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--> --> Are we ready for this war? The Oregonian The Pentagon was still ablaze when Gen. Henry Shelton, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, declared to the American people, "Make no mistake about it. Your armed forces are ready." Now, after the deadliest attack ever on U.S. soil, we should ask: Are Americans ready? Are we prepared for what President Bush called the "first war of the 21st century"? The spirit is there. America always has had the lion's heart; the terrorist attack has given it the roar. Now the nation resounds with thunderous talk of war. Congress quickly and unanimously authorized military force and approved a $40 billion down-payment for repairs and revenge. There's a fight in our future. There's no doubt about that. But we, and our leaders, must be absolutely clear what war means today - and what war has meant throughout American history. The elders among us have lived the costs of war, but younger generations know next to nothing about them. Remember, every major war in this country has included a compulsory draft of young Americans. Every major war has required the government to impose a significant tax increase. Every major war has triggered sweeping government controls on information - every war except Vietnam, where full and free news media reports sent home were criticized for hurting the war effort. None of this argues against military reprisals for the mass murder of our citizens. The United States should strike back at the terrorist organization responsible for the attacks, and punish any government that has provided them aid and shelter. But Americans should know what we're in for. This war must be about destroying the terrorist networks responsible for the attack on our nation. There are parallels in our history. The United States did not enter World War II to get even with the Japanese for crimes committed at Pearl Harbor. It set out to end the threat to the United States permanently. This war must have the same goal. "War" is not a cable news channel rhetorical flourish. It's a massive commitment by an entire society. Those who murdered thousands of innocents in our country may have left us only one path. But we must realize where it leads. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing