Editorial

We must win the war over radical terrorism

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Today marks the anniversary of the event that changed this nation perhaps forever. Like the Kennedy assassination, for those old enough to remember, we can all recall where we were and what we were doing when terrorist-guided planes changed the course of human events.

What seemed like a nightmare at the time remains a national nightmare to this day.

But let's be clear - the Twin Towers attack was conducted and coordinated by Islamic terrorists hellbent on the destruction of western values.

I was absolutely repulsed this week when a Muslim group protested a small memorial in a small New York town because the memorial marker included the words Islamic terrorist.

We cannot and most certainly should not attempt to rewrite history. Doing so does a disservice to the lives lost, the lives changed and the brave efforts by thousands who rushed to the rescue on that fateful day.

The terrorist attack posed a major problem then as it does today. We find ourselves at war, not with another country as much as a religious value system that believes in the annihilation of those who do not hold their values.

And because this war is not against another country, it poses challenges unprecedented in our history.

But let there be no doubt. We are indeed at war. And though not all of the attacks are directed solely at America, we are the eventual target. It's just a matter of time.

Our fight is not with the religion of Islam. Our fight is with that radical element that has hijacked a religion and created tension and concern and fear across the world.

Yet until we accept that we are at war, our chances of success against these zealots will find no traction.

Which brings us to the current presidential race whether we like it or not.

Let's accept one basic truth - more of the same will not work and will not return civility and sanity to this changing world.

Our new leader must devote the resources and the manpower to destroy this enemy wherever they hide and wherever they live.

It is an act of insanity to ignore those who wish us harm and believe that somehow we can magically negotiate with monsters and respectfully ask them to change their ways.

It will take money and sacrifice to win this war and in a nation weary of battle, it won't be popular.

But like all Americans as well as all residents of the world, we don't want our grandchildren to worry about terrorists attacks.

We should pause on this solemn occasion and remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made on that September morning.

To assure it cannot happen again, we must dedicate ourselves to the task of winning the war on terrorism. To do that takes a leader willing to devote the energies and the commitment of the American public and end this threat once and for all.

Michael Jensen

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