A War with a Cause

The next couple of posts that i will be posting are editorials that i have written for the school newspaper. I thought some of you might like to read them.

September 11, 2001, 8:46 am, Tuesday. A day no one in our generation should ever forget. A day of somber, prosperity, and unity, a day which will live in infamy.

Eight years ago America was attacked by a group of cowards in the Middle East, Afghanistan. This group soon became known to Americans as the Taliban. Americans here this name everyday on any news channel on television. Shortly after the attacks on the World Trade Centers in 2001, America started a war with this group that is continuing today. People forget why we are there in the first place, and that is to keep America safe and free for decades to come. The war the adults are fighting today, will keep America’s children safe, and allow them to live a free, wonderful life style they are enjoying every moment they breathe.

There are some that say we should leave the war, or that it is a useless battle, a war that has no cause, or is a waste of money and American resources that could be used on other issues. When asked if we should junior Audrey Platt explains, “No, this was is not our business. It’s a waste of time and money. They can take care of themselves, and we should let them.”

Others, say the war is something we should stick with. They think that if we leave now it would not only be a political disaster, but would be a disaster for the Afghan people as well. Afghanistan wants out help and we are providing it. Sophomore Hayley King, when asked whether or not we should stay in Afghanistan says, “We should stay. The war isn’t over yet, and we haven’t finished our goal of restoring peace to Afghanistan, and security to America.”

America staying in Afghanistan, sending more troops helps the foundation of America. It shows the world that we are strong and not to mess with us. Additionally, it gives Americans a sense of security and ease to know that they will not stand for such unjust acts against the country.

“I felt wronged. I was afraid, and felt my security had been threatened.” States Anderson teacher Michael Hutchings, “For the first time as an American I felt unsafe and vulnerable. The war in Afghanistan was a direct result of that feeling all Americans shared on September 11, 2001.”

I personally believe that we should stay in Afghanistan as long as it takes, even if that means indefinitely. There is no cost great enough to not have security in the greatest nation in the world. We have been there for nine years and have not been attacked since. This most likely would not have happened had we not retaliated when we did. Former President Bush made the hardest decision of his life that America’s safety is a direct result from.

As it stands right now, the war seems to be an afterthought for folks in Washington. This is unacceptable, and America as a whole should be outraged. For some, it seems health care or being on TV is more important than keeping our country safe and that is wrong. President Obama, are you listening? Do you realize what you are doing to this country? America needs a decision on this war, and they need it now. Not after your Sunday night interview on 60 Minutes. President Obama may be great for some things, like getting people active in politics, or striving for equal rights for all, but he is, at best, a lousy commander in chief.

“He’s a great speaker,” explains Hutchings, “But then again so is Jared, the Subway guy.”

Overall, the war in Afghanistan is something that Americans should continue to support. If anyone finds themselves skeptical, think back to that Tuesday in September, and remember the murder of over 2000 innocent American citizens is more than enough just and cause to be fighting the people who did this to us. One day we will find Bin Laden, and we will put an end to the terrible group of people known as the Taliban. Never forget how scared you were that Tuesday, or the sense of hate you had for whoever was responsible for that and you will never feel we should be out of this war or that it is a waste. Support the troops, and God Bless the United States of America.