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YOU CAN HELP! jags - Tragedy in America

Will you help during a time of need?

As we try to comprehend the scope of Tuesday's tragedy, America's collective thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Here's what you can do to help:

American Red Cross needs financial and blood donations. Call yourlocal Red Cross chapter or 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. The Red Cross web site has been down periodically due to a large volume of concerned.
netizens, but may be accessible at: http://www.redcross.org

They are currently most in need of types O and RH negative blood.

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As a result of these acts of terrorism, it is about time that the U.S. Government change our focused responses to the terrorist sponsor nations that fund, train and provide asylum, instead of the terrorists themselves. Allowing the diplomats to focus on organizations, rather than sponsor nations, is treating the symptoms rather than the cause. Declare unlimited war on the offending sponsor nations, and will make the price of their terrorist sponsorship to terrible to contemplate!

James of Gridley, CA

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Of course failing to find a way to reach the President, we hope our message and those of others will get through somehow. If America cant resolve this problem for whatever reasons, then we should get out of Isreals way and cheer them on and get this scum off the earth! Retaliation is indeed called for and now!

Pat and Cynthia of Texas

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It is time that we all become Americans again. We cant afford to consider ourselves black, white, green or red. WE ARE AMERICANS. The tragedy that has occured today makes us realize just how spoiled we have become. We take our freedom for granted and if we are not careful and remember the past, we will lose it. Too many brave people have died for this country for us to take our freedom for granted. I hope to God that the cowards that carried out this attack realize that they have awaken a sleeping giant.

Bill
Proud to be an American
Williamsburg VA

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Sept. 11/Bubbas Legacy

It just dawned on me that Bill Clinton has been looking for a legacy. Today he got it! After 8 years of letting the world see us as weak and self absorbed ( self gratifying in his case), we have had a blow struck against us that is unimagineable.For every victim and family member of this horrific event, we should call it Bill Clintons Legacy. Remember the Monica bombings, used to divert attention, and basically ineffectual in their outcome. Remember the pulling out of our inspecters from Iraq. Remember the embassy bombings without retribution...Yes, Bill Clinton now has his legacy! It is now an unsafe world for not only Americans throughout the world. but for America! Eight years of ineffectual leadership and making a joke of the Presidency and of America... What a guy!!!!
Mario

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I hereby authorize the IRS to transfer my tax refund to an account that will create a reward for information leading to the identity of the terrorists who attacked our country today. Let all Americans donate whatever they can and create the largest reward fund in the history of the world. The size will be so great that even the terrorists closest allies will be tempted to turn them in. In fact I will double my contribution. Just be sure the money goes to the reward fund and not to fund some politicians next campaign. This is something tangible as opposed to talking it to death.

Dr Hester

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Arab School Children chanting " Death to Americans " and countless other threats and warnings against American Travelers--Our Government is preoccupied with in fighting, prevaricating, fornicating, etc--therefore incompetent in my view--Wake up Americans --The time for Toys and Games is over--Arab insanity is no longer an Idle threat--GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL THE DEAD AND INJURED IN NEW YORK AND THE PENTAGON--

Mildred

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Todays actions are an act of war. As soon as we we know who was involved we must take immediate action. The fact that civilians may be killed can not be a deterent to our response. It is unfortunate that innocents will be killed but it is a fact of war that citizens of waring countries are at risk due to the actions of their leaders. Any nation that participated in any way in this action should be delt with severly. Additionally actions should continue until we can declare total victory. Any plan, train, truck, camel, or mule attempting to enter or leave these countries should be delt with as combatents. Our enemies have always counted on our lack of resolve. WWII would have been a blip in history of we and our allies had recognized the danger to the world from Hitler. How long are you willing to put up with bullies hiding behind innocents because they know we will not shoot. Wake up and smell the camel dung!

Walsh

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The WTC attack is horrible,but I am not surprised.Ive felt this was coming sooner or later,I personaly felt it was going(and still possible) to be a nuclear terrorist type of attack.This has to become a wakeup call to our leaders.I am not a "doomsday"kind of person,I am a Vietnam veteren,and proud to have served.We need to identify the faction or factions responsible, locate them and eliminate them.If they are being protected by any foriegn goverment declare war on them and proceed with extreme predjudice.This attack well exceeds what Japan did at Pearl Harbor and any form of military response should be justified. GOD BLESS AMERICA!! I am 49yrs. old and would not hesitate to return to active duty,for the defense and honor of out great nation.I was not particularly enthused about the Vietnam war,but this is a matter of responding to an attack on American soil and should not be taken lightly.I hope that President Bush has the wisdom and resolve to deal with this crisis. My prayers, support, and patriotism go out to him and all his advisors. thank God that we do not have Al Gore dealing with this and/or Slick Willy.Will be intresting to see what form of garbage comes out of Hillarys mouth during this,or what kind of diversion to get publicity their way. The "democraps"had better rally along behind the president, with rest of the country ,on this one or it will bite them in the _ss.

yours sincerely,Larry from Texas

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A most horrific event that has happened to our nation with all the suffering and loss yet to be assessed. On MSNBC 9/11/01 at noon, Andrea Mitchell referenced to former president Reagan as being able to touchthe emotions of the people with his response to the challenger loss andformer president Clinton with his eloquent reponse to the cole loss oflife, then states a "less articulated president" might not be able to convey in same manner. Even in all this, she injects criticism.
Unbelievable!!!

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Do you think everyone will see that it may have been a bad idea for Bill Clinton to grant clemency to FALN terrorist members? Do Americans still feel the same way now about this policy?
RJ Thompson / Milwaukee, /WI

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As a former Canadian, for years I was concerned that Muslims and people from the middle east were being imported and retaining their own national identity. It seemed as though Canada was simply providing a place for them to expand. Perhaps a good location to enter the U.S. as American borders are not suspicious of Canadians.Will the U.S. have to seek more cooperation from Canada to control this? Has it already spriraled out of control?

John

 

It is amazing that after taking GOD out of our schools and many of our government buildings, etc. now the politicians are asking the nation to pray. We need to put GOD back where he belongs!!!!!

Sincerely,
Sylvia Taylor

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It is now time for America to go after now only murderers like Usama Bin Laden, but also those nations who aid and support him. I have no doubt that these include Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan and maybe even China. The United States needs to use our military power to the utmost to destroy these lunatics. Take off the kid gloves.

Brian

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I sent this letter to CNBC, but I thought you might be in accordance with my message - Tracey

To whom it may concern,

Amid the horror and devastation, people are trying to come to terms with the hows and whys of this tragedy. I personally, have never written a letter to a news agency before because Ive never felt this strongly about something. The last 24 hours has changed that.

This morning I turned on the news for an update on the terroristic attacks on our country. I see former President Clinton looking concerned and expressing his desire to help in any way. I felt an outrage inside of me like I have never felt before. During the 8 years in office, former President Clinton cut military funding and National Security funding in half. Our National Security office has been outspoken regarding our countrys vulnerabilities during this time. They made it clear that the lack of resources necessary for protecting our country will put our Nations security at risk. For 8 years, the Nation has had a hedonistic, immoral, ineffective president in power, and we are now suffering the results of his fancy.

In 1985 the FALN was prosecuted and sentenced to 37 years in prison. (The FALN was a terrorist organization responsible for 4 separate bombings in NYC during the early 80s.) However, these terrorists are no longer in prison. Do you know why? Because in 1999, President Clinton granted them clemency. He has single handedly done more to expose our country to danger than any terrorist organization could manage. Mr. Clinton, this morning you stated that you have cleared your schedule and are available to help in any way...well, quite frankly Mr. Clinton, the nation cannot withstand any more of your type of assistance.

I served my country as a United States Marine for 4 years, and 3 of those years I proudly worked in the Pentagon. My heart bled yesterday at the loss of life there and at the World Trade Center.

May God bless America,

Tracey

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I hope that some of the people start waking up to what you have been telling us for years.

If we dont give Israel the free hand to go ahead & do what they know is the only way to start putting an end to this crap, we are all heading down the slippery slope of doom! Those SEEDY little BASTARDS lie Osama & Yassar have to be stopped NOW!!! Thanks for the work that you do Rush to get the word out to those smart enough to listen. From a Korean Vet who KNOWS what the people in NYC are going through today & my Prayers are with them all!!!!

