I sat in disbelief with the many responses that called for a non-military response to the horrendous terrorist acts committed against our nation. I am referring to the forum discussion in the Memorial Union on Thursday.

To actually believe that a non-military response will further a positive humanitarian posture globally is ludicrous. Furthermore, not since WWII has any nation or organization had the gall to attack Americans on our home soil.

I whole heartedly agree with the cartoon editorial by Carmen Cerra of awakening the sleeping giant. I don’t think these terrorists realized the resolve of our government to enact a lethal punishment on all those involved.

President Bush stated that those who harbored these terrorists, if proven, would be held to the same punishment.

This is not to say that we should engage in a war against Muslims. As a whole, the word Muslim is by no means synomous with terrorist. Americans who believe so demonstrate the enemies’ point through their ignorance.

To not mount a lethal military option is to demonstrate to those who would use terror that America will stand by and allow its freedoms and liberties to be destroyed.

And it is without doubt that this is a new war, a 21st century war.

In no short terms, the military options must be a full eradication of all terrorism. Not only this, but the United States must unleash a fury never before seen in history.

According to the way the military is at Threatcon Delta, we must be prepared as a nation for a full-out invasion by our forces.

To engage in simple diplomatic negotiations is simply not an option. If we have to act unilaterally, then so be it. We must demonstrate as a whole nation that terrorism will not be tolerated – ever.

If it’s found Osama bin Laden was at the heart of this tragedy or if his surrounding cells committed this act, we have to ask what would happen should Afghanistan decide to not not turn him over to American authorities.

The War Powers Resolution Act dictates when the U.S. should use military force – a declaration of war, statuary authorization and a national emergency.

The third reason, a national emergency, was specifically meant to mean on an attack on the US.

Therefore, by this alone, we are obligated to defend U.S. freedoms at all costs. Some would argue that a military solution would violate the same liberties of others nations’ citizens as it did ours.

But as evidenced by the video footage, this was nothing more than pure carnage intended to kill a lot of people and as such we must react with an even greater response.

Andy Gonzales

Senior

Political Science