During
the early, dark days of World War II, when Britain stood virtually
alone against Adolf Hitler's war machine, Prime Minister Winston Churchill
took his advisers to a bombed-out quarter of London. Several houses
stood amidst the rubble. Smoke curled from the houses' chimneys. Mr.
Churchill pointed to the smoke and told them that it signified the
indomitable spirit of the British people who were still carrying on
with their lives despite daunting difficulties, fear and uncertainty.
He urged them to take heart from this example of bravery.
By that very same token, Americans must be united, not intimidated, by
the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on Tuesday, in which
thousands of people died. The great generosity and spirit of the
American people were evident by midday as they rushed to donate blood
and attended special prayer services around the country.
In the post-Cold War world, the most likely threat for the United States
now comes from enemies operating surreptitiously, employing
unconventional means and taking advantage of the openness of American
society. With all possible speed, our country should pursue a homeland
defense that gives the greatest emphasis to the kinds of attacks that
turned the World Trade Center and the Pentagon into fiery hecatombs.
Until then, all citizens should dedicate themselves to addressing the
immediate needs of the victims and their loved ones. The nation mourns
grievously for the departed and their families; we have only begun to
absorb the dimensions of this tragedy.
This moment is a test of our country's character. President Bush and
Congress have put aside all partisan interests and now must respond with
the same fortitude of Londoners 60 years ago. Our leaders must bind "we
the people" together, mend and console the survivors, and call upon our
great stock of moral strength.
The United States of America must continue to epitomize the values
of democracy. Americans know we are a resilient people. Now, through
our courage and resolve, we must remind the world of how precious
freedom is and how relentlessly we will defend it.
- This editorial originally published in The Dallas Morning
News Sept. 12, 2001.