Clyde

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Are the liberal democrats using God for their convenience?

Harry Factor

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I have just failed to find an e-mail address for CNN to register a complaint about the reporting. I watched Tom Clancy yesterday get "ridiculed" by some female reporter. They just cant report or listen to the views of others if those views do not support the hunt for failures.

When do we make the press and attorney community responsible and accountable?

Dwain

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Last nite while watching Att.Gen Ashcroff i had to marvel at the providence of God in that he ensured that this country did not have to suffer the incompetence of Janet Reno during dire times such as this. Praise also to him for our President who will lead us through this despicable act of cowardace. God bless all you do.

Sincerely,
Billy

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I was listening to Norman Scharzkopf on MSNBC this morning, pontificating on the need for a "measured response", and "surgical strikes" against terrorists. My personal feeling is that we need a very disproportionate response, and I would like to do the surgery with a meat axe.

We know that Afghanistan, for one, supports and harbors terrorists, and that makes them culpable in my view. I may not know where Osama Bin Laden is hiding, but I do know where Kabul is, which makes it possible to deliver an unmistakable message about the price of declaring war on America. I donot know what the President will do, but the only mistake he can make in my opinion is to show restraint. No retaliatory action can be so extreme that it would make me shrink in horror, and while I can not celebrate the large scale deaths that occur in war, neither will I shrink from the necessity.

If we do not respond with dramatic action we will only invite similar attacks in the future. If it must be war, let it be bloody handed war.
Jim

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There is one overall reason this has happened - Clinton. He methodically destroyed our intelligence, our military, and our credibility. He constantly rolled over and "investigated" rather then responded to the acts of terrorism that was launched against our country in past years - and was in lack of better terms weak. If he had responded to and took a hard line to those responsible for the USS Cole bombing we would not have had this horrible attack launched against us. Instead he choose to "investigate" the incident and placed the cross hairs on us all.

Luckily we have a new sheriff in town, and I hope and pray that President Bush will respond with swift force that shows those responsible why you should not kick a sleeping dog.

Dave

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This morning, I awoke to the alarming news of yet another unprovoked act of terrorism on the soil of a Sovereign America. Reports of hijacked passenger airliners crashing into buildings, leaving hundreds, possibly thousands, dead. The only thought that crossed my mind was my family. I, personally, am outraged. Every time I see the footage of the second aircraft piercing the side of the World Trade Center Tower, I get a sick feeling in my stomach. And, CNN is making sure that everyone sees this.. Which, one might say, is their job.

However, if we stand back for a moment and take into consideration how CNN has portrayed our countrys President as a bumbling fool, one might even speculate that they are partly responsible. These terrorists abroad, have access to CNN and Im fairly certain that they watch on a daily basis. They have seen this mockery of George Bush and said to themselves, "Well, if hes such an idiot, surely now would be the key time to attack the "Great Satan."

It is a sad time for our country, when ANY act of terrorism occurs within our borders. It is an even greater tragedy when our countrys news stations are the best line of defense for maniacal terrorists whos sole intentions are to take innocent Americans lives. We must stand united, stand side-by-side, both Democrat and Republican, and above all, toe-to-toe against those who would attack the freedom and the sovereignty of the United States.

Michael

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It had been 56 years since this country has brought this world to attention by the use of nuclear weapons against an aggressor who attacked this nation. If there is sufficient evidence that Bin Laden is behind this attack, and knowing that Afghanistan has harbored this terrorist organization, I believe that this country should suffer the brunt of the nuclear weapon retaliation capability of this country. Afghanistan should be nuked completely off of the world map. If there are any survivor then a second strike should be sent to ensure that this country, and all of its inhabitants, are wiped off of the map of the world.

The U.S.A. will survive and thrive and, hopefully, respond positively to this attack.

L. Holliday, USAF, Ret.

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Theres nothing I would like more than revenge right now but, that is not easy since we dont know where these cowards hide. How about freezing all the assets of those who we think are responsible and the country that harbors these people. With all our technology, we should be able to stop the flow of money, and possibly draw these people out of their hiding places. I say use their frozen assets to establish a reward for their capture. They attacked us financially and with the help of all our allies, we should first be able to stop them financially, then start an embargo on the countries that are harboring these cowards, then use our military and only risk human lives as a last resort.

Gary
StairMaster Health & Fitness

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Im just wondering...We can bomb Afghanistan till hell freezes over and thats okay with me, but whats going to make these terrorists care? They obviously have no regard for the lives of those in democratic countries, so what makes us think they regard the lives of those in Afghanistan? Why would war be a detriment to them?

frannie

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I think we should get out of the mid-east. All our attempts for "peace in the mid-east" have failed. Let Israel and the Palestinians, etc. etc. deck it out with one another. We go after Bin Laden and then he (or another group) attack us, then we attack them, and so on and so on. NO ONE WINS. As a precaution: close our borders. Also, The President should take a long hard look at the CIA. With the amount of money and people available to them, it appears they could do better.

Joyce / San Diego

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Staying The Course

My concern is that there are people who call themselves patriots but will play into the hands of the terrorist as soon as the market opens. They will sell off and wait for the mkt to bounce back and take a profit from this tragedy they are no better than the ones who flew the planes into the towers. Unless we stay the course this nation will be many years tryhing to regain not only the economy that we have enjoyed over the years but also the respect we once had with the world. I am concerned that the rest of the world will look upon us as nothing but looking for the dollar out of any situation we can.

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I thought that President Bushs comment that we will not distinguish between the terrorists and those who harbor them is the right idea. If indeed this latest act of terrorism can be linked to Osama bin Laden (forgive me Im not sure of the spelling) I think that a unique opportunity will present itself.

As you know, a large part of Osama bin Ladins success is due to the fact that he is a billionaire and can independently fund many of his activities. Our government seems to have trouble locating him, but Ill bet we know where his money is. You cant keep that kind of money stuffed in a mattress, its invested somewhere. Most likely in western countries, as even religious zealots expect a decent return on their investments. We should treat any country harboring his assets as if they were harboring him. We ask them to hand over the assets or we start seizing assets of their citizens (including corporations) held in this country. Believe me, squeeze their balls hard enough and they will hand it over.

This will accomplish two things: first, Osama bin Ladin will go from being a major terrorist to just another raving asshole. second, this will send a message to other countries (including our so called allies) that we will not tolerate complicity with terrorists in any form.

I am not suggesting that this should be done instead of military action, but in addition to it. But I think it would be important, as hitting them in the pocket book may get their attention quicker than killing a few recruits at a training camp. It can also be accomplished without risking any american lives.

I love your show, thanks for what your doing for our country.

Sincerely,

Steven

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THE LAND OF THE BRAVE, REALLY?

TODAY I HEARD A REPORT THE BARBARA OLSON, I BELIEVE THAT WAS HER NAME CONTACTED HER HUSBAND WHILE SHE WAS ON HER FLIGHT ( FLIGHT 77 ?). SHE DESCRIBED THE HIGHJACKER WITH WEAPONS OF KNIFES AND BOX OPENERS.

KNIFES AND BOX OPENER, REALLY? YOURE TELLING ME A MEN WITH KNIFES MADE PEOPLE THAT FEARFULL THEY COWARD AWAY IN SMALL AREA WITHIN THEMSELF, AND KNIFE THAT COST $5.00 AT THE MINIMUM TAKE AWAY YOUR LIBERTY, YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR SECURITY, YOUR LIFE, AND THE LIFES OF OTHER??!!!!!!!!! YOU GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME?!!!!!!

BACK IN THE EARLY 60S I HEARD OF A SIMILAR EVENT WITH A COLLEGE GIRL GOING BACK HOME IN THE LATE EVENING, AND SHE WAS ATTACKED. SHE SCREAMED FOR HELP, AND HER NEIGHBORS INSTEAD CLOSED THEIR MINDS TO THE SINFUL CRIME THAT WAS BEING COMMITTED DOWN BELOW, ( A NICE GIRL THEY ALL NEW). THESE PEOPLE DID NOTHING TO STOP THE SINFUL SIN (REMEMBER, SOMEWHERE IN BOSTON).

