Stand Tall America

To the Editor:

There is nothing so profound as a humbling experience that shakes the very essence of our existence and the society in which we live. The tragic events of last Tuesday which have demonstrated very effectively how small our world actually has become leaves me with a sense that our country is totally naked and exposed to an unknown evil.

Having traveled extensively throughout the world, I am brutally aware of the cultural differences between the modern world and its opposite; the world of ignorance, despair and fanaticism. The state of mind of the people who have blindly followed the directions of hatred and moral depravity is unfathomable by people from our world. Yet it exists and numbers thousands as its converts. Its roots may be religious but its motives and intents are always driven by a burning hatred of a despot or self-appointed tyrant.

In the minds of these people, the universe has already been defined and reported. There is no tolerance for differences of opinion or freedom of thought. The very symbols of our pride, our achievement, our advancement, these are the endeavors that offend these simple minds. Unfortunately, New York’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon became the focus and targets of this terrible plot.

That innocent people would suffer the wrath of such uncaring spite is part of the mentality we have to face. Finding and eradicating these scourges of humanity wherever they live must be the focal point of our government’s ongoing efforts to protect our democracy. If we give in to the presence of evil and change our comfortable way of life, then we will have capitulated.

With the resources of this country and its allies, we can accomplish anything we determine that we want to do. The plan should be very straightforward. Identify the enemy, cut off their money, isolate them from their supporters, blockade their supplies, jam their communications, destroy their safe havens and eliminate their leaders. When you kill the head, the body will wither and die.

America and the rest of the modern world must stay united and strong. The alternative is unthinkable.

Barry Piesner

34 Alpine Drive, Sandy Hook                                      September 15, 2001