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Posted on 10/01/2001 6:36:56 AM PDT by Master Zinja

For Monday, October 1, 2001

The First Battle Is Won - Now The Hard Part Begins

Master Zinja - The Free Republic

As the third week of the new reality draws to an end, the drumbeats of war seem closer than ever. The coming conflict is on everyone's mind, despite our best efforts to push the thought back and get on with our daily lives. Call it a case of war jitters, the first on a national scale in at least ten years, if not 60. At least in the Gulf, we had a good idea what and who we were up against, and had five months to prepare for the conflict. Now, not only do we not know exactly where the enemy is, this enemy could strike anywhere, anytime - even in the once seemingly impenetrable bastion of America.

However, if we have been at war since September 11, we have already waged - and won - the first real battle: the battle for the restoration of patriotism, pride and faith in America and democracy. Unfortunately, this may be the easiest battle we will face in the coming months and years.

Like any victory, the battle was not without loss and division. Thousands died in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, and the entire country seemed in shock for more than a week as the impossible became reality. Other forces tried to take advantage not only of our shock, but of our generosity as well, as scattered reports tell of looters at the World Trade Center and scam artists attempting to steal donations; however, these reports were mercifully few and far between.

Also, as expected, there has been a backlash at some colleges around the country as protesters have once again emerged to speak out and demonstrate against war in general or the killing of so-called innocents. While I, like many Americans, support the right to free speech and the airing of opposing views, these protesters need to learn rights also require responsibility and common sense. Now is not the time to cause division and chaos in America. We must stand together against the forces of evil in the world while recognizing a simple fact: barbarians and murderers only understand brutality, not diplomacy. Period. For you peach demonstrators, look up Neville Chamberlain or the images from three weeks ago to see how far diplomacy has gotten us against truly evil individuals. However unfortunate or sad it may be, however many innocents may die, the coming conflict will be the only reasoning these terrorists will understand, and the only way we as a nation can insure peace to our children and the world.

We have recovered sufficiently from the initial shock to see the best of our nature assert itself once again among us when we need it the most; on this front is where the first battle has been won. We have donated time, money and blood to the cause; our thoughts and prayers have been sent not for ourselves, bur for the victims and their families, the rescuers and our country in general. We have seen the best among us dive into burning buildings and smoldering rubble, and even into the fight not only for their own lives, but also for the lives of the nameless, faceless Americans thousands of feet below, unsuspecting of the terror approaching from high above Pennsylvania, averted by the bravest of people who have earned our everlasting gratitude and a special place in the life beyond.

If the goal of the terrorists was to cause division in America, with strife and chaos in our streets, it failed. The response of the American people to this attack thus far is a victory of spirit; the coming reprisal will reflect it. However, the war is far from over.

When the next attack comes, as it eventually must, we cannot waver in our resolve or spirit. The greatest accolade we can give to the brave souls who went before us is to carry on with our lives as normally as we can, heads held high against the darkness, carrying the spirit of America forward.

God Bless America.

Comments can be posted or e-mailed to: masterzinja@altavista.com

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