TODAY, ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE BRAVE STOOD STILL IN THERE LITTLE HOLES AGAIN, LETTING SINFUL PEOPLE STAB AT THEE AGAIN?!!!! GET UP AND FIGHT FOR YOUR FREEDOM IF SOMEONE IS TAKING IT AWAY FROM YOU, OR HELP THOSE THAT NEEDS IT. MAN, THAT KNIFE IS AS DEADLY AS WE LET IT BE, AND JUST THE IDEA THAT THE PEOPLE LET IT BE THIS DEADLY. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

LAND OF THE BRAVE, REALLY?

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PRAY PRAY PRAY Thank GOD we have a GODLY PRESIDENT. I have watched all news cast today, and I cannot for the life of me, imagine some of the words coming out of the LIBERAL news media. Maybe it is time for some to RETIRE. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR GREAT PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH.

Coleen

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1965 Immigration Act

I feel that this is a direct result of the 1965 Immigration Act proposed by Kennedy. Since the U.S. has opened its doors to the 3rd world nations, we have become more vulnerable to such heinous acts. Our country used to be feared by 3rd world nations (and the rest of the world for that matter after W W II). Osam Bin Ladin attended West Point. Other 3rd world individuals attend our universities and military establishments. For their safety and the safety of the American people, I think that they should be deported from the country.

These terrorists come from a similar mindset like the Japanese during WWII when they used to die for Hirohito, instead now they die for Allah. They must be dealt with in the same manner in that they must be destroyed. It is the only way they will learn and understand. How dare they make us live in fear.

Sincerely, Chris

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I cant believe the calls for increased airport and airline security measures that are clearly irrelevant to the kind of threat that we saw this week. The pilots cabin needs to be secured. Period.

David / Bellevue, WA

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Welcome to the 21st Century, ladies and gentlemen. Taken as a whole, it will probably be no worse than the 20th, but that contained two world wars as well as the relatively cozy latter years of the Cold War, and the false quiet of the 90s.

Probably the next decades economic and political/military nastinesses are inevitable, but what a pity that more wasnt done to prepare for them, spending the quiet decade of the 90s wisely, instead of frittering it away speculating about Monica Lewinsky and the dot-coms.

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Some thoughts of my own.

At this time I am really trying to bite my tongue (to anyone other than family who feel the same as I do) but I cant help but wonder if ANYONE would have had the nerve commit acts as horrendous as these with President Reagan leading the Country or former Pres. Bush for that matter. I hate to be able to say "I told you so" as a reaction to the tragedy America is facing...BUT I feel as though we have been weakened as a Country in sooo many ways over the past 9-10 years, as our military has been diminished incredibly and our FBI and CIA our intelligence etc...What IS left of our military to a certain extent is old equipment and major lack in numbers both overall but especially here in our own country. We are spread so thin trying to "help" everyone else that I fear we have been left somewhat vulnerable to our enemies and of course they know this! Of course the relatives of those we have lost in this act of terrorism are in my prayers as are our completely capable leaders, that they will be inspired by God, the same God by whose hand this great country was established, in the coming days in what is best for the United States of America. I believe this is Gods Country where freedom is at the heart of our very nation and He wants that freedom to be protected, He will guide us to victory. It is my deepest hope that eyes will be opened to the most important issues...not the spotted owl and how pretty our view is from the beaches, not how many trees are being cut down and not even how "clean" the air we breath is.

Although these issues have their place I hope their priority is more clear now than ever. I have always felt strongly that these things really wont matter if we arent able to exist to enjoy them and so it is our national security that should be at the top of the agenda of the American people which means military and intelligence. We are touchable! One of the greatest sights I have yet seen as I have been watching the past 24 hrs is our congress, together, singing "God Bless America" I long for that unity throughout America, and it is always terrible when a tragedy has to be the wake up call, but let us not ignore this call, we MUST unite to be the strength others have to see. In God we trust and He will defend truth and freedom always.

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A friend of mine had an idea for how to boost the economy and show terrorists we have faith in our system - everyone buy a share or shares in a company.
Christina Brundage

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When George Bush stands before the United Nations he needs to stand with a "Declaration of War" against terrorist. He needs to tell the assembled multitude that war has been declared and there are allies and enemies. The time has come to choose this day whether you are allies of civilization or allies of terrorism. There is no place for neutrality in this war. If you do not join in this declaration of war against terrorism you will be considered an ally of terrorism and an enemy of the United States and of freedom. And from this day forth terrorist and their allies will be dealt with as an enemy against whom there has been a formal declaration of wat until you are defeated and reach the point of unconditional surrender.
Billy Bob Cox, Sr. Minister

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Why arent all US citizens running through the streets demanding justice and/or retaliation ????? W, this is your chance.

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Where is the American Civil Liberties Union? Where are the gun-control fanatics? Just wondering......

On a serious note. The Children of the Maniac Massacre, where are they? No one has reported on the children. What will happen to those that have lost both parents?

I am very concerned with these young people because I care for two FINE young men who lost their parents in an auto accident six years ago and I know first hand(not from psychiatrists or books) what it takes to help them heal.

I am in the middle of surveying ten acres of land for a house for my boys and I. I would love to hear additional happy voices in my home. Please find out about the children!!!! P.S. And no Im not one of those slobbery liberals that uses the children phrase!

Thanks,
Teresa

I heard on your show that Osama Bin Laden did not mind dying for his causes. So far, he has not led by example. He lets others die for his causes.

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I have to agree with most Americans on this day. There is a need for retaliation against whomever perpetrated these horrific attacks on our citizens. I cannot agree with at least one of your callers though. The need for nuclear weaponry is not called for in this instance. It is my belief that that amount of force is not required here. The United States intelligence community needs to determine who is responsible for theseattacks, then our military can perform a surgical strike to eliminate those responsible. Our leaders must be very careful not to act too rashly and strike out against those that are not involved, out of emotion or due to hearsay.

Changing the subject, I do feel that we need to greatly increase our military spending. Our armed forces were weakened during the last administration and need to be rebuilt. I agree with you on the need for missile defense. As you stated on your show today, once the communist Soviet Republic fell, most Americans felt the need to "loosen up" on our need for such deterrents. The difference between the Soviet Union and the numerous dictatorships today that have nuclear capabilities is the fact that the Soviet Unions leaders understood the massive destructive capabilities of such weapons.

Leaders, and I use the term loosely, such as Saddam Hussein are power mad individuals that only understand that these weapons will kill Americans and Israelis. They have no respect for the power they wield. They are like the teenagers that obtain their drivers license and are given a new sports car for their 16th birthday. They have no experience handling dangerous tools and have no developed respect for those tools. The United States is the only nation I am aware of, to ever detonate a nuclear device in a military action, thus we have a developed respect for these tools of deterrence. I of course refer to the Japanese bombings at the end of World War II. I thank you for your patience in the length of this message and for allowing my opinion to be heard.

Thank you,
Mr. Hopper / Atlanta, Ga.

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Did you notice how fast on the news that they were asking what freedoms we are willing to give up for freedom of travel? I want it to be known that I am not willing to give up any freedoms at all. If we give up any freedoms then the terrorists have won! We have to give them exactly what they gave us. The time for sitting on our hands is over. I am not going to live my life in fear waiting for another terrorist to attack. I support the President all the way. Make no quarter for any country that gives them refuge. The time for talking is over. They should use any means necessary to track them down and take care of buisness. If they put civilians in the way then I am sorry for the civilians but get the terrorists. Thank you for listening. This is the first time that I have written you so thanks for being there.

Kevin
Sturtevant Wi

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I have not seen one black leader condemn those responsible for the terror inflicted on us. That lack of words tell me all i need to know of the black leaders .they expect us to pay reparations i think wev paid them enought the last 40 years i see no loyalty from them to our country. What a shame they take and take but never give back.

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I have heard plenty about America striking back but nothing about a serious use of our nuclear arsenal.A few thousand deaths using convental weapons will mean nothing to our enemies or the world as they all expect that and know that is coming.This lack of boldness is why I truly believe that the terrorist have more patriotism and steadfastness to their cause than we do for ours. Ronal Regan would have considered the nuclear option but Bush, God bless him, is no Ronald Reagan and will lisen to advisors who will counsel "Lets be sure we have all our facts Mr.President and strike with percision". We all know what nation, group and people deserve the death penalty.

