Letter: United we stood, and so should we stand now

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006 | 7:06 a.m.

On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese, without warning, attacked Pearl Harbor. They killed 2,390 men, women and children and caused substantial property damage.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Muslim terrorists, without warning, attacked New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. They killed more than 3,000 and caused substantial property damage.

The 1941 attack resulted in a Declaration of War against Japan, which sought to rule the world. The American people rallied - the "sleeping giant" was awakened. The population stood firmly behind President Roosevelt. The war ended after the enemy got the message (America's resolve), when two Japanese cities were destroyed.

The 2001 attack resulted in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq with the support of all but one member of the House to fight the terrorists who seek to kill all infidels (Americans) and rule the world. The "sleeping giant" was again - briefly - awakened. The population is now politically divided and all do not stand firmly behind President Bush. The enemy has not gotten the message (America's resolve), no cities in Afghanistan and Iraq have been destroyed and the war has not yet ended.

There are many interesting similarities and many disturbing differences.

What has happened to America's desire to remain free? Has the "sleeping giant" gone back to bed? Is he dreaming of freedom without the reality to preserve it?

Stuart L. Posselt, Minden