Letter: Post Sept. 11 attitudes need an adjustment

Monday, Jan. 14, 2002 | 8:38 a.m.

I couldn't help but think Frank Rich's Jan. 7 column, "Patriotism talk becomes cheap," should be recycled until the message really gets across to us all. With all the different "rights" groups out there vigilant to see theirs aren't now infringed upon (including, probably, the foreign car gas guzzler's rights that Rich refers to), I wonder just how many of us understand the nature of the conflict and our responsibility in it.

Return to the normal complacency "business as usual" attitude of before Sept. 11 is not what I feel would be in the best interests of the country, either. The tragedy brought out incredible compassion and generosity in the vast majority of us, and an emotional desire to stand up to the enemy.

According to Rich's column and al-Qaida history, we have 12 to 24 months to figure out what we, and I mean that collectively down to the grassroots, are going to do to prevent another catastrophe and continue to live in this country feeling that God does indeed bless America.

VICKI MILDICE

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