It's ironic that the very fact that we are a free society makes it so easy for
others to commit acts of terrorism against us. At the same time, those who
strike against us deny freedom to their own people. Oh, we could have military
guards at all the airports, train stations, state borders, etc. and require that
people carry travel papers, but then we would become them.
The price of freedom isn't cheap, and it isn't always paid in wars on foreign
soil. That's a terrible thing to realize, and it doesn't mean we won't respond,
but being free sometimes means being vulnerable.
Don't misunderstand me. I may sound like I'm being very unemotional and detached
about it all. Not true. I feel incredible outrage at the cowardice of those who
would attack civilian targets, especially taking innocent people to a horrible
death with them in the attacks. And I feel tremendous sorrow for all the victims
and their families and friends. And if whoever did this has any common sense,
they will be shaking in their boots right now. As one of the Japanese officials
said right after the attack on Pearl Harbor, "I fear all we have done is to
awaken a sleeping giant."
Gordon Glasgow
Renton, WA
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