"Catchy American War Title Here"

First, I am writing to express my sorrow and grief to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. I can not imagine the fear, confusion, and sense of helplessness you must feel right now, but I hope you will remember (now and always) that a nation grieves with you. Now is the time to turn to family, friends, and neighbors to find the comfort you need.

Many people have been waiting for what happened yesterday. Not the attack itself, but an act of terrorism larger than anything this country and its citizens have ever seen. We knew that Oklahoma City was a small sample of what was waiting outside our borders and we knew that it had to come eventually. Unfortunately, those expectations were proven yesterday, September 11, 2001 (9-11). A group of approximately 12-24 terrorists hijacked two American Airlines and two United Airlines jumbo jets with the sole intent of crashing them into American buildings. Two of those plans crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third plane was destroyed when it crashed into the south side of the Pentagon. A fourth plane was crashed in rural eastern Pennnsylvania. A total of 266 people were killed in the plane crashes alone, already making it the deadliest terrorist act on U.S. soil. Unfortunately, the death toll does not end there.

*For a complete chronology of events up to 36 hours after the initial crash, visit http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/09/12/wednesday.chronology/*
At approximately 8:48am EST, American Airlines Flight 11 (Boeing 767) crashed into Tower 1 (North Tower) of the World Trade Center. 15 minutes later, United Airlines Flight 175 (Boeing 767) was piloted into Tower 2 (South Tower) of the World Trade Center, nearly cutting the top floors of the building off as it was projected all the way through the Tower. At 9:43am, American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the south side of the Pentagon, and evacuations began immediately. At 10:05am, the Tower 2 collapses entirely and blankets everything with a cloud of dust and debris. At 10:10am, United Airlines Flight 93 plummets into a rural area of eastern Pennsylvania in Somerset County. Also at 10:10am, the damaged portion of the Pentagon collapses. And finally at 10:28am, Tower 1 collapses having a similar effect as Tower 2. These events were so close together, and all involving four hijacked planes - someone put time, effort, and money into creating the ultimate American disaster.

As soon as these events began to unfold, the question in most minds around the world was, "Who's responsible?" Most "mental fingers" pointed at one man - Usama bin Laden. The mastermind of the embassy bombings in Africa, the failed attempts to bomb LAX and other targets during the millennium celebrations, and the World Trade Center bombings in 1993. And thus far, all evidence has pointed to members of his organization. If it is finally proven that he and his organization, al-Queda, are responsible for these horrific attacks, what do we do? I've heard everything from assassination to nuclear strikes. The CIA and FBI are very aware of his assets, terrorist cells, associates, and approximate location. I recommend that we first demand that the Taliban government hand him over IMMEDIATELY. With or without their compliance, we should declare war on Afghanistan and any other nation which has given residence or any form of aid to bin Laden. If they do not comply, we should ABSOLUTELY and UNABASHEDLY destroy anything he owns and if that includes his clothing (with him in them), so be it. I am against the death penalty, but I do believe that we should respond to his actions as though they came from any sovereign nation. A legal declaration of war from Congress against "the land, assets, and person of Usama bin Laden".

If it is found, although at this point it is highly unlikely, like the attacks were not organized by bin Laden, than the same response should be implemented. If it was a government/nation responsible, than the response should be no different than Pearl Harbor - declare war on that nation and destroy it. If the masterminds were another terrorist organization, than we not only decimate that organization (members and assets), but we also declare war on any nation supporting that organization. I believe the terrorists responsible for this murderous act gravely under estimated American resolve, character, and willingness to do whatever is necessary to reap justice. I also believe that they underestimated the international community's level of support that is so strongly being shown. These underestimations will be the cause of the terrorists demise and I can't wait to see it happen.

So far, President Bush has done an excellent job in handling the varied and overwhelming responsibilities involved in the recovery and retaliation efforts that now stand before us as a nation. Mayor Rudy Giuliani (New York City) and Governor George Pataki (New York) have also done fantastic jobs in taking care of New Yorkers. All of these leaders deserve the full support of Americans everywhere and, at least, a good pat on the back for their efforts. It has been very nice to see both houses of Congress put aside their differences for once and rally for a good cause.

Before I conclude, I want everyone to keep something in mind. The United States of America was founded on a principle of religious freedom. Many of your ancestors came to this country because they were persecuted in their homelands for what they believe. If it is found that the terrorists were Islamic, don't turn that fact into an ugly lie applied to all people of the Muslim faith. Understand that Islam (and their holy book - the Koran) view suicide and murder as horrible sins against Allah. They are not preached! To stereotype all Muslims as murders and terrorists would lead to saddening and inaccurate perceptions about a wonderful people. Remember that Christians have killed MILLIONS in the "name of Jesus" throughout history. Should we be suspect of all Christians and Catholics because of the Crusades, the Inquisition, or the bombings and murder in Northern Ireland? Of course not. Fanatics are extremists and should not be seen as representations of any people. Please do not jump to any conclusions, stereotypes, or racist attitudes. This is a tough time for all Americans and if we lose the ideals of freedom we cling so strongly to, then we have let the terrorists win.

I originally planned a very lengthy and detailed editorial piece with chronologies, maps, images, links, etc. However, there has been so much occuring minute-by-minute that keeping up is difficult. Therefore, below you will find links to sources of information and imagery you may find useful. I urge you to please help in the relief/aid efforts any way you can. You can make an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543). The Red Cross is also accepting financial donations. You can visit their website at www.redcross.org.

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