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Awakening a Sleeping Giant
self | 11 September 2001 | Dave Dilegge

Posted on 09/11/2001 11:42:15 AM PDT by VaMarVet

On 7 December 1941, a Japanese fleet of aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and submarines conducted a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. American casualties were 2,330 killed and 1,145 wounded.

On 11 September 2001, a terrorist fleet consisting of 4 highjacked commercial airliners and possibly a car bomb conducted a surprise attack on New York City, Washington D.C., and the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. American casualties are still to be determined but are estimated to surpass 10 thousand.

Imperial Admiral Yamamoto, who conceived, designed and promoted the Pearl Harbor attack, cautioned against a war with the United States. Having twice held naval attaché positions within the Japanese embassy in the U. S. Capitol, he knew well the industrial strength, material wealth and temperament of the United States. Overruled by his superiors, he dedicated his efforts as Commander in Chief of the Imperial Combined Fleet to a successful attack. Upon completion of the attack he is quoted as saying "We have awakened a sleeping giant and have instilled in him a terrible resolve".

The Pearl Harbor attack, a dastardly deed for sure, was targeted against military installations and vessels. The terrorist attack this morning was targeted against civilians in New York and Government installations and personnel in the D.C. Metro area. It is time that the "Sleeping Giant" once again awaken from its slumber as today's events were nothing less than an act of war.

Like World War II, this war means nothing less than our national survival should we fail and must be prosecuted as such.

This means no middle ground for our allies and the United Nations - support us wholeheartedly or suffer the loss of our friendship, defense capabilities and the economic benefits that go with a relationship with the world's only superpower and most benevolent nation.

This means no quarter given to any country or organization that provides safe haven, logistic, intelligence, moral or other support to terrorist groups and individuals. Such support must be considered an act of war and responded to in kind.

This means no leeway for failure by our civilian and military leaders. When our national survival is at stake careerists need to find other work. Our Republic needs its true statesmen, warriors and patriots to lead this fight - anything less than a passionate devotion is not acceptable.

This means no pandering to U.S. special interest groups or other domestic organizations or individuals who might still believe that there is a United Nations, other international consensus, or politically correct solution to prosecuting this war.

This means no pandering to the media and public opinion polls. In total war the most popular often are the most defeated. Our leadership has some tough decisions to make and our prayers should be with them.


TOPICS: Editorial; News/Current Events
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To: Kosh
I think they did it today because

today's date is 911.

41 posted on 09/11/2001 1:42:49 PM PDT by Nitro
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To: Coop
Thoughts...
42 posted on 09/11/2001 1:45:55 PM PDT by VaMarVet
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To: Dave Dilegge
The Pentagon is a legitimate military target to an enemy that has declared war upon us. Bin-Laden HAS declared war on the US in the past...we just brushed it off and chose to ignore it. This is not terrorism anymore, it is WAR!
43 posted on 09/11/2001 2:02:59 PM PDT by NeonKnight
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To: ChuckR163
Consider first: a formal declaration of war would only start a war with Palestine and all their allies. And you know those nutcase Muslims would use chemical/bio weapons if they went to war. And they'd try to get them to the US too (and would probably succeed due to poor US security).

Palestine? I don't think they are the culprits. Try Bin-Laden or some other Saudi sponsered snake. All Arabs are not one, just as all Caucasions are not one and all Asians are not one and all Latinos are not one. We need Arab allies to help us deal with this situation.

Be aware of your enemies, but do not let fear defeat you. If you fear a weapon of theirs, do not recoil in terror. Find it and destroy it.

44 posted on 09/11/2001 2:19:42 PM PDT by NeonKnight
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To: FlyVet
Likely access to the four hijacked planes was by food service personnel and their virtual unfettered freedom. Many are undocumented immigrants. They could have placed key weapons on board and passenger security would be effectively and easily compromised. No doubt the FBI, etc. are now examining passenger lists as well as service company payrolls. Yet 8-10 men with fake ID, four of whom could drive a 757 (same cockpit as 767)could manage this triage.
45 posted on 09/11/2001 2:31:17 PM PDT by masadaman
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To: Redbob
"...those nutcase Muslims would use chemical/bio weapons if they went to war."
And how would they deliver those weapons? By camel?

No, they would put it in a briefcase, take a cab ride to the base of a skyscraper, ride the elevator up to the top, then spray it off the top floor observation deck.

*THINK*, man.

Nuclear weapons can be "delivered" the same way. You don't need a missile to detonate a nuke in the middle of a city.

46 posted on 09/11/2001 2:32:19 PM PDT by Dan Day
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To: Redbob
"...those nutcase Muslims would use chemical/bio weapons if they went to war."
And how would they deliver those weapons? By camel?

No, they would put it in a briefcase, take a cab ride to the base of a skyscraper, ride the elevator up to the top, then spray it off the top floor observation deck.

*THINK*, man.

Nuclear weapons can be "delivered" the same way. You don't need a missile to detonate a nuke in the middle of a city.