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I would like to comment on a few videos where I noticed the content about the street celebrations in the middle east. The one I refer to are those where the are showing adults teaching children of their so called victory. Thus teaching them the hate style of life and especially the United States. This to mean that as long as their children are taught this, needless to say that is a mind set for life.

* * *

I agree with you that when the focus is on what we must give up, IE our Freedoms and Liberty, it is a mistake of the highest order. We are AMERICANS!!!! We fight for our freedom, we defend our liberty, PERIOD!!!! We need to focus on the ENEMY!, We know who they are and we need to, as a nation, stop pretending we can, deal with, work with, get along with or accommodate these ENEMIES. No more Business as usual, NO MORE!

I do not know if we can ever, in an open and free society, prevent these horrors. But we can make our enemies pay, make it cost IRAN, IRAQ, LIBYA,YEMEN, SUDAN, AFGHANISTAN, AND CHINA. we can take long view, a consistent path and hurt them. Our problem is, as I see it, COMMITMENT. He who is most committed, is victorious. I pary that our nation, our people are and will continue to be COMMITTED. If not, we will see a darkness over the world not seen since the Dark Ages. And it will be our fault. The Light is ours to lose. Thank you and God Bless our nation.

Mark, Racine Wisconsin

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It is frightening, second only to the terrorists attack itself, that CBS News continues to leave the extraordinary bias of Dan Rathers news reporting completely unchecked. His implications of weak leadership from the President during a world crisis is damaging to the cause for national unity. What the American public wants now are only the FACTS. His comments are most inappropriate and exposes his obvious disdain for the Bush Administration.

Thank God for FOX News.

* * *

I just believe that every able-bodied American should resolve, prior to boarding any commercial airplane, that if the plane is hijacked, it is his duty to join with the other passengers and physically assault the hijackers in an effort to regain control of the situation.Thank you, and God bless my fellow patriots.
What do you think?

--- Marvin

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I think some powerful things will happen coming out of the event. 1st, the dwindling surplus will not be a stumbling block anymore. Congress and the White House will now do everything to improve national confidence. Everyone now knows, without a doubt, that the only real security that we can have is a strong military and a strong economy. Social Security lock boxes mean nothing after these types of events. We will now lower taxes significantly to improve liquidity along with a big response from the federal reserve.

2nd, the Bush energy plan will come back to the table and will pass everything. We will now signal to OPEC that they have competition, and they will have to lower prices to keep market share. Third, we will see without a doubt, who is with us and who is against us. If we find that China, Russia, or anyone else opposes us in any way, they have lost access to the largest, wealthiest markets in the world. We now know what Israel faces every day. We should back them in every possible way, strengthening ties significantly. This event has finally snapped this country into action and truth. We will now see, without a doubt, that FREEDOM is our only source of real power.

Regards

Craig Ritchie

* * *

Just like the day President Kennedy was killed. We will all remember where we were.The place,and the time.As an American, Im very sick over whats happened, here on American soil.The question is, what will it take for bleeding hearts in and out of government, to recognize the fact,the world has become a very dangerous place.

Drawing from my experience as a nuclear weapons security officer in the USMC,many acts of terrorism cannot be stopped. The very heart of terrorism, is it appears random. It has the ability to strike in places where people feel, most secure.Thus, killing the innocent,maiming the survivors,and depriving all of us from the security and safty of everyday life.This is very real, and a very sad reality.With fear the ultimate goal.

From what Ive seen over the years, the liberal storm troopers in and out of our government, look at todays terrorist through American eyes , and American morals.And thats just not the case, at all.

The truth of it is, were dealing with well organized, country sponsored groups, who hate America. These groups, in essence, are "trained soldiers". They are willing to do whatever it takes to destroy our way of life.They see this as war. Make no mistake, they are not a group of crazies, or fanatics. Many of them are moral men and woman with families like ourselves, but at the same time have the ability to kill for their cause. To kill without feeling, passion or moral judgement.Add to the mix, they have a willingness to die for one's religious beliefs. Now you have a very dangerous enemy.

What I'm trying to say is, until the people of the United States of America are willing to use great force, and extreme brutality without feeling, passion or moral-judgement,to destroy the people and countries responsible, we cant win! It's as simple as that. We must do what has to be done.

Always remaining aware, that American logic, and moral judgement, no longer applies in a terroristic war.Lets face it. Being afraid, is not freedom. "Freedom,i s paid for in blood" and "war is trading men,f or real-estate". Don't let it be in vain.

In closing "God bless America". But most of all God bless the Men and Women who lost their lives today. My prayers are with you.
sincerely,

Victor A DeFilippo

* * *

It is my personal conviction that there is only one other thing that Islama Bin-laden has learned to hate worse than Israel and the US! And I don't believe that revenge on the US is his great motive! Destroying the US is not Bin-laden's goal. He is truly a master mind and he needs the US right now to help him do something.

A radio commentator said yesterday that it was like a Die Hard Bruce Willis movie. We can learn something from one of those movies. The plot behind Die Hard With A Vengeance was that the brother of the deposed nemeses from the first Die Hard movie had come back for revenge on Bruce. The bother led them on a wild goose chase while his real objective was three fold: 1) Destroy the US currency by stealing the national gold reserve. 2) Make them believe it had been blown up to oblivion 3) Take the gold for himself safely out of the country undetected.

He wanted Bruce killed but it paled against the things he really wanted to do.

 

* * *

My family and I were outraged to hear Warren Christopher on FOX news last night when he compared this tragedy with the Martin Luther King assassination!!!!! Come on, Mr. Christopher! There is NO COMPARISON!!!! It is sickening to hear this kind of idiotic rambling. We immediately turned to another channel. On another note, do you think racial profiling is appropriate now????? It seemed to work on the train from Boston today. What we need is more racial profiling! Let's wake up!!

Dianne

 

If we stand behind Bush now and declare war on Terrorists everyone will agree. Who in congress would vote no tonight? By the way this is a political victory for Bush. If nothing happens he can say he was effective. If something happens he can say we should have acted sooner in the previous administration.

Wait one week and find out there were only 1000 instead of 20,000 dead, give time to blame the airports and boarders and we will be in political debate that will guarantee business as usual and lots of bills to make America friendlier by opening boarders and giving foreign aid. This is in favor of the radical left.

You and others need to read the religious philosophy of the Moslem. They are trained from birth to give their life to destroy our way of life. This is not negotiable. It is their way or no way. If we do not immediately make it unthinkable to attack the United States, every plane, bus, subway or public eating place will be a threat to your life. (Contrary to what you said today, they all do think alike and this is not stereotyping it is religion.) If you want to do a service to America, read the Moslem literature and get guests on your show to explain the religion.

Every show until the declaration of war is made should focus on why we should be at war and what will happen if we allow the liberal media to attempt to negotiate. What is the harm if we declare war on Terrorists? We can always declare peace the next week. If we do not declare war and something happens it will already be too late. Now that the nuts know it can be done, not just international terrorists, it will not take a leader to tell a radical to get on the next airplane and kill someone ­ a lot of people.

I am retired. I do not fly as much as I did a few years ago but I bet you do. This is a bigger issue for current people in power.

Roger in Montana

* * *

Why not incorporate into passenger aircraft an override switch that engages a computer controlled auto pilot? The system could react to any type of flying condition and hone in on the nearest airstrip. Obviously a computer can land a plane. In the event of any type of emergency (other than complete mechanical failure) the chances of the plane hitting things such as buildings (i.e. the world trade center) could be greatly reduced.

* * *

A FEW IDEAS ON KEEPING YOUR FAMILY SAFE

Prepare for any Disruption or Emergency

A Few Simple Ideas to Help Keep You and Your Family Safe in Uncertain Times . . .

Excerpted from Matthew Stein's best-selling book
When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance and Planetary Survival

Phone Orders: Call 1-800-253-2747. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Also available through your local bookstore!

1. Prepare a 72-hour emergency survival kit, including a hand crank or battery-operated radio, first aid kit, clean water and water purification chemicals or filter, matches, wool blankets, flashlight with spare batteries, candles, toiletries, multi-tool knife, map, compass, whistle, sewing kit, towel, cooking utensils and can opener, tent or plastic sheeting, extra outdoor wear, garbage bags, gaffer's tape and rope.

2. Stock up on dried and other nonperishable food. You can store enough food to feed a family of four for a whole year in a relatively small space without refrigeration.

3. Have on hand methods of purifying water. You can boil water to kill bacteria and viruses. Various types of filters and distillers can be used to remove other types of contamination, such as chemical poisons and radiation

4. Learn basic first aid and have handy a first aid kit .

5. Learn how to prepare your home to use renewable energy for heat and power.

6. In case of extreme emergency survival in the wild, know emergency measures such as how to tell if a wild plant is edible, how to safely eat things like worms, insects, and grubs, and how to make simple tools .

7. In the case of long-term disruption, learn how to live off the land through proper growing, hunting, foraging, and storing, without electricity or other modern technological advances.

* * *

I thought this might be of interest as I believe little is being discussed by media on funding of terrorism and drug related activity which contribute to it.Source is the American Banker 10/12/01

Known as hawala in India, hundi in Pakistan, or fei qian in China, Asia's underground payment systems are enormous and widespread. These ancient but unregulated systems have achieved notoriety because of their presumed usage by Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network. The systems, which are also associated with graft, drug payments, and money laundering, have broad acceptance in much of South Asia and the Middle East.There are similar systems elsewhere, such as the Western Hemisphere's Black Market Peso Exchange.

Underground payment systems follow immigration patterns and operate worldwide.Most hawala remittances are routine, affordable in-country fund transfers between businesses or individuals. Statistically, the system is large:* Up to 60% of Burma's drug money passes through these underground channels. In Pakistan, $2 billion to $5 billion a year moves through the system, more than the amount of foreign transfers through the country's banking system.* In India, up to 50% of the economy uses hawala for routine transactions. * Because these non bank entities have virtually no record-keeping, investigators have virtually no trail to follow. * It works like this: A client approaches a local underground dealer in, for example, New Delhi - usually a business like a goldsmith's shop, currency trader, or travel agency. He deposits $10,000 to be remitted to an associate in, say, Bangkok.The shop in New Delhi, one among hundreds found in every major bazaar, gives the sender a receipt or chit, something as simple as a specially marked movie-ticket stub or a low-value rupee note.

The chit is mailed to the Bangkok recipient, who then presents it to an associated goldsmith or travel agent there and withdraws the $10,000 in Thai baht.Since no banks are involved, there is no record of the cross-border transaction. Aside from regular mail, deals are made using telephone, fax, and - increasingly - e-mail.Hawala dealers incur shortages and overages of money at different ends of the chain. Dealers settle among themselves using gold, which must be smuggled, since gold importation is prohibited.Despite the underground aspect, the operative principle is the same as correspondent banking or money orders.

The difference is the lack of governmental license, oversight, or controls. The actual rules of hawala are somewhat archaic but are not unreasonable. See http://www. lankarani.org/resaleh/draft.htm for an English translation of a set of rules by Iran's Grand Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani.Hawala systems usually charge less than banks, and they don't maintain extensive transaction records.

They keep their costs low by not requiring customer identification, conducting background checks, or reporting large or suspicious transactions to authorities.Hawala has often been debated and outlawed, mainly because of currency convertibility and import controls. For example, the Indian rupee is only partially convertible. Section 9 (1) (f) of India's Foreign Exchange Management Act specifically prohibits hawala in order to prevent capital flight, and it requires the reporting of all transfers over $800. This encourages the use of hawala, since the independent transactions at either end of the chain are not illegal. Hawala is commonly used to repatriate funds, since the systems use black-market exchange rates, which are better for the repatriator than the official rate. The systems are also used to purchase gold and, for obvious reasons, for tax evasion.Currency devaluation in South Asia has shrunk the value of savings accounts in local currencies.

Thus, in India and Pakistan, foreign currency accounts, usually dollars, have become a popular way to avoid devaluation. Since 1998, when India and Pakistan detonated nuclear devices, these foreign currency accounts have been effectively frozen. Account owners can withdraw only accrued interest without incurring huge penalties and bureaucratic delays. Hawala, on the other hand, allow users to exchange or remit currency freely, anonymously, and immediately.Thus, two direct ways to curtail hawala would be to abolish gold controls and to make local currencies stable in the international markets.Asian politicians often accuse one another of using hawala to send bribes, kickbacks, and the like.

For example, ex-Indian Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao has been indicted for making many hawala payments. These sort of thing contributes to the unsavory image of hawala.Various international agencies have studied hawala for years, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, Interpol, and the U.S. government. For example, a report from the task force on money laundering methods, including hawala, can be found at http://www1.oecd.org/fatf/pdf/TY2000_en.pdf.In summary, hawala systems exist for a variety of reasons having little to do with terrorism. If terrorist money movements are to be blocked, hawala and all of its sister unregulated payment systems must be brought into the world of regulated and tracked financial transactions.

This world, in which it is more expensive to operate, is far less established outside the United States, where we are accustomed to a high degree of banking penetration.The problem, of course, is that many regard the tracking of all financial transactions as an infringement on their personal freedoms. These parties include the Bush administration, which as recently as June decided not to continue the Clinton administration's money-laundering study and legislative efforts.Freedom in financial transactions is also a sovereign issue.

No efforts will ever be effective without coordinated multilateral actions, such as international rules, yet too many countries resist outside controls, especially when these controls help one country and hurt another.Since money, especially our own dollar, is the most liquid, transportable commodity anywhere, building effective mobility barriers will be difficult; Osama bin Laden probably uses dollars for his own transfers through hawala.Our historical regard for personal freedom and anonymity are at variance with a new world of completely recorded financial transactions

* * *

If we are truly at war, as the President has stated, one of the basic
premises of war is to not let the enemy know if, or how badly, he has
hurt you. By the very act of giving this the big play that the media has
locked onto(and 'locked' seems to be the operative word), we are letting
the terrorists know they are getting to us in some fashion. That they are
in fact terrorizing us. That a lot of us seem to be in panic.

"But what about freedom of the press?" Or "Our right to know?" When
either of these rights are exerted and could cost injury (or death) to others, then it is time to reexamine the validity of these rights, ie, my right to stretch my arm ends just before my fist hits your nose. I seriously doubt the overseas terrorists are the ones who are responsible for the anthrax bit, because it seems to me this action is not melodramatic enough nor bloody enough or has the desired body count to warrant their efforts, especially considering the astronomical odds of someone actually contracting the disease.

I use the term 'overseas terrorists' to differentiate from local, homegrown terrorists. (And perhaps the equally sick 'copycat' type, and hoaxsters as well). Either type will not continue if they think their efforts are going for naught, if they are not gaining some satisfaction from the notoriety they are generating. With all the free press and hoopla being publicized over these incidents, we are giving these people the satisfaction they could not otherwise obtain but must have to continue these acts. We are, in fact, handing them a gauge that they may judge the effectiveness of their actions.

I have no problems with reporting the fact that an anthrax letter was received by 'a Delaware man'. My problem is in the media, in their attempt to receive higher ratings, shining a high powered spotlight on
the incident and using the same theme repeatedly. I label this as making the news, as opposed to reporting the news.
Thanks for listening.
Bob

