[Mike Rush]

What type of world do you want to live in? Do you like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Do you enjoy freedom? Do you enjoy your inalienable rights? Americans have enjoyed these things for many years... and there are those around us who would like nothing more take them from us... to destroy us and our way of life.

Yes, at times in our past, we have done things which were wrong. Does this negate the validity of a future course of action? I think not.

These freedoms we enjoy are not free. They must be defended from those who, given a chance, would take them away. They must be paid for. Yes, even in blood. For this is the only way to convince those who would destroy us of the strength of our conviction. In a life and death struggle between peoples, victory goes to those who believe in it the most, and the longest.

Do you really believe that if we turn a blind eye to a threat it will go away? Do you really believe you can negotiate with someone willing to die while killing you? What would you negotiate with? What is it you can say to convince your mortal enemy to change his mind? And make no mistake, the people of whom you all have been discussing are your mortal enemies. Some of them are even willing to fly fuel laden planes into buildings full of civilians.

Some ask if Afghanistan will be the last? Or Iraq? Or will there be another? These are the same questions asked during past global conflicts. And the answer has allways been the same... Only God knows the future. Man can only take the information presented and make the best decision possible.

There comes a time in everyones life, in every societies lifetime, when they must ask themselves what is it they believe in. For us as a people, this is one of those times. Will we rise to the occasion and be victorious? Or will we go silently into the night? It is entirely up to you. But remember, with every thought, comment, or question that brings our conviction into question, the enemy gathers strength.

The enemy is real. The enemy is here. If the time is not now, then when will it be?