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'A Sleeping Giant'
The events of this week have made
us realize that our lives can change at a moment's notice and that life will never be the same in the United States.
We all went home the night of Sept. 11 and hugged our loved ones a little tighter than usual. I want to take a
moment to compliment the Prince William County school system for keeping our children within the safe confines
of their schools while we parents tried to get home, and for providing little or no details on the day's events.
It is difficult for adults to understand what was happening, much less to try to explain this to a young child.
I would also like to commend the county police for making a very visible presence on the overpasses of Interstate
95 and for the scores of residents, young and old, waving American flags from overpasses and roadsides. After having
a very mind-numbing and traumatic day in Washington, I was overwhelmed when I saw people show their patriotism.
But we have some business that now needs to be taken care of. Neither the United States nor the world community
of free nations can tolerate terrorism and offensive threats. This is not just an act of terrorism against a few
symbols of democracy. Terrorist groups, cells and supporters declared war against the United States. The United
States, NATO and other independent nations must take swift and decisive action against any terrorist groups who
will deny us our basic freedoms -- life and liberty.
We must remove any future probability of terrorism against the freedom-loving nations of the world. There is significant
danger ahead -- danger against which we must prepare. No nation wants war, but we have fought wars before and this
cause is just.
The president of the United States will take decisive action. We must hit all terrorist groups and their sponsors
hard and often to break their resolve. As Americans, we can't take these actions lightly. Our actions will require
sacrifice. But sacrifice we must. Our actions will require courage and perseverance. Persevere we will, as the
images of Sept. 11 remain during our lifetime. Our task is not easy, but we have the courage to see this through.
Enemies in earlier times have made the mistake of assuming the United States was too soft, too divided, or lacked
the intestinal fortitude to strike back. That was, and still is, a grave mistake. An attack on the soil of the
United States is unconscionable. Sixty years ago, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto said after the attack on Pearl Harbor,
"We have awakened a sleeping giant and have instilled in him a terrible resolve." The United States is
awake and has a clear mind about what must be done -- and how it intends to do it. The United States will leave
no stone unturned and no place to hide.
Will there be nations that don't support us? Yes, and we must be prepared to do this alone. Nonsupportive nations
must be made to realize that there will be a price to pay, even if that price is the loss of millions of dollars
in U.S. government aid they may be receiving.
For more than 225 years, we Americans have rallied around our president in times of war and national tragedy. We
will do so again. Regardless of political affiliation, we are united and as Americans we will support and we will
stand behind President George W. Bush.
Jeffrey Guide
Dale City
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