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Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 5:23 PM Subject: Fw: IMPORTANT MESSAGE NALNAUS, et al: A tough message to all Americans. Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001 10:57:44 -0400   Subject: Important Mesage For your information: An academic advisor at the Air Force Academy wrote the following, which we believe everyone should read. From: Dr. Tony Kern, Lt Col, USAF (Ret) Recently, I was asked to look at the recent events through the lens of military history. I have joined the cast of thousands who have written an "open letter to Americans." Dear friends and fellow Americans 14 September, 2001 Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise. As a career soldier and a student and teacher of military history, I have a different perspective and I think you should hear it. This war will be won or lost by the American citizens, not diplomats, politicians or soldiers.  Let me briefly explain. In spite of what the media, and even our own government is telling us, this act was not committed by a group of mentally deranged fanatics. To dismiss them as such would be among the gravest of mistakes. This attack was committed by a ferocious, intelligent and dedicated adversary. Don't take this the wrong way. I don't admire these men and I deplore their tactics, but I respect their capabilities. The many parallels that have been made with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are apropos. Not only because it was a brilliant sneak attack against a complacent America, but also because we may well be pulling our new adversaries out of caves 30 years after we think this war is over, just like my father's generation had to do with the formidable Japanese in the years following WW II. These men hate the United States with all of their being, and we must not underestimate the power of their moral commitment. Napoleon, perhaps the world's greatest combination of soldier and statesman, stated "the moral is to the physical as three is to one." Patton thought the Frenchman underestimated its importance and said moral conviction was five times more important in battle than physical strength. Our enemies are willing - better said anxious -- to give their lives for their cause. How committed are we America? And for how long? In addition to demonstrating great moral conviction, the recent attack demonstrated a mastery of some of the basic fundamentals of warfare taught to most military officers worldwide, namely simplicity, security and surprise. When I first heard rumors that some of these men may have been trained at our own Air War College, it made perfect sense to me. This was not a random act of violence, and we can expect the same sort of military competence to be displayed in the battle to come. This war will escalate, with a good portion of it happening right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. These men will not go easily into the night. They do not fear us. We must not fear them. In spite of our overwhelming conventional strength as the world's only "superpower" (a truly silly term), we are the underdog in this fight. As you listen to the carefully scripted rhetoric designed to prepare us for the march for war, please realize that America is not equipped or seriously trained for the battle ahead. To be certain, our soldiers are much better than the enemy, and we have some excellent "counter-terrorist" organizations, but they are mostly trained for hostage rescues, airfield seizures, or the occasional "body snatch," (which may come in handy). We will be fighting a war of annihilation, because if their early efforts are any indication, our enemy is ready and willing to die to the last man. Eradicating the enemy will be costly and time consuming. They have already deployed their forces in as many as 20 countries, and are likely living the lives of everyday citizens. Simply put, our soldiers will be tasked with a search and destroy mission on multiple foreign landscapes, and the public must be patient and supportive until the strategy and tactics can be worked out. For the most part, our military is still in the process of redefining itself and presided over by men and women who grew up with - and were promoted because they excelled in - Cold War doctrine, strategy and tactics. This will not be linear warfare, there will be no clear "centers of gravity" to strike with high technology weapons. Our vast technological edge will certainly be helpful, but it will not be decisive. Perhaps the perfect metaphor for the coming battle was introduced by the terrorists themselves aboard the hijacked aircraft --this will be a knife fight, and it will be won or lost by the ingenuity and will of citizens and soldiers, not by software or smart bombs. We must also be patient with our military leaders. Unlike Americans who are eager to put this messy time behind us, our adversaries have time on their side, and they will use it. They plan to fight a battle of attrition, hoping to drag the battle out until the American public loses its will to fight. This might be difficult to believe in this euphoric time of flag waving and patriotism, but it is generally acknowledged that America lacks the stomach for a long fight. We need only look as far back as Vietnam, when North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap (also a military history teacher) defeated the United States of America without ever winning a major tactical battle. American soldiers who marched to war cheered on by flag waving Americans in 1965 were reviled and spat upon less than three years later when they returned. Although we hope that Usama Bin Laden is no Giap, he is certain to understand and employ the concept. We can expect not only large doses of pain like the recent attacks, but! also less audacious "sand in the gears" tactics, ranging from livestock infestations to attacks at water supplies and power distribution facilities. These attacks are designed to hit us in our "comfort zone" forcing the average American to "pay more and play less" and eventually eroding our resolve. But it can only work if we let it. It is clear to me that the will of the American citizenry - you and I - is the center of gravity the enemy has targeted. It will be the fulcrum upon which victory or defeat will turn. He believes us to be soft, impatient, and self-centered. He may be right, but if so, we must change. The Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, (the most often quoted and least read military theorist in history), says that there is a "remarkable trinity of war" that is composed of the (1) will of the people, (2) the political leadership of the government, and (3) the chance and probability that plays out on the field of battle, in that order. Every American citizen was in the crosshairs of last Tuesday's attack, not just those that were unfortunate enough to be in the World Trade Center or Pentagon. The will of the American people will decide this war. If we are to win, it will be because we have what it takes to persevere through a few more hits, learn from our! mistakes, improvise, and adapt. If we can do that, we will eventually prevail. Everyone I've talked to In the past few days has shared a common frustration, saying in one form or another "I just wish I could do something!" You are already doing it. Just keep faith in America, and continue to support your President and military, and the outcome is certain. If we fail to do so, the outcome is equally certain. God Bless America Dr. Tony Kern, Lt Col, USAF (Ret) Former Director of Military History, USAF Academy ********************************************************** God Bless America

