombs stop dropping.

Terrorism is portrayed as our greatest, newest problem. But it is also a symptom rooted in other, more familiar problems: Extremism. Militarism. Poverty. Racism. Ignorance. Inequality. Hatred. Hopelessness. Rage. We haven’t done enough to address them. And until we do, they will continue to announce their presence through violence and terrorism, in an increasingly desperate attempt to bring about change.

We believe it is time to stop dropping bombs and to start paying attention. To start asking difficult questions. To start listening to a multitude of voices. And to start exploring—and using—effective alternatives to war.