Wednesday, September 19, 2001

In this war on terrorism, there will not be a single easily identifiable enemy. We may be unaware of the enemy if he or she is around us. As long as the enemy is out there, there will be more attacks.

The media has likened this terrible attack to the attack on Pearl Harbor. I disagree. This attack is intrinsically worse. There has never, in the history of America, been an attack of this nature and proportion. The attack on the World Trade Center was an attack on both innocent civilian citizens and the economy of America. It was an attempt to undermine our nation through economic ruin and fear.

The attacks have pushed us into a war with an enigmatic enemy that will undoubtedly challenge our ability define the battlefield. This war may last longer and create more of a challenge to our nation than any other. Our determination and strength as a nation united will help us through this.

As the nations of the world must unite against terrorism, so must the American people. Now is the time for all Americans to unite together as we never have before. It is time to look beyond our differences in religion, color, ideology, or race. It is time to accept all Americans as brothers and sisters united against a common foe. United together and drawing on these strengths and abilities, we are stronger, smarter, and more capable than any individual.

To this effect, we must temper our reactions in dealing with our neighbors, whether they live in California or Fayette County. We must try to understand and respect each other. As a nation and a people, we must stand strong for each other and in the eyes of the world.

Any retribution by private citizens or groups will only exacerbate the problem and serve to divide us when we need to join together for strength and support. An attack on a mosque, on our fellow citizens or on visitors in the United States could easily become a tragedy if we make enemies of our own people and of potential international allies. Those of us who would dare to attack our own should be dealt with severely by the authorities. Internal strife only advances the terrorists' aims and denies us unity and strength.

Each time you fail to act because of fear, you give in to the terrorists and further their objectives. It is what the terrorists count on and is the first step in handing them an easy victory. It is easy to keep your children home from school or call in sick because you are afraid tragedy will strike again. It is very hard to go on in the face of fear, to continue knowing that you or your family member may face danger, but that is what true heroes do. We must go on with our lives with some modifications. There are specific actions we can take to increase our personal security and make us less desirable as targets for terrorists. The most important is to be aware and alert at all times.

We, as citizens of the greatest country on Earth, must stand together, strong, prepared and unyielding. We cannot tolerate attacks against our people within our own borders or abroad. With God's blessing and the faith, respect, perseverance and commitment of all Americans we can face the enemy united among ourselves and with the world's nations. We will defeat our enemies through unity and vigilance. God bless America and her children.

Angela Walk

Fayetteville

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