47 posted on 09/11/2001 2:32:27 PM PDT by Dan Day
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To: Dave Dilegge
Isn't this the anniversary of Black September?
48 posted on 09/11/2001 2:53:20 PM PDT by Bryan
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To: Dave Dilegge
Brilliant piece, Dave. I'm glad I know ya. Thanks.
BTW, I was just about to get on the 14th St. Bridge, and right next to the Pentagon when I heard the explosion. I looked left in time to see the fireball. My beloved country has changed forever.
49 posted on 09/11/2001 3:32:32 PM PDT by leadpenny
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To: leadpenny
D - good to hear you are fine - my boss cannot be accounted for yet.
50 posted on 09/11/2001 3:46:56 PM PDT by VaMarVet
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To: Bryan
I heard that today is the 21st anniversary of the Camp David Accords. I suspect the 911 is merely a coincidence. Now, let's nuke 'em until they and the sands around them are nothing more than warm green glass. (Isn't green glass what ya get after nukin' 'em 'til they glow? :)
51 posted on 09/11/2001 3:56:20 PM PDT by Dirty Digit
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To: FlyVet
Welcome America to the real world. A few years ago my wife and I were flying from Frankfurt to Istanbul for a tour. Plabe were scheduled to leave at 10:)). We were asked to get off and bussed to another terminal waiting room to waiting. I knew things were serious wehn we rounded a corner and a German policeman was standing with weapon at the ready. We then went through a search. Six hours later we left. An AF wife(Turkish) with a cell phone learned from her husband that they had found a bomb aboard. It was planted by a terrorist group trying to get at the Turkish government. That's the nature of the beast.
52 posted on 09/11/2001 4:17:59 PM PDT by RobbyS
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To: Night Hides Not
From my experience, New Yorkers aren't fazed by much, and the city will be up and running again before you know it.

I live across the river and went out and met many survivors (one old co-worker came in a bar I was at). Most were first concerned with getting word home that they were O.K., second with getting home. Some, such as my former co-worker were trying to get into New York. After a beer, most were more angry than anything else. Many were witness to flaming people jumping twenty, thirty, or more floors to their deaths.

Anger, disbelief, and a resolve to pick up the pieces were the dominant emotions.As much as I tend to disagree with the majority of New York City area people, today, I was very proud of each and every one I met.

53 posted on 09/11/2001 4:39:59 PM PDT by StriperSniper
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To: Dave Dilegge
Excellent post, sir.

But (there is that but) who do we declare war against as some here suggest? Modern state isn't equipped to fight barbarians the way that the Roman empire fought them. Modern state wants to deal with another state, Geneva Convention, Marquis of Queensberry Rules, Miranda Rights, innocent until proven guilty, etc. We are fighting modern, highly mobile barbarians not necessarily associated or supported by any state. In fact it isn't unlikely they finance their activities through sales of that white nose powder to the Hollywood beautiful people. How to fight them?

54 posted on 09/11/2001 4:54:34 PM PDT by Revolting cat!
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To: Dave Dilegge
It is 9:00pm EST and still.................the SLEEPING GIANT..........SLEEPS!!
55 posted on 09/11/2001 4:58:13 PM PDT by PISANO
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To: Bisesi
FOX news has been turned on on channel 205 to ALL DISH network customers!
56 posted on 09/11/2001 5:03:59 PM PDT by doglot
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To: Britton J Wingfield
This may de-hyphenate some people. I sure hope so.

Wait and see. I hope so too, but sometimes have been afraid that it's too late.

However, I grew up in the pre-WW2 era, and think back to the fact that the US was badly divided then. There were virulent pro- and anti-German groups, for example.

But Pearl Harbor ended that division. And maybe, as horrible as this day has been, the World Trade Center will unite us and remove some of the hyphens.

57 posted on 09/11/2001 5:07:03 PM PDT by Ole Okie
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To: Pray4USA
AMEN P.... :((
58 posted on 09/11/2001 5:31:23 PM PDT by 4TheFlag
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To: Dave Dilegge, GunsareOK, kristinn, The Glaswegian
I'm now teaching "learning disabled" math to high school students (mostly Juniors), mostly of which are not mentally disabled. Most of these kids, for whatever reason (home life, discipline, attitude) just don't want to do the work.

I REFUSE to pass these kids! I say, if they flunk and don't graduate high school, SEND 'EM TO THE ARMY. President Bush, bring back military conscription to build our national defense and shape our youth.

My solemn prayers go to those who were harmed by todays events as well as their families. Keep the faith everyone. America is still the envy of the world and the land of FREEDOM!!
- Godspeed

59 posted on 09/11/2001 5:32:44 PM PDT by Rockinfreakapotamus (FIGHT LIKE A BRAVE !!!)
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To: Dave Dilegge
The terror of today is the direct result of the loose immigration policy that has allowed thousands of Islamic militants to enter this country. Rid us of Arab and moslem immigrants NOW!
60 posted on 09/11/2001 5:33:14 PM PDT by imperator2
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