Meaning: The quote "We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly." by Bill Maher, a comedian and political commentator, reflects a controversial and thought-provoking perspective on the nature of bravery and cowardice in the context of military actions and acts of terrorism.

Maher's statement can be interpreted as a critique of the asymmetry of modern warfare, where powerful nations often engage in military interventions from a distance, using advanced technology such as cruise missiles to target their adversaries. In this context, Maher suggests that there is a sense of cowardice in the act of launching attacks from a safe distance, without directly facing the consequences of one's actions.

The reference to "staying in the airplane when it hits the building" is a direct allusion to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when hijackers crashed commercial airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. Maher's assertion that "staying in the airplane when it hits the building" is not cowardly is a provocative and contentious claim, as it challenges traditional notions of bravery and cowardice.

One possible interpretation of Maher's statement is that he is highlighting the willingness of the 9/11 hijackers to sacrifice their own lives in carrying out a horrific act of terrorism. From this perspective, Maher seems to be suggesting that while the actions of the terrorists were abhorrent, there is a certain twisted form of courage in being willing to die for one's cause, however misguided or malicious that cause may be.

It's important to note that Maher's comments have sparked intense debate and controversy, with many people vehemently disagreeing with his characterization of the 9/11 hijackers as not cowardly. Critics argue that Maher's statement fails to acknowledge the innocent lives lost in the attacks and the brutality of the terrorists' actions, and that labeling their actions as courageous is misguided and offensive.

On the other hand, some supporters of Maher's viewpoint argue that he is not condoning the actions of the terrorists, but rather challenging the audience to consider the complexities of bravery and cowardice in the context of warfare and terrorism. They suggest that Maher's intention may be to provoke critical thinking and discussion about the moral dimensions of military interventions and acts of terrorism.

In conclusion, Bill Maher's quote raises profound questions about the nature of bravery and cowardice in the context of military actions and acts of terrorism. While his comments have sparked controversy and criticism, they also serve as a catalyst for important conversations about the ethical and moral complexities of modern warfare and the motivations behind acts of terrorism. Maher's provocative statement challenges us to critically examine our preconceptions about courage and cowardice and to consider the broader implications of these concepts in the face of conflict and tragedy.