DEAR EDITOR:
The United States has declared war on terrorists and fanatics
who view life through the obscure lenses of religious distortion,
such as those terrorists who distort their religion’s true precepts
in order to gain broader support in their
”
Jihad
”
against America.
DEAR EDITOR:
The United States has declared war on terrorists and fanatics who view life through the obscure lenses of religious distortion, such as those terrorists who distort their religion’s true precepts in order to gain broader support in their “Jihad” against America.
The United States has embarked on a course of self defense for ourselves, (as well as others), girded with popular support and faith in the higher callings we pursue, i.e.: liberty, free enterprise, justice, free speech and freedom of religion, excluding the kind that declares “Jihad” against anyone who practices a different religion.
History attests to the fact that these ideals have never come without cost to those who pursue them. Early on in the rebuilding stage in Iraq, when the going got tough, we found in our midst those faint-hearted activists who cry out with loud voices and only focus on the difficulties. Their liberal, narrow view is supported by the journalists and commentators of the print and television media, the movie industry and a band of psuedo-intelligencia who seem to be dispossessed of the common sense held by even a 12 year old. Their cries of fear are seen and heard daily in the news.
Likewise, an ancient nomadic tribe of people, just delivered from slavery, led into the wilderness by Moses, cried out almost immediately, to return to Egypt and slavery, rather than endure the hardships that would lead them to the Promised Land.
Likewise, many in the colonial states, cried out in fear of the costs of war with England; they failed to see the vision too and preferred that we give up the fight. If only George Washington could see the Promised Land that he spawned.
Likewise, many revolutionists of the Soviet Union, cried out in their fears over the hardships they were, and still do, endure during the transition from Communism to a democratic government which promises, liberty, free enterprise, justice, freedom of speech and religion. Many still want to return to Communism.
Better for the faint-hearted to shore up their resolve with confidence and a dose of bravery. Americans do not need to apologize for pursuing these ideals. In fact, if we did nothing as we stand before Almighty God, we might have to explain to Him why we didn’t do something when he gave us the strength to stand in the way of evil doers and oppressors like terrorists and leaders like Saddam Hussein.
It’s time to take heart. U.S. generals in Iraq say great strides in rebuilding have taken place but they are not being reflected by the media. They, instead are drawn to the isolated pockets of disorganized discontents. They are not running into organized terrorist; even though the media intentionally portrays them as such.
The high principles we pursue are worthy of the cost and sacrifices and worthy of our hope. This is an American endeavor, let’s unite behind it.
Jim Langdon, Gilroy
Submitted Monday, June 23
