Defend our way of life
Mary Beth Ellis
Saint Mary's College class of '99
The few of you who might recognize my name may remember me for five years of lighthearted columns in these pages. But sometimes, my friends, life isn't so damn funny.
I am very disturbed by recent letters in The Observer which suggest that the United States must embrace a "non-violent" response to the attacks of Sept. 11 if we want to do "the right thing" or "the truly Catholic thing." The only way to stop further atrocities is to state in no uncertain terms that America will not passively accept such attacks on our homeland. I wonder if those of you calling for a military stand-down would feel the same way if, God forbid, you looked out your dorm window one morning and saw a hijacked airliner bearing down on the Golden Dome or LeMans Tower. We must defend ourselves and our way of life now or our enemies will grow ever bolder.
Our leaders are not roaring to carry out "an eye for an eye" vengeance. They are seeking to provide common sense self defense. Unfortunately last Tuesday wasn't a nightmare, or a bad movie. The United States was viciously attacked on its own soil. These bombings were carried out for no other reason than to kill as many innocent people — civilians, mind you, not military personnel — as possible. If there existed a realistic way to defend ourselves without further bloodshed, I would be the first to support a plan of that nature. Such suggestions as economic sanctions sound like nice, neat solutions but are terribly inappropriate efforts in the face of such blatant disregard for human life.
War is never pretty nor welcome. Our brave servicemen and women don't relish the idea of deployment, but at times it is unavoidable. I shudder to think of what the world would be like today if the Allies attempted to stop Hitler with boycotts and strongly worded resolutions. Our generation has now received the call to take up the proud example set by our grandparents. The nation must act prudently but decisively. We will pray for peace even as we rise to defend our freedom.
The members of the Notre Dame/Saint Mary's ROTC community, seniors and recent graduates in particular, are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless America, the rescue workers, our armed forces and President George W. Bush.
Mary Beth Ellis
Saint Mary's College class of '99
Sept. 17, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Wednesday, September 19, 2001
