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America will unite, hit back BRANDON LARRABEE LAUGHIN98@H0TMAIL.COM Fear and loathing in the United States. “today, i thought i was going to a newspaper...i went into a war zone; i thought i had issues...i had small problems; i thought i lived in a safe nation...i just live in a free one; i thought i was immune...i was just ignorant” —Brandon Larrabee’s IM away message, Sept. 11,2001 Where do I begin? How do I begin to understand, to truly comprehend the tragedy that has unfolded? Hyperbole and overdramatization don’t apply here; there is no way to overstate what has happened in New York and Washington. Thousands dead, the worst attack on American soil in history, the nation will never be the same. The words echo in my head. It begins with the movie. The slow-motion disaster movie, the plane slalnming into the second tower, the spurt of fire, the fear of hell on earth. Then, there is the aftermath. The smoke engulfing streets, blocks, an entire city. The dust, the white coating that makes the past 48 hours seem like a nightmare. But there is no waking up when the nightmare is worse than any dream. Then there is the realization. I cannot get in to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Looking for something for the Carolina Reporter, trying to get into the airport — and I can’t. My country is shut off from the rest of the world. The scene is straight out of Tom Clancy, Jerry Bruckenheimer; but unlike any movie, I’m there, and it’s real, and I can’t escape the horror of what has happened. But there is another realization. I am an American. Not because America is where I live, not because of my citizenship, but because America is more than a country; it is a concept, a belief, a religion. There are some that aren’t forunate enough to be Americans. I could’ve been bom in Afghanistan, relegated to life under a theocracy that punishes freedom and despises liberty as its people starve. I could’ve been born in Iraq, in Somalia, in North Korea, in China. Why was I chosen? We are all Americans now. We must be. The squabbling must end, we must line up behind our leaders, we must give them the support they need. And others ask a horrifying question: Is this the end of America? No. Pearl Harbor was not the end, Oklahoma City was not the end, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon will not be the end. We are better than that, we must be better than that; we are being called on to defend democracy, and we must live up to the challenge. And we must show the resolve that the terrorists did not expect; we must not back down. Nearly 60 years ago, in one of the brutal acts of war against America, more than 4,000 lives were destroyed when Japan launched the attack that became known as Pearl Harbor — “a date which will live in infamy.” I have long wondered what my generation, the TV generation, the Internet generation, the generation that had never known war or true pain, would live up under the same kinds of pressure. This is our test. And the scum that did this should be aware; You have screwed with the wrong nation. We will hunt you down like the cowardly slime that you are, and we will destroy you. America has a history of uniting in times of crisis and avenging her dead. And these united states will not hesitate to do so again this time. And when we do, the furious hell that rained down upon us will seem like the pleasant dreams of those who did this. IN OTHERS’ OPINION COMPROMISING FREEDOM The events of September 11 are a truly horrible tragedy. The violation of our national sense of security is unparalleled in American history. This has led to commentators in the media to call for some restrictions on our liberties or to ask government officials what restrictions would be necessary. This is not the way to react to ' an attack on our nation and the ideology on which it is based. To allow this attack to cower our nation into hiding is to give the terrorists true victory. We cannot sacrifice our liberty and our freedoms that we enjoy as citizens and residents of the United States in order to create the impression of security. The relative freedom that makes our nation vulnerable to terrorism is also part of the reason that we are a target of it. Our freedom is what makes us great, it is what makes us prosperous and is what makes us unique in the world.... [W]e cannot let this attack on our nation lead to restrictions jn liberty and the freedoms we enjoy. To give into such impulses gives terrorists the result that they desired. It causes a fundamental change in the way we function as a society. It allows the terrorists to take away some of the freedom that makes America what it is. Thomas Jefferson once said that “those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” The American people should not stand for their freedoms being trampled on any more than they will stand for terrorist attacks. —THOMAS PARIS, CAMPUS TIMES, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER LNANut IN Nil/ uwiiuov/Mrc WILL FOREVER AFFECT ALL OF US On Tuesday, the landscape of New York City was forever altered by the destruction of the World Trade Center’s twin towers. The north and south towers of the World Trade Center stood since the early 1970s as one of New York and America’s most recognizable structures. Its proximity to the Statue of Liberty has made it one of the ,first sights for immigrants 1 oming to America.... As the dust begins to settle and we start to learn more about what