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The Daily Illini Online
published Friday, September 14, 2001
I admit it, I'm in love. It's been a lengthy love affair, that between myself and the founding principles of our great nation. I love the security that I feel when I go to bed, I love my freedom to think and feel, I love hearing my voice among the electorate, and I am deeply enamored with our Constitution and the institutions it created.
On Sept. 11, the basis of this love affair — the freedom to live — was tragically challenged. Note that I use "challenged" over a more destructive term, for the moral backbone of America's citizenry will not falter at the hands of cowardly fundamentalists. No, this love affair will never end, only grow stronger as we Americans reflect, regroup, and unite against despicable terrorist forces that despise our very foundations of individual freedom.
I can think of nothing more worthy of our full military capabilities. The events of Tuesday were an act of war and we must respond accordingly to those directly and indirectly responsible. The threat has hit our shores and we cannot simply divert our eyes from the mass destruction. The attack not only devastated New York City, the Pentagon and thousands of lives, it sought to weaken the "Americanness" that resides in each of us. May we never forget the many brave souls who perished at the hands of these monsters.
Nicole Kaufman
junior in LAS