Posted on 09/13/2001 5:36:07 PM PDT by JRadcliffe
Tuesday, millions of Americans awakened to find the nation at war, attacked by barbarians who targeted innocent civilians. This senseless slaughter of human life was reprehensible, and must be denounced by all civilized peoples. For the moment, we can only share our grief and our condolences with those who lost family and friends.
In our grief, we must remember our responsibilities. Congress has an obligation in this constitutional republic to preserve freedom and provide for national security. Sadly, our security measures were not adequate to prevent Tuesday's tragedy. We must be willing to honestly examine our policies, and change those that weaken our national security.
When we retaliate for this horror we have suffered, we must be certain that we punish only those who are guilty. There is an understandable sense of urgency in the nation, a sense that Congress should take action immediately. However, we must not kill innocent civilians in our rush to retaliate against those truly responsible.
Times of tragedy and war naturally bring out strong emotions in all of us. Yet we must be careful to preserve personal liberty and privacy rights in the months ahead. Sometimes the people are only too anxious to sacrifice their constitutional liberties during a crisis, hoping to gain some measure of security. Yet nothing would please the terrorists more than if we willingly gave up some of our cherished liberties because of their actions.
We can all pray for peace and ask for God's guidance during these troubling times. I know that our President, our congressional leaders, and all Americans possess the wisdom and compassion required to resolve this devastating crisis.
LET FREEDOM RING!
We are at war. Avoiding killing innocent civilians should not be our number one concern. Collateral damage in war time is unavoidable.
I agree. That is why, a couple of days before nuking Medina, I would issue a warning that in 2 days, Medina will be nuked; and if anybody doesn't like it, Mecca will be next. That way, innocent civilians need not "see the light"; but if they'd rather not leave, then let the rags fall where they may.
However, I do understand Mr. Paul's concern, but I just don't think it will be feasible.
It's number two.
But worrying about civilian death is a distant number two to destroying terrorists and the leaders of countries who sponsor them.
Even the Pope didn't say a word in his message to Bush about retribution. He knows this must be avenged.
Sinkspur - my thoughts exactly. Sent the following to Ron a few moments ago:
Well Ron - you lost me on this one. In fact, for you of all people to utter such, just blows my mind. War is Hell! And there is going to be collateral caualties - there always are. The American public just found out first hand. But, if you want to join the ranks of Jimmie Carter - count me out!!!!!!!
Sorry but I rarely trust the word of government. I know I'm not going to trust someone I don't even know.
Protecting our Bill of Rights throughout this time, is not a wasted effort, nor is it something we can afford to take for granted. History has shown us that governments will generally use times of crisis to permanently remove the liberties of its citizens.
While I support the president, I have seen the liberties the US Government is willing to take in order to provide "security" -- for GOVERNMENT.
We must be vigilant!
It has been my personal experience that many of those who claim to be conservative and pro-life are generally heartless socialists.
It is wrong for the "mother" to murder her unborn child, but it is PERFECTLY OK for their beloved government to MURDER innocent children as long as it is to further the aims of the US Government.
I can hardly stomach it when people start talking about leveling the Near East or destroying an entire country of civlians.
Besides that fact that NO PRO-LIFE individual could EVER advocate such things, the devastation the US would incur for such senseless slaughter would place us in far greater danger down the road.
The only way the US could possibly respond to this even greater threat would be to suspend our Constitution -- so these people are actually advocating the destruction of this nation as we know it, when followed to its logical conclusion. But then that's another thing I've noticed about some of the seething, self-righteous posters -- they don't think two seconds past their pontifications!
The fact is, choice has been narrowed for us: Become boot-lickers or retaliate. Retaliation cannot be done surgically. Clinton tried that, it didn't work. We have no choice. Ron Paul does us a disservice to pretend that we have options which can spare innocent lives, and to try to instill guilt (as you are also trying to do).
If we don't kill them, they are going to kill us. And the bad guys aren't wearing special badges so that we can pick them out in a crowd.
No I don't. I am former military and I understand all too well that many Near and Middle Eastern countries place strategically important targets in the middle of highly populated areas.
My "gripe" here is the advocation of total destruction, which some posters have made. Many civilians in the Middles East are themselves oppressed. We have provided a safe harbour for many of these people, precisely because we are a GOOD nation. This frenzied hatered is hiding that aspect of our better selves.
One thing is absolutely certain -- the United States is reaping what it has sown. It is only too bad that ONCE AGAIN, our sons will have to pay the price. We must rethink our foreign policy and soon.
I understand EXACTLY what you mean. Gee, I thought I was alone in my feelings. It's nice to know there are others.
I will pray for you. Please pray for me.
Your fellow American.
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