We Americans insist on being a peace-loving nation. We despise bloodshed; we are opposed to violence. Yet we go into spasms of joy over the possibility of projecting explosive devices from aircrafts upon helpless citizens.

We are ready to hang, electrocute or prosecute anyone who, from economic necessity, will risk his own life in the attempt upon that of some industrial magnate, or due to differing opinion, will dare to make the fatal mistake of challenging our government’s authority.

Yet our hearts swell with pride at the thought that America has become the most powerful nation on earth, and that it will eventually plant her iron foot on the necks of all other nations.

Such logic is ludicrous and what we call patriotism.

We must be careful as a nation not to take patriotism too far. As the most powerful nation in the world we withhold a lot of responsibility. We must know when not to be hypocritical of other nations’ actions.

Indisputably the terrorist actions of Sept. 11 were unacceptable. We must make sure, following the current struggle, we are not seen in the same light as the Taliban and other terrorist groups across the globe.

Arthur Templin

Freshman

Civil Engineering