I was watching CNN concerning a plane crash into the world trade center. I told my wife that this appears to be deliberate. At about that time I turned from the TV screen when another plane flew directly into the other tower! I am both angry and grieved! I am almost sure that the death toll will be in the thousands. My prayers are with my fellow New Yorkers, who are innocent victims of screwed up world politics.

- Waldemar Freyre

It's just after midnight on the day after. I, like all Americans, feel like I've had a death in the family. For thousands, this feeling is a cruel reality. Life can never be the same for everyone.The only silver lining in the tragedy is that it has united us all. Tonight we are not Democrats or Republicans, Conservatives, Liberals, or moderates. Ethnicity, race, and national origin is now irrelevant. We are united as Americans.

Now what? While we grieve, we must be prepared for the national challenge ahead. It means sacrifice. It means forgetting about tax cuts and preparing to spend billions to do whatever it takes militarily to defeat this evil of our time. It means we will have to volunteer to serve militarily if we are young and able bodied. It may mean gas rationing and higher energy prices. The terrorists will probably attack again in the near future, meaning that more of us will be casualities in this war.

Are we up to the challenge? The WW2 generation was faced with this in December 1942, and ultimately succeeded. Its appropriate that they have been called the "greatest generation." They suffered a horrible depression for 12 years, only to be forced to battle the evil of fascism for another four years. Then they heped create the prosperity made the USA the greatest nation on earth. Remember that it was not without cost: thousands of Americans paid the ultimate price.

Lets admit it--we've been spoiled. We've had recessions, but nothing like the Great Depression. With the Cold War over, we have enjoyed a decade of prosperity that has allowed us to take everything we have for granted. We (ages 21-35) have been the most apathetic, materialistic, and selfish generation in history. Most of us get three meals a day, have heated and cooled living quarters, have nice toys like computers and SUVs, and ample leasure time. Now we have to buckle down and face a real challenge.

Can we face this new era of war and uncertainty and succeed?

- HectorP

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