Posted on 09/11/2003 8:07:38 AM PDT by Ex-Dem
Two years ago today. It has been two years since that fateful day when the world realized the extent of our vulnerability. A cowardly terrorist group, too fearful to meet us on the battlefield, attacked and killed thousands of innocent Americans. They enraged a gentle giant the United States of America.
We are no longer a nation protected by the oceans. Technology has given our enemies the ability to strike anytime, anywhere. No amount of the already-intrusive security measures will make a difference. The only thing that will prevent more attacks is a policy of retaliation.
It is now, more so than ever, that we need a strong military to belong where we are engaged. Despite this realization, many are still anti-war. Are you willing to give up your rights to foreign invaders because you are too scared to fight?
I, for one, am proud of the work the Bush administration has done over the past two years. Let us not kid ourselves; no one wants to be engaged in a war, certainly one thats unpopular. Despite the difficulty in recent months of the war on terrorism, I am happy to see that we will not waiver in our fight. Not only is this war for our rights as Americans, but it also will serve to help others achieve rights as well.
Speaking of rights, who ultimately has given us our most basic rights? Sure the easy answer is the U.S. Constitution. But you have to look at who defends the Constitution.
The very group whom many of you love to attack, the military, has given you that right to protest; at least show some respect. If you cant show respect, at least show some professionalism. I found the behavior of a certain professor last year, ironically acting unprofessionally, very disturbing.
For some reason, he was so angry about our nation going to war, he found screaming at the armed forces recruiting station to be the best remedy. Surely with a Ph.D. you can find a more efficient way of protesting the war, perhaps by writing to your representative or the president himself. Why focus your attention on the military? Keep this in mind the next time you polemics that plague college campuses decide to protest again.
Remember where your rights come from, said Sgt. Father Dennis Edward OBrien, USMC.
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
Dont let the politicians use this war to divide our nation by using it as evidence on why to vote for one candidate over another. That is exactly what they are doing. Can you honestly tell me that every Democrat is against the war while the Republicans are thirsting for more blood? That is the way it is being portrayed.
I agree, it is sad to see each day that another soldier has died in this conflict; one recently from my hometown was killed. However, we must show that we will not retreat at the first sign of trouble.
To tell you the truth, Im amazed we havent had another major terrorist attack since Sept. 11. But there is a reason I feel we havent; we have shown that those who attack us will face our wrath. Along with that threat, weve taken severe action to rid the planet of those people.
Had former President Bill Clinton pursued terrorism with more authority like President George Bush, Sept. 11 might not ever have happened.
Remember the explosion of the USS Cole? Reports of the attack pointed to Osama Bin Laden and his al-Qaida terrorist group. What was done in retaliation for this blatant act of war?
Nothing. Nothing was done.
A group of militant men had the audacity to approach a U.S. war ship and carry out their cowardly attack which led to the death of 17 sailors. Because of our lax approach to this event, the terrorist felt it was proper time to launch a full-scale attack; this is why Sept. 11 occurred.
Dont hold President Bush accountable for the war; he isnt the one who started it.
To prevent more attacks we must see this war to the end. Do not let the media or any political party sway your votes by means of war.
Remember the events from two years ago; perhaps then you might understand why we are at war. Is the attention span of our nation that short that weve already forgotten?
Whatever your feelings are about this, aim them at the leadership of our nation, not at the brave men and women trying to prevent another devastating attack on our way of life.
Remember that our armed forces are working to protect our rights as well as our lives.
Even if you disagree with their mission, at least respect their devotion to your way of life. The next time you are spitting on the flag or burning it through protest, remember who gave you that right.
Amen! Thank you, E.D.! This one's a keeper. Mass e-mailing to the press today.
And to whoever needs it tomorrow.
Freepers contributed some good, easy ways to help the troops here, too:
8 Letters, Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker ["The ideal size is a shoebox"]
See posts #15, 23, 34 and 41 especially.
Thanks for caring, bandleader.
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