Today is the fifth anniversary of the most devastating attack on our homeland since December 7th, 1941. The events of both days demonstrate again history’s ability to repeat itself.
.
Following the Pearl Harbor attack, in his December 9th radio address to the nation, President Roosevelt explained the state of war thrust upon the country:
Following the Pearl Harbor attack, in his December 9th radio address to the nation, President Roosevelt explained the state of war thrust upon the country:
“The sudden criminal attacks perpetrated by the Japanese in the Pacific provide the climax of a decade of international immorality. Powerful and resourceful gangsters have banded together to make war upon the whole human race…Together with other free peoples, we are fighting to maintain our right to live among our world neighbors in freedom and in common decency without fear of assault… We are now in this war. We are all in it- all the way. Every single man, woman, and child is a partner in the most tremendous undertaking of our American history. We must share together the bad news and the good news, the defeats and the victories- the changing fortunes of war.”
.
As we know, that war was enormous in its scope and ferocity. At times, things looked pretty bleak for our side.
As we know, that war was enormous in its scope and ferocity. At times, things looked pretty bleak for our side.
.
On September 20th, 2001, President Bush addressed a joint session of Congress and the American people, describing for the nation the sudden state of a new war:
On September 20th, 2001, President Bush addressed a joint session of Congress and the American people, describing for the nation the sudden state of a new war:
“On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. Americans have known wars — but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war — but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning. Americans have known surprise attacks — but never before on thousands of civilians. All of this was brought upon us in a single day — and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.”
The President identified the enemy:
“Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists, and every government that supports them.”
He then declared war:
“Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.”
The President clearly detailed nearly five years ago the war that we fight to this day. Anyone who expected it to be over by now obviously didn’t listen to President Bush as he described what was to come (and has):
“Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success. We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest. And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.”
How could the President have been more explicit? “Oh, but Doug- what about Iraq? And Iran? What did they have to do with September 11th?” Again, the President answered those questions in his speech:
“From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime. Our nation has been put on notice: We are not immune from attack. We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans.”
Does anyone doubt that both countries “harbored and supported terrorism” at that time? Today, Iraq no longer, as official government policy, does. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Iran.
.
Last Tuesday, President Bush gave an extremely detailed speech to the Military Officers Association of America. In it, he noted our accomplishments in the war during the last five years. He then delivered a stark reminder that the full scope of the war is still unfolding:
Last Tuesday, President Bush gave an extremely detailed speech to the Military Officers Association of America. In it, he noted our accomplishments in the war during the last five years. He then delivered a stark reminder that the full scope of the war is still unfolding:
“As we continue to fight al Qaeda and these Sunni extremists inspired by their radical ideology, we also face the threat posed by Shia extremists, who are learning from al Qaeda, increasing their assertiveness, and stepping up their threats… In 1979, they took control of a major power, the nation of Iran, subjugating its proud people to a regime of tyranny, and using that nation’s resources to fund the spread of terror and pursue their radical agenda.”
President Bush on the 9/11 attacks:
“I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.”
President Bush on an atomic Iran:
“The world’s free nations will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.”
Five years into this, I have come to know one very important fact about this president: He means what he says. Thank God.