* * *

Just had to write to voice my growing concern over the "creeping" liberalism I witness leeching itself back into the daily press. Since a week after the tragic attacks on our civilians, I've had my antennae tuned listening for those who would call us barbaric for returning fire against "defenseless" Afghani's. I didn't have long to wait!
Oh sure, every politician and pundit spent the first week "mourning" the Nation's losses...while searching for every opportunity to get into a photo op & sound bite. It was obvious that each of them thought more of assuring themselves of their time before the mic's and cameras, than they did of what had just happened to over 6000 American families. Even Bill Clinton found his way to the hallowed ground of "ground zero," and the cameras and microphones there.
But what bothers me the most is the daily cry to "Bring Osama to justice!" With increasing regularity, I'm watching people step in front of the camera and intone this nonsense. It has the crazy sound of bringing him before a judge & jury! What Osama bin Laden and his Al Quida soldiers did was carry out a premeditated sneak attack against American civilians. This was an act of war - no less calculated than what happened at Pearl Harbor. When you wage war against an enemy...your objective is to vanquish them not "bring them to justice." Have we learned nothing from Vietnam, Somalia, and Iraq? An enemy left to fight another day will be the enemy that kills more American troops, and American civilians.
This is the same"organization" that proudly admitted participation in the death of 18 Rangers in Somalia, dragging some of their bodies through the streets in front of hungry TV cameras.
This is the same group that simultaneously bombed two American embassy's in Africa, causing the deaths of Africans & Americans alike. (Is it dumb for me to point out that the embassy attacks, should be considered invasions on sovereign American "soil," no less than attacking the WTC?)
This is the group that carried out the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen...again with loss of US life, in an act of war.
This is the group that calculatedly planned and plotted and financed the deaths of more than 6000 American civilians, and civilians from over 70 foreign countries here in New York!
This is the group whose leader has decreed on worldwide television, that all of its followers are required to kill any Americans wherever and whenever they find them in the world...Justice can not be swift nor brutal enough for the soldiers fighting against us!
During the last 8 years we have seen our military emasculated systematically. One could easily make the case that the thousands of fuel tenders decommissioned during the Clinton administration, (and therefore not "on station" to refuel the USS Cole at sea), directly caused the deaths of our Navy personnel in the Yemen port. A similar case could be mounted for the deaths of our Rangers in Somalia, where, due to our "rules of engagement" Rangers lost their lives because they were not allowed to return fire at the withering hail coming from their attackers. Why? Because their attackers were using Somali civilians as "shields" and were well aware of our orders and strategies. Consequently, 18 of the best trained and disciplined soldiers this country placed in the field, were "handcuffed" and died not being allowed to do what they were trained to do. When are we going to learn that waging war is neither pretty nor civilized, and should be left to those most capable of doing it right - the military, and not the liberal press or individual Congressmen or Senators looking to impress their constituents!

I commend President Bush for his uncompromising stance in our world war against terrorism. He is a strong Commander in Chief we need during this continuing crisis. But I would urge him to stop providing daily news conferences by Rumsfeld, Powell & the Joint Chiefs, detailing our plans and our missions. This should only happen on a "need to know" basis, and frankly, no one outside the Chain of Command, needs to know! Let's not forget that the enemy is always listening, and it's already been proven that Al Quida is among us! I couldn't care less about our daily "box score," or giving the broadcast media things to speculate about...but I agonize minute by minute about the safety of our soldiers "in harms way."

If you've never been there, or had a family member who's been there...think of "Butch & Sundance" coming out of that cantina at the end of the movie! Imagine the feeling of coming out of a doorway and having 100 enemy soldiers "open up" on you...or worse yet, your Son or Daughter. I don't know if you'll ever see this letter, and I know I'm preaching to the choir with you Rush...but I just had to write to someone who I know would listen.
God bless you and Marta.
Best regards,
Ken - NJ

* * *

The following article by ANDREW SULLIVAN appeared in the LONDON TIMES:

No eloquence can match the impact of their evil. Americans'critical weakness in the past two decades has been their reluctance to shed blood for their goals. They believed they could construct a huge military and never have to fight real wars and suffer real casualties. They thought they could alter history and advance their interests from the air alone. With the exception of the Gulf War, which they hesitated to finish, they have shrunk from the fight.

When the current enemy struck again and again throughout the 1990s, Bill Clinton responded without real credibility, struck back without real endurance, engaged the terrorists without truly hurting them. We are now living with the consequences of his appeasement, and of his refusal to challenge Americans beyond what the polls said they already wanted to do. Whoever launched this war on Americans has now accomplished the task Clinton didn't dare embark on. America has been bloodied as it has never
been bloodied before.

I would be a fool to predict what happens next. But it is clear that Bush will not do a Clinton. This will not be a surgical strike. It will not be a gesture. It may not even begin in earnest soon. But it will be deadly serious.

It is clear that there is no way that the United States can achieve its goals without the cooperation of many other states - an alliance as deep and as broad as that which won the Gulf War. It also is clear that this cannot be done by air power alone. As in 1941, the neglect of the military under Bill Clinton and the parsimony of its financing even under Bush must now not merely be ended but reversed. We may see the biggest defense buildup since the early 1980s - and not just in weaponry but in manpower.

It also is quite clear that the U.S. military presence in the Middle East must be ramped up exponentially, its intelligence overhauled, its vigilance heightened exponentially. In some ways, Bush has already assembled the ideal team for such a task: Powell for the diplomatic dance, Rumsfeld for the deep reforms he will now have the opportunity to enact, Cheney as his most trusted aide in what has become to all intents and purposes a war cabinet.

The terrorists have done the rest. The middle part of the country - the great red zone that voted for Bush - is clearly ready for war. The decadent Left in its enclaves on the coasts is not dead - and may well mount what amounts to a fifth column. But by striking at the heart of New York City, the terrorists ensured that at least one deep segment of the country, ill-disposed toward a new president, is most passionate in his defense. Anyone who has ever tried to get one over on a New Yorker knows what I mean. The demons who started this have no idea of what kind of people they have taken on.

But what the terroists are counting on is that Americans will not have the stomach for the long haul. They clearly know that the coming retaliation will not be the end but the beginning. And when the terrorists strike back again, they have let us know that the results could make the assault on the World Trade Center look puny. They are banking that the Americans will then cave. They have seen a great country quarrel to the edge of constitutional crisis over a razor-close presidential election. They have seen it respond to real threats in the last few years with squeamish restraint or surgical strikes. They have seen that, as Israel has been pounded by the same murderous thugs, the United States has responded with equanimity. They have seen a great nation at the height of its power obsess for a whole summer over a missing intern and a randy Congressman. They have good reason to believe that this country is soft, that it has no appetite for the war that has now begun. They have gambled that in response to unprecedented terror, the Americans will abandon Israel to the barbarians who would annihilate every Jew on the planet, and trade away their freedom for a respite from terror in their own land.

We cannot see the future. But we know the past. And that past tells us that these people who destroyed the heart of New York City have made a terrible mistake. This country is at its heart a peaceful one. It has done more to help the world than any other actor in world history. It saved the world from the two greatest evils of the last century in Nazism and Soviet Communism. It responded to its victories in the last war by pouring aid into Europe and Japan. In the Middle East, America alone has ensured that the last hope of the Jewish people is not extinguished and has given more aid to Egypt than to any other country. It risked its own people to save the Middle East from the pseudo-Hitler in Baghdad.

America need not have done any of this. Its world hegemony has been less violent and less imperial than any other comparable power in history. In the depths of its soul, it wants to dream to itself, to be left alone, to prosper among others, and to welcome them to the freedom America has helped secure.

But whenever Americans have been challenged, they have risen to the task. In some awful way, these evil thugs may have done us a favor. America may have woken up forever. The rage which may follow from this grief and shock may be deeper and greater than anyone can now imagine. Think of what the United States did to the enemy that bombed Pearl Harbor. Now recall that Ameican power in the world is all but unchallenged by any other state. Recall that America has never been wealthier, and is at the end of one of the biggest booms in history. And now consider the extent of this wound - the greatest civilian casualties since the Civil War, an assault not just on Americans but on the meaning of America itself.

When you take a step back, it is hard not to believe that we are now in the quiet moment before the whirlwind. Americans will recover their dead, and they will mourn them, and then they will get down to business. Their sadness will be mingled with an anger that will make the hatred of these fanatics seem mild.

I am reminded of a great American poem written by Herman Melville after the death of Abraham Lincoln, the second founder of the country:

There is sobbing of the strong, And a pall upon the land; But the People in their weeping Bare the iron hand; Beware the People weeping When they bare the iron hand.

* * *

I like most of the world have been watching the news closely for the last month. Today I Shortcut to Anim.lnkheard what is for me "the last straw". I heard a report that Indonesia has threatened us if we don't end our military effort by November 17th. That is beyond the limit!

America has been attacked. We are being threatened everyday. It is time our government and MEDIA give a clear message to the Muslim world. They should cleanup their own garbage. It is the terrorists who have brought this current situation on
the world - including the Muslim world. They have either allowed these THUGS to operate freely in their territories because they are afraid to confront them, or they believe in what the terrorists are doing. They can't have it both ways. We should put them on notice that if they don't take care of this problem themselves - eliminating the terrorists, all of them - they can have their "Holy War". We are SICK of being threatened!

