story8447.xml

story8447.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-10-16

I was a long way from New York ON sept. 11, but the anger rose up in me as I drove home that faithfull day. I sat down at me PC and beagn to write and the following lines exploded onto the page. Strangely I felt better I know Bin Laden will never read this but it is my sincere hope he feels the wrath of our spirit and resolve.

Enemies

Enemies come in all shapes and colors. Some are brave and forthright, warriors fighting for their cause. Some are cowards fighting from behind women and children. Their cause is unjust and vain. It is thought to be a God given right for them to force their ideas on all mankind. They are not brave and are not just. They are misguided individuals who are easily led down the path of total destruction by a charismatic leader who cares only for his control and power over weak men. It is this kind of enemy we, as Americans, face today. One who sought to destroy the American way of life.

When the first plane hit the World trade Center, it shook the very foundation of American life. In that instant America lost her innocence. We had not been attacked on our soil for over 50 years. We were blissfully immune to the horrors of terrorism of this magnitude, until September 11, 2001. Reeling from the first attack, we all witnessed a second attack as the 757 bored in on the second tower. As the flames tore through the building, we all realized this was a purposeful attack. One that was meant to destroy the American Spirit and to cripple our economy and our very livelihood. As the day wore on we learned of other attacks and the death toll began to mount. America as a country cried tears of sadness for those lost in this senseless attack and the families whose lives were changed in the blink of an eye.

But then, a small voice was heard rising from the ashes. Only a whimper at first, then as the days wore on, it grew louder. USA, USA USA! It grew until it was spilling over the world. It was heard at the Kremlin in Moscow, It was heard at 10 Downey Street in London, but most important it was heard in a Terrorist camp somewhere in the small country of Afghanistan. The world knew that the sleeping Giant had been awakened. The American spirit began to swell to a crescendo that was heard with great welcome all over the world, except where the cowards hide. It was not music to them. It filled them with dread and despair. No longer did they dance in the street and burn old glory. No longer did they cry ? death to America?. They knew at that very instant that their days were numbered. America had vowed to seek them out, no matter where they were hidden and destroy them.

The attack on the twin towers, and the other targets had succeeded in destroying the wood, steel and glass. It succeeded in killing Americans, Brits, Indians and many other nationalities. But the cowards forgot one thing. Our American spirit has been tested before. The British tried to stifle our desire for independence but could not. The Japanese tried to destroy it at Pearl Harbor. Hitler tried to crush the free world with his version of supreme government. Each time Americans stood tall and strong to drive the terror of the day out of our American vision of Freedom. We will do the same now. Terrorism will not win. The basics rights our forefathers laid out for us have helped to forge an America with a strong will and spirit that cannot be broken so easily.

Our eyes may be blackened, our lips bloodied but our resolve is stronger than ever. Bin Laden, I hope your ready to meet your maker, whoever he is, cause we are coming. The troops you will see will number in the thousands but the spirit of millions ride with them.

Ken Wood