happened, hopefully we as human beings, students and Americans can start to make sense of the terrible tragedy that has occurred. The landscape of our lives and the way we think about our country and security has been permanently scarred as well. Every person that steps onto an airplane tomorrow and for days and weeks to come is going to have the unforgettable image of the jet slamming into the World Trade Center’s south tower. Our general sense of security has been shook to its foundation. The image ingrained in many minds of the mainland United States being impervious to major attack has been shattered. The crash at the Pentagon is perhaps the sharpest blow in terms of crushing our sense of security. The terrorists proved America wrong when it struck the heart of the American military, which was thought by most to be untouchable. In this time when we as a nation will be focusing on healing our wounds and seeking out the perpetuators of this heinous crime, we should stand unified behind our leaders and as a nation and put aside our usual partisan bickering. We as journalists are as opinionated as they come, but we recognize that there is only one side to pick in a case such as this. Where were you on September 11,2001? We will all be able to name where we were on this day, when a hole was blasted through the New York skyline and through the heart of our country. —STAFF, THE SIDELINES, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY HOLD OUR HEADS HIGH America had been the victim of the terrorism on many occasions, but never on so brutal a scale as on September 11,2001. ...And as the magnitude of the attacks settled upon us, the fear remained, but anger seemed to build. How could this happen? Why would anyone ever do this? What had those thousands of people in the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and surrounding areas, ever done to deserve this? The answer was: nothing. This anger swelled to a call for revenge, that the people who would commit such acts must not only be brought to justice, but should die. This fear, anger, and desire for vengence, all understandable in light of the devastating events, do not represent the best of human nature that was exhibited in the last few days.... I have opinions on what course of action the United States should pursue in response to these terrifying events, and I admit that I soon began to think and argue with people about what should be done to ensure that this will never occur again. I saw many others around campus do so as well. I will attempt to avoid doing so, at least in the immediate future. We have more immediate concerns in coming to grips with this crisis emotionally; we cannot yet contemplate the foreign policy this country will pursue in 21st century to combat international terrorism. While I am generally critical of President Bush, I do not now envy President Bush’s position. It is a difficult one, to say the least. It is a burden that he and other public officials must carry for this country. They have all of our best wishes, as do all those affected directly or indirectly by the tragic events of September 11,2001. —DAVID MONTES, HARVARD INDEPENDENT DETAILS VAGUE, MESSAGE CLEAR ... What can we make of the horrific events of September 11,2001? A Hollywood spectacle? No. This was not the result of blockbuster studio wizardry. A skillful terrorist attack? Without a doubt. The start of World War III? The fear is present, but there's one problem for seekers of military justice... we do not know who is responsible for the attacks. Amidst the confusion, one thing is certain. The terrorists sent a crippling message: Wake up America. Wake up to the injustices not only outside our country, but those that inhabit our own land, from embedded racism to social cLuenauun. Wake up to our aggressive national bullying which intimidates but also stirs anger and hostility. Wake up to the harsh reality that we are not invincible. This country may be the world's strongest superpower, but it is all the more vulnerable for it. Americans are brought up with the vigorous notions of “good guys” and “bad guys.” But the distinction isn’t always night and day. America, for all its democratic efforts, has repeatedly acted in a fashion anything but “good.” From the overlooked, systematic slaughter of Native Americans to the harrowing Japanese internment camps of World War II, history shows that America's fear and misunderstanding (or was that racism?) can lead to actions of disgrace. Other events outside this country, such as the CIA's involvement in the 1973 military coup of Chile's government... or the mass genocide of Rwandans that took place under the United States' nose in 1994, paint equally compelling pictures of America's shame. We didn't deserve this tragedy. We just shouldn't be surprised that anyone would want to mess with us.... Countless questions remain. If and when the answers are revealed, they must not be ignored. They must act, like this entire trauma, as tools to protecting the people of both this nation and the entire world so no such heinous acts reoccur. —EDITORIAL BOARD, TEMPLE NEWS, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY —COURTESY COLLEGEPUBLISHER.COM Don’t ruin America’s beauty CLAYTON KALE CEKALE@HOTMAIL.COM America’s patchwork must not be destroyed by cowardly attacks. President George W. Bush described America’s emotional reaction to Tuesday’s attacks as “a quiet, unyielding anger.” President Bush’s assertion is quite accurate. Anger is a justifiable