Political fodder

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

By Richard Anderson

It is tempting to make political hay wherever and whenever one can, and with the events of Sept. 11, 2001, still fresh in our minds – how can it be otherwise, with the constant barrage of reports of hearings, suicide bombings, soldiers’ deaths and nasty accusations being bandied about by just about everyone – it’s especially easy on and around the anniversary of the worst attacks on American soil.

But we shouldn’t. At least not right now, not this week. Right now, we should just remember, talk, comfort one another. We should watch our language, be sensitive to the fact that different people have different perspectives on what has happened since that awful day, and stand as united as possible in acknowledging the horror and the tragedy of the attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.

“Today the citizens of our nation and the State of Wyoming remember and honor the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children lost on that tragic day six years ago,” Wyoming’s Rep. Barbara Cubin said in a statement issued on Tuesday. “Those lost and injured, and the heroes who put the needs of their fellow citizens before themselves, will not be forgotten, nor should their sacrifice be in vain. Today is a time to be mindful of our losses and steadfast in our resolve to continue the international war on terror.

“The events of 9/11 awakened the American people to a sinister threat to our safety and way of life,” Cubin continued. “America responded to those horrific attacks with a strength and unity underestimated by those who chose to wage war against us.

Six years have elapsed since that tragic day, but our resolve in eradicating the terror threat must remain as strong as ever. Should our commitment waver, terrorists will be empowered – endangering American lives and putting our soldiers deployed abroad at increased risk. Radical Islamists will not go away if ignored, they will not be content with attacks on foreign soil, and they will not be placated by nice words or friendly gestures. We must fight this war on our terms, bringing the fight to the terrorists, lest they bring the fight again to our cities, towns and rural communities.”

Mike Enzi, now Wyoming’s senior senator in Washington, similarly alternated between bold defiance and tender consolation: “As the war on terrorism was in the forefront of discussion today on Capitol Hill it became apparent that our country was drastically changed the day we were attacked. We have not forgotten the fear, surprise and grief of that morning. Those who are responsible will continue to be hunted and brought to justice.

“It is our duty to tell our children about that day and to honor those who are fighting for us now. Whether it be by joining hands in prayer at church, taking part in a community walk, writing a letter to a member of our armed services, or simply lowering your head in a moment of silence, we must never forget that day and never forget all that we are thankful for.”

It’s tempting, indeed, to make political hay whenever and wherever we see the opportunity. And, oh, so easy. But let’s not. Not today.
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Political fodder | Planet JH News Article: Editorial

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