Our government is not perfect -- Neither are theirs! Never have been, never will be. They say our government is corrupt; so are theirs. If they think it is so easy for we little American's to make our government accountable for its actions, why don't they try it in their own lands.

As a working, taxpaying American, I am sick beyond expression with what our politicians and political appointees have done with the trust we have invested in them. Their international policies and behavior left us naked to the attack on 9/11 and what we are
currently experiencing. Please don't misunderstand; I am for our support of Israel. I am not wise in the ways of international politics, but I know a bully when I see one. We have been told by both our media and government that Islam is not a religion that advocates violence. I have read some of the Koran and believe that is true. But some "spokespersons" of the "Muslim world" (the leader of Indonesia, and a teacher of a Madrassa in Pakistan (on your program the other day, hosted by Tony Snow)) are telling us something different.

Also, the thought of any of MY tax money going to Pakistan - or any nation that sponsors terrorism - makes me wonder what the hell our government is thinking. Have they all lost their minds? This is a nightmare.

I apologize if I rambled but, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Thanks for listening.

Susan

* * *

Rush,
The person who called and stated that the Natonal Guardsmen on duty in the airports have no ammunition is totally incorrect. I am an active duty guardsman (Officer) . These guards are armed with 120 rds m-16 ammo and 40rds of 9mm ammo. The weapons they carry are loaded!!!!! Keep going my friend. God Bless America and You.

M. Pate

* * *

Brainless donkeys seeking trip to paradise and 72 vigins kill over 6,ooo Americans, ??? of them Muslims. Get that firgure and play it loud.

Dick Noia , Nipomo, Ca.

* * *

Every time I see a picture of Moslem's protesting the US actions in Afghanistan, I see the same things in the photos-

- Automobiles that were invented in AMERICA- Telephone wires overhead - technology invented in AMERICA - Color posters of Bin Laden designed with color processing techniques and software developed in AMERICA - Coca Cola signs and other companies located in AMERICA - Clothes originally styled in AMERICA - Butane lighters - technology invented in AMERICA

And that's only what I see in the photo- imagine the wealth of technology and comforts that surrounds these people that come from the US...

Jim

* * *

President Bush our Leader

This was the same man who came within a hair's breadth of losing an election in November, who withstood the political chicanery of the Florida Democratic machine to fix the vote count.

This was the same man who admitted to having a drinking problem in younger years, and whose happy-go-lucky lifestyle led him to mediocre grades in college and an ill-fated oil venture.

This was the same man who mangled syntax even more than his father, and whose speaking missteps became known as "Bushisms."

And on Friday, this was the man who bore the weight of the world and the responsibilities of a generation with dignity, class, confidence, appropriate solemnity, and even much-needed wit.

One thing struck me during the campaign, that difficult, roller-coaster campaign that now seems years ago. It was that George W. Bush never seemed to get ruffled. Whether the theft of a campaign debate video or the sudden (some would say, vicious) release of a DUI arrest two decades ago at a key moment, "W" did not lose his cool. At times, his staff seemed overconfident, as did many of us. A 350-electoral-vote win, they quietly implied . . . and we optimistically believed.

Then they counted the votes, miscounted others, and re-counted still others. At the end, he was still there. Whereas Al Gore almost frantically huffed and puffed, trying to gin up something out of nothing, Bush quietly but confidently waited at his ranch. He didn't do anything: that Is the mistake people have constantly made with this man, confusing lack of bluster for absence of action. No, his team of attorneys and the iron-willed James Baker were carrying out his orders, but W stayed in the background, confident and faithful.

You see, it is this faith business that confounded everyone. We have had such actors and liars in public office that we have looked skeptically whenever anyone used the term faith. But this was the same man who was the first politician ever in recent memory to name Jesus Christ as the lord of his life on public TV. Not an oblique reference to being "born-again" or having a "life change." He said the un-PC-like phrase, "Jesus Christ," to which his handlers and advisors, no doubt, off stage, were also saying, "Jesus Christ" in a much different tone.

God has a way of honoring those who honor him. David learned that while he was on the run from Saul's armies. Job learned that after his time of horrible tribulation. The Messiah said so Himself, many times.

So this was the man who actually put faith into practice. He actually loves those who hate him. It is a staggering concept, so foreign in daily occurrence that few thought it anything but grandstanding. Even one of W's biggest supporters chided the president for adhering to his "new tone."

Yet there he was, again and again, thanking the Democrats. Appointing his enemies to high places in his government. Inviting his former foes and their wives to private movie screenings, and (I know, this is hard to stomach) even treating them with dignity. See, this was the man who
learned early on how faith worked: by praying for his enemies, you "heap burning coals upon their heads." Happen to catch Bill Clinton at the National Prayer Service? Didn't look too good, did he?

This was the man who named the absolute top people in national security and defense, then caught barbs from the politically righteous that this one didn't have the right views on abortion or that one didn't have the right position on guns.

And on September 11, at mid-morning, this was the man thrust into a position only known by Roosevelt, Churchill, Lincoln, and Washington. The weight of the world was on his shoulders, and the responsibility of a generation was on his soul.

So this same man---the one that the media repeatedly attempted to tarnish with charges of "illegitimacy," and the one whose political opponents desperately sought to stonewall until mid-term elections---walked to his seat at the front of the National Cathedral just three days after the
two most impressive symbols of American capitalism and prosperity virtually evaporated, along with, perhaps, thousands of Americans.

As he sat down next to his wife, immediately I knew that even if his faith ever faltered, hers didn't. I have never seen a more peaceful face than Laura Bush, whose eyes seemed as though they were already gazing at the final outcome . . . not just of this conflict, but of her reward in Heaven itself. In this marriage, you indeed got two for the price of one.

The appropriate songs were sung, as one said, in an almost unbearably emotional service. I, for one, broke down innumerable times merely listening on tape delay on the radio. How the man spoke without blubbering, I'll never know.

Then came the defining moment of our generation. Some people fondly recall their Woodstock days. Others mark with grim sadness November 22, 1963, as the day America lost her innocence. But I firmly believe when the history of this time is written, it will be acknowledged by friend and foe alike that President George W. Bush came of age in that cathedral and lifted a nation off its knees.

It wasn't so much his words, though read a decade later, they will indeed be as stirring as any. The conflict would end, he noted, "at a time of our choosing." It certainly wasn't his emotion. What had to have been one of the most stunning exhibitions of self-control in presidential history, W was able to deliver his remarks without losing either his resolve or his focus, or, more important, his confidence. It was as if God's hand, which had guided him through that sliver-thin election, now rested fully on him. His quiet confidence let our enemies know . . . and believe me, they know .... that they made a grave miscalculation.

Now, this same man who practiced his faith through a tough election, who steeled his convictions even more in a drawn-out Florida battle, and who never once gave in to the temptation to get in the gutter with his foes (well, ok, maybe the "Clymer" comment is an exception), this same man now lifted the weight of the world and the responsibility of a generation and put it on his modest shoulders as though it were another unpleasant duty.

As he walked back to his seat, the camera angle was appropriate. He was virtually alone in the scene, alone in that massive place of God, just him and the Lord. But that's the way it's always been in his life recently. In that brief time it took him to return to his seat, I believe he heard words to the effect of, "You can do this, George. I am with you always. And you can do this well, because I am going before you. And don't worry about the weight. I've got it." And I saw in his eyes a quiet acknowledgement. "I know. Thank you, Lord."

Back at his seat, when W sat down, George H. W. Bush reached over and took his son's hand. The elder Bush always struck me as a religious man, but not someone who shared his life on a daily basis with the Lord. George H. W. treats the Father like a respected uncle, visiting him on appropriate holidays and knowing the relationship is real, but not constant. Anyway, I believe that in that fatherly squeeze George H. W. said, "I wish I could do this for you, son, but I can't. You have to do this on your own." W squeezed back and gave him that look of peace that Laura had kept throughout. It said, "I don't have to do it alone, dad. I've got help."

God Bless President Bush
God Bless America

Bruce

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Bush to Americans: Change Your Soft Culture
Thu Jan 31,11:36 AM ET
By Patricia Wilson

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - Hoping to tap into the wave of patriotism sweeping the United States since Sept. 11, President Bush asked Americans on Thursday to seize the moment to change the nation's "feel good" culture.

"Our culture has said, 'If it feels good, do it,"' he said in a speech at an emergency operations center. "Our dream, or my dream for the country is that we usher in a culture that says 'Each of us are responsible for the decisions we make in life."

Bush's reference to America's feel good culture apparently alluded to what U.S. Republicans saw as the excesses of former President Bill Clinton's eight years in office which were marred by sexual scandals.

Bush was on a two-day tour of three southern states aimed at winning support for his call for 200,000 new volunteers for community service and for every American to give two years -- or 4,000 hours -- to civic duty. Bush first made the appeal in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday.

The effort marked a departure from the president's early reluctance to ask Americans to sacrifice for the war on terrorism launched after the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.

In Daytona Beach, Bush made a pitch for the Senior Corps program that encourages people older than 55 to volunteer, saying they might have retired "but their brains haven't retired, their experience hasn't retired."

'SPIRIT OF UNITY'

"In my State of the Union address the other night I chose to spend time talking about the spirit of unity in our country," he said. "I know how strong we are as a nation and now our job is to take that spirit and extend it for years to come."

The hijacked plane attacks in New York and Washington that killed more than 3,000 people, along with the war in Afghanistan, have given new life to Bush's dormant campaign vow "to usher in an era of responsibility."

Bush said no one wished "this evil" had happened, but that he hoped it would help change Americans' lifestyle for the better.

"We have a chance to change our culture for the better," he said. "We have a chance to turn this evil, to turn the evil deeds and the evil acts into incredible, long-term good for our nation. I ask you to seize the moment."

In a message that occasionally took on an almost religious fervor, Bush talked at each stop about "the enemy watching too much daytime TV" and thus concluding that Americans were spineless and materialistic, that they would not fight for their beliefs and would cower in the face of terror.

CIVIC CALL TO ARMS

"You know, the enemy hit us the other day, a while ago. They didn't understand America," he said. "They thought we were weak and materialistic and soft. Instead, they have found a patient, determined, compassionate nation that stands in the way of their efforts to spread evil."

Bush has unveiled plans for a USA Freedom Corps to oversee an unprecedented expansion of volunteer programs, including a new Citizen Corps to fight terrorism at the local level.

Bush has unveiled plans for a USA Freedom Corps to oversee an unprecedented expansion of volunteer programs, including a new Citizen Corps to fight terrorism at the local level.

A former rival has agreed to help win congressional approval of $560 million for the programs in 2003. Arizona Sen. John McCain made volunteer service a theme of his 2000 campaign against Bush for the Republican presidential nomination.

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CHANGED MAN:
NYPD Officer Paul Mauro, who scribbled notes to himself at Ground Zero in the days after Sept. 11, says the terror attacks reminded city cops who they are.
- AP

May 6, 2002 -- EDITOR'S NOTE - On duty at Ground Zero in the days after the World Trade Center attacks, NYPD Officer Paul Mauro kept jotting down notes and stuffing them into his pockets. He knew he would need to write about it someday. This is his story.
A FEW nights after the Sept. 11 attacks, a woman on North Moore Street took one look at me in my dirty uniform, started crying and silently handed me an apple. It was a moment so charged with metaphor, I got confused; I couldn't even thank her. I'm sure she thinks now I was an ungrateful jerk.

You want to hear a strange truth? There's a part of the cop psyche that's tremendously uncomfortable with such moments. Clutching that apple, I couldn't help wondering: What happens when I go back to writing tickets? What happens when the apple woman hears I took her brother in on an old turnstile warrant? What happens when it's business as usual again?

But that's the thing, this time. This one is so big, business as usual may never fully return. Forget the public, that's not who I mean. The real change had better be in us. If Osama bin Laden has reminded America of who we are as a nation, he's reminded New York's cops of who we are, as well.

LATE into that first night, when we've been standing on the same corner for 14 hours without being sure of what's to come or what day we'll finally get home or how completely our lives might be changed, two studious-looking young women tentatively approach us. On my lips is yet another demand that they get back behind the police lines, but the words catch in my throat and my alarm rises vaguely when I see one of them gingerly carrying a box.

She's on me before I can protest, right up to me and my partner, and she asks if we're hungry. She and her roommate made peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches for us, if we want them. Which we do, desperately.

Looking into the box, I see that inside each sandwich bag is a little note: "Thank you for your bravery" and "God bless you." And so I have the first of what will be many moments when I find it difficult to speak.

AFTER four hours of attempted sleep, I'm back for the evening of Day 2, assigned over by the river, where I discover that, when there is no triage, there will be a morgue.

A group of eight or so professionals - medical examiner, Fire Department paramedic, Police Department chaplains - hunch on folding chairs awaiting the next arrival to the tent.

Then the call goes up outside the tent: "Heads up. Body coming!" That a single rescue worker can carry the body bag gives some indication of what's inside.

The worker lugs it onto a table made up of a sheet stretched over plywood. We crowd around. Will it be a cop? A fireman? Will it be some horror I will never forget?

The paramedic unzips the black plastic bag. This is human? That is my first thought as her gloved hands sift the contents. But then I see. Within a mat of gray dust and paper fragments, a latticework of ribs. No blood or flesh, nothing that is not simply gray and woolly with ash.

Only occasionally is there more than this. One bag reveals a severed human foot, the toenails painted a heartbreaking violet. And this is what shocks you, what sits you down with a nauseated, displaced feel of a world spinning awry. Not the gore or the lack of it, but the small details that point tellingly to fragile lives caught in the maelstrom.

Those details are what I'm here for. I'm one of five cops tagging and bagging anything that might be linked to one of the dead. It's far, far tougher than viewing human remains.

A leather shoulder bag holds a management textbook and a notebook. The textbook has a woman's name on the front in a graceful, feminine hand. The notebook has her weekly classes written into the scheduling grid. Little reminders are written beside the schedule: "Keep up with the reading!"

You wonder: How could these things survive intact and their owners be so completely erased?

WE'RE digging now, anybody who can. It's still only Day 3, and the chances of finding somebody alive are, in theory, still real. It's a cyclical process; you pull carefully at the impossibly antagonistic tangle of metal and concrete, until eventually, a major beam or girder is exposed. Then the ironworkers hook a crane line to the girder and hoist it free.

There is something mythic in the sight of the cranes in operation. At one point, I look up from the wreckage to see an ironworker descending from the heavens, poised atop a huge metal hook at the end of a crane cable. Behind him, the red arm of a derrick scrapes the sky.

A crane, off to my right, is noisily hoisting a half-melted girder free of the rubble when a chorus of despair goes up.

I turn in time to catch a glimpse. It is a young woman, or rather the top-half of one, stuck to the top of the beam. Her arm flaps free once, a disembodied wave; then the torso falls free, disappearing anonymously back into the wreckage.

WHEN the first building came down, a sergeant from my precinct was on the street outside. He's long and lanky, and when he dived under a car for shelter, an arriving emergency vehicle ran over his legs.

Another sergeant dived under a fire truck, and later described the debris hitting the truck as sounding like someone dropping Volkswagens from 50 stories. As he lay there, he thought he heard gunshots, but dismissed the idea. But he was right. Other cops were shooting out windows of buildings so they could dive to safety inside.

Those are what passed for success stories down here.

IN THE weeks that follow the attacks, I will be handed a bottle of water by Matthew Modine, drink beer with the New York Rangers, and be the recipient of best wishes from Jason Alexander and Kevin Spacey.

For one night, Midtown becomes "celebrity Ground Zero." A telethon is being held to benefit victims and their families. After Billy Joel's rendition of "New York State of Mind," I am deputized to drive him down to greet the workers at Ground Zero.

Upon rounding a corner and taking in the panorama of the destruction, Joel gets the "cannot speaks." The workers all know this feeling, and they happily ignore the fact that the star is openly weeping as he signs their hard hats.

The city will eventually forget us. After all, we are just doing our jobs. We'll be the enemy again soon enough. Which is fine, that's the nature of a contentious and complicated relationship.

But we, the cops, we had better remember - not what we've seen, but what we've done. It's the way you remember the things you've done that make you who you are.

AP

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