One nation under God!
If there can be any good found in last week’s horrific terrorist attack on New York City and the Pentagon it must be that America turned toward God and to each other in a time of shared grief.
We saw first-hand the face of evil and we didn’t like it. Not in the history of our nation has an enemy taken so many lives on our own soil at one time.
Our fast food nation that expects to be fed in 30 seconds or less, ground to a standstill. Americans were glued to their TV sets for days peering over the shoulders of the thousands of rescue workers with the hope that even one more victim would be found alive.
American flags were sold as fast as they could be made. Red, white and blue ribbons were worn by young and old alike. Car and truck antennas sported old glory flapping at 60 miles an hour.
“God bless America” signs popped up in every community in America…yes, even on government buildings.
President Bush led the way, often repeating that message as a prayer for the fallen and a symbol of hope for those attempting to save them.
Students repeated the Pledge of Allegiance. Communities like Sweet Home lit candles, held hands, prayed together and cried together.
We were amazed at the number of direct connections between Sweet Home families and those in New York or Washington, D.C. proving that we are indeed “one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
Those responsible for this terrible tragedy must be brought to justice. A sleeping giant has finally been awakened and must now stand united in a worldwide effort to drag terrorists out of the dark and into the light. It is long overdue.
This may well mean sacrifice on the part of many Americans. Some of our conveniences, such as airport check in, may be hampered. None of our sacrifices can compare to that of those killed Sept. 11 or their valiant rescuers.
It may mean forming an international special police force whose mission is attacking terrorism.
It is gratifying to see foreign countries so concerned about America at this time. Quite often we are forgotten unless we’re handing someone a check.
In tracking down those responsible we must not lose our own moral compass, our own soul through an attack that would kill more innocent persons than guilty.
That is just what terrorists like Osama Bin Laden want from us. To lower our value of human life to his level. In doing so we would again allow him to succeed. We must not do that.
A.P..