reaction to Tuesday’s events. If someone were socked in the eye without warning, he’d be angry and would act accordingly. Most classes cannot get away from discussing Tuesday’s attacks, and rightly so. A close friend of mine commented that it was “definitely the biggest thing to happen to us in our lifetime.” Discussing the attacks is necessary for us to make sense of it and realize its powerful implications. The cable-babble networks and print outlets are reporting that known America-hater Osama bin Laden is the likely master mind behind the attacks. America should respond lard and fast to the attacks, and :hey have the backing of the najor world players to do so. rhe United Nations has already ragged out and pulled their ■epresentatives out of Afghanistan, a country that has supported and harbored bin Laden in the past. All signs point to a counterattack. As with any fight, it is expected that emotions will run nigh, both here and abroad. As i consequence, when emotions ran high, people say and do :hings without fully under standing the implications or jven what they are saying. According to news reports, rar likely enemy is going to be a 'ollower of Islam. According to lews reports, our enemy is ?oing to be Arabic. That’s the way the cards fall. In the minds if bin Laden and his followers, the United States is an evil imperialistic nation full of heathens and their attack was a noble and brave act. Reports also suggest a number of calls with hateful messages have been made to Islamic organizations in the U.S., whicMs wrong and bullheaded. It is important for ill Americans to remember that those who carried out the attacks against the U.S. are not the run-of-the-mill Arabs or Muslims. They are followers of a zealot and are fanatics in their beliefs. It would be foolish to associate the behavior of the attackers and their supporters with a skin color or creed. America is a patchwork of all colors, eye-shapes, religious beliefs and practices. Everyone who has come to America came here because they believe it’s the best place in the world to be. In no way should anyone be discriminated against because they have dark skin or because they follow the teachings of Mohammed. If bin Laden’s followers are on American so'il and attempt acts of sabotage, leave it to the authorities and the justice system for trial and punish ment. America made the mistake during World War II to * round up and incarcerate Japanese Americans for the simple reason that they looked like the enemy. This provides only a false sense of security. The real enemy is abroad, and our anger should be focused there. The beauty of America is that it’s a place where neighbors can, with relative quiet and understanding, hold differing views and beliefs. A . cowardly attack shouldn’t destroy our relationships with Americans who.share the same God as the attackers. Doing so would break the foundation of American ideals, specifically the freedom of thought and religion, and that was the real objective of the terrorist aggressors. Muslims do not condone attacks ALISYED PRESIDENT. MUSLIM STUDENTS ASSOCIATION America’s patchwork must not be destroyed by cowardly attacks. On behalf of the Muslim Students Association, I would like to convey a message of friendship and unity. It was truly a sad and mournful day when we all witnessed the tragedies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania; a day which devastated people all across the world. Our best prayers are with these individuals who have been victimized, and we would like to convey our condolences to their families and friends. As the world knows, people are tying this terrorist act of betrayal and cowardice to the faith of Islam and its followers. Islam, meaning complete submission to God, is a religion of peace and mercy. To those who are not aware of Islamic history, our religion was actually a revolution that brought human rights, the liberation of women and peace among nations. The Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) used to prohibit soldiers from killing women, children, elderly men and unarmed men. He would advise them: “Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.” Islam, a religion that billions of people follow, teaches: God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers. (Quran, 60:8) In essence, Islam is a faith of peace with oneself and others. In fact, the word Islam is derived from the Arabic word salam, meaning peace. The act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians; the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties; and the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness, and the vast majority has nothing to do with the violent events that some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam. In closing, I would like to thank The Gamecock, Office of International Programs and the campus community for their warmth and sensitivity in this trying time for our association. * Epsilon Sigma Alpha Service Sorority 1 . ** , FALL RUSH (Rescheduled) September 18, 19, 20 South Quad Lounge @ 7:00 PM Business Dress Required Fun, Service, Sisterhood i AN HISTORIC RESIDENCE Efficiciency $485 One Bedroom $545 Two Bedroom $580 Rents include all utilities and cable TV. All rates quoted are month to month. (Leases available, prices subject to change) Located across from the University Of South Carolina Horseshoe and the State Capital, Cornell Arms offers the premier location for downtown living. (803) 799-1442 1230 PENDLETON STREET COLUMBIA, SC 29201