As a young, pudgy American who stems from the post-Cold War “Me” generation, my teeth and psyche have rotted from devouring the candy-coated fruits of my previous generations? labor.

Was I grateful for my way of living? Not really, for I knew no other life than having a sense of security and freedom from the worries that plague the other nations. Besides, wasn?t my lifestyle the goal of past American soldiers? Did they not want what was best for our country? They did, and we?ve enjoyed it freely, until now.

Of course, we?re still a free nation despite increased security measures, but daily life will not return to America?s definition of normalcy anytime soon, if ever. These attacks on our soil are just the beginning. Anyone who thinks our modern day of infamy was a freak of human nature needs to get their head out of their Adam Sandler la-la land and wake up to the harsh reality that there?s a level of sophistication behind those who hate us.

And boy do they hate us, regardless of creed, color and sex. It doesn?t matter if you?re a civilian, a military officer, African-American or Asian American. If you?re an American, you all must die. Every single American must DIE, DIE, DIE!

With that kind of mentality that we?re dealing with, how can there be peace without war? Who can negotiate and diplomatically discuss with fanatical madmen over Earl Grey tea? No one can; that?s why our leaders have been targeting those who harbor and finance these “Islamic heroes.”

George W. Bush has made a simple request. Hand over the suspect or prepare to face the consequence. So far everyone has cooperated except for the Taliban leadership of Afghanistan who want to make things more difficult by telling the press that the United States government doesn?t have evidence to convict Osama bin Laden.

The evidence against Bin Laden remains to be seen. Our government is not going to divulge every detail of their investigation to make for provoking newsreels; and they shouldn?t, because if WE know everything, then THEY?LL know everything. So where does this leave us? Whether you are opposed to it or not, there?s going to be a war of some sort. Yet this war will be different on many levels. Not only do we have invisible enemies to contend with, we will have to fight a war that could result in heavy civilian casualties. These losses could be just as tragic as what we faced on Sept. 11.

It?s easier to have an opinion than an idea on something this horrific. For those who would rather wear a peace sign and go to rallies instead of participating in the patriotic renaissance in support of your country, then may God bless you. The pursuit for peace is great, but hopeless in the type of war we?re going to face. It?s a very cold and sad truth in the world we live in, but hopefully someday soon everyone will realize that there must be war in order to maintain peace.

Georgette Todd is considering enlistment in the military after graduating in journalism. She can be reached at [email protected].