Time for a zero tolerance approach

I have been reading and hearing a lot of concern for American children possibly facing a war and that some parents are concerned about the measures of retaliation and what the repercussions would be. First of all, no one can answer what will come of an American retaliation. But we must take a hard look at repercussions if a severe retaliation is not done.

Parents need to remember that America has been involved in wars before and children were around then, too. There is now a big difference – the war started on our soil. In the past we sent our troops to other soil, but still children of America were affected, whether from a parent, brother or other relative going to fight and defend another country and the many that did not return.

We must not let the emotions of protecting our children affect the right retaliation that must be done now. Being a parent myself, I would much rather go full steam ahead with the intention of full elimination of all suspects and known people involved in the attack on America on Sept. 11, than to wonder when the next attack will come.

We must treat this like we do the “no tolerance” of certain issues with our schools. Once caught under the “no tolerance” act, no excuses or explanations will change the decision.

If we as Americans allow a lesser punishment for this attack on our soil, then we have opened the door to more of the same attacks with possibly other groups taking part.

I ask the American public to think of this attack as one on your home only on a grander scale. If your home was being broken into, I know you would stand up to fight with all you had. Please, let’s do this now.

As a parent talking to my son during this week, I understand that children need to know the truth, the whole truth and know that our “home” has been invaded and we will take the measures to re-secure it – any measure necessary.

As an American, I support the president, the troops and the civilians in taking the most extreme measures possible to eliminate terrorist acts happening on my home, my soil, again. I will accept with honor what may change in my life going forward, knowing that terrorism will not be part of that future.

Bothell

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