The terrorists of today need to know what wrath they are facing. If we know Osama bin Laden is located in a 40-mile area, then we only need to decimate that area and watch how many would then open their arms to protect him or any other maniac that would preach the destruction of our way of life.

The only thing that gives these medieval thugs the courage to attack us is the belief that we will not strike back with enough force to convince their followers to reject their ignorant belligerence. We should not accept their version of war, nor fight on their terms. Let them learn that what we fought for was peace and freedom, and we have the weapons and the will to defend, promote and protect our legacy.

Otherwise, we can wallow around indefinitely in a war that will never end and a threat that won’t disappear. This is our choice and which alternative we choose will determine whether history will see us as courageous or not.

Dale L. Netherton

Alumnus