 

This Day, our Country is at Half Mast! Kamikaze, Terrorism, High jackingplanes. Thousands of lives lost.  Needing someone to blame. Fires are blazing, Buildings collapse.   This day the Country's at Half Mast.  Forever I'll remember this terrible day. People were killed, Lives taken away. Loss of family, Loss of friends. Loss of so many... when will it end? Why did this happen. Why would someone do this?   Are we so terrible that we deserve to die  like this? Are they mad about are freedom? Why do they believe that we are  so wrong?  Millions of questions run through my mind day and night. So many questions not enough answers. I guess I will never know why this had to happen.   Do they just hate us or are we so wrong to believe the way we do. I  was raised, not to hate. Even though at times like these,  it is so hard.  I don't hate these people cause that's just the way they are.                                          Kamikaze, Terrorism, High jacking planes. Thousands of lives lost. Needing someoneto blame. Fires are blazing, Buildings collapse.  This day, our Flag is at Half Mast. 3/11/02:  Thank you MEGAN (student) from New Mexico  for this beautiful message conveying your thoughts of 9/11/01

 

Dear Mr. Terrorist, I think by now you must realize that Americans stick together, that we will not tolerate yourcowardly behavior. Oh yeah, you got a good one in alright, we call it a sucker punch and although we were down...it wasn't for long, I think the count was just seconds! And if you were watching I'll bet you were amazed at how fast we were on our feet reaching a helping hand to those injured. I'll bet you were shocked at how fast we responded to your cowardice. Well, Mr. Terrorist we do it a little differently in this  country, we won't sneak up on you with a bomb strapped to our bodies and we don't bother with hijacking planes and killing innocent people. We'velooked you right in the eye and told you...we're coming, get ready. We have openly declared war on you, and unfortunately for you so has most of the free world. In fact to your shame so have many of the good people in your own country!  You have much to be ashamed of Mr. Terrorist. You say this is a holy war? Well we beg to differ with you, your war is one of terror and it has nothing to do with God! If you really believed in your own cause then why don't  you stand up and fight like a man? If you feel the need to do sneak attacks and hide in caves and squat behind big rocks surely even you must realize your war is one of cowardice. And by the way, there isn't a cave big enoughor deep enough to protect you now. You murderin cold blood, not just Americans, but your very own people! You beat your own innocentwomen, children and men to death, you starve them, and your own "holy" soldiers burn homes and rape women and children! That makes you nothing but common criminals of the lowest form. Your people fear you. They hide from you. The world sees you as anything but holy! In our great country we have the freedom to disagree with our leaders, we can protest, call, or write letters without fear of reprisal. One of our great leaders said, "Walk softly and carry a big stick."And we do that Mr. Terrorist, in fact by now I am sure you have discovered just how big that stick is! You will be defeated no matter how long it takes to route you out of your caves, we will turn over every rock until all of you are wiped from the face of the earth.  America today is still the most wonderful land in the world, we still have our freedom but now we add caution, we keep a wary eye out for people like you. We stand in lines just a little longer but none of us has complained! Not only have our government agencies been watching for you but the American people are watching for you...EVERYWHERE! Believe me Mr. Terrorist, the last thing you want is for one of our American good ole' boys or good ole' gals to get a hold of you! So if any of your terrorist buddies are still lurking about in our country in their sneaky way you had better warn them!  I am sure they have told you that no matter where they go they see American Flags flying high and waving proudly, from every home to cars and trucks! Do they wonder what that means? Well let me explain...it is a show of unity, it means we stand behind our government 100%, it means we are all patriots, it means we are in this fight together, it is a show of brotherly love, (something you wouldn't know anything about) it means we are ready Mr. Terrorist to take you on,it means we will fight to the death to protect the United States of America! You see Mr. Terrorist, simply put...we love our country. You had better think about that, and then look around your own country, do you see any flags waving, do you see unity among your people? Any brotherly love? Or do you see despair, fear, and hunger? You see Mr. Terrorist, we the people of the United States of America prefer peace and love. You have forced us into this war and you  will pay the penalty. It will not end quickly for we are determined to rid the earth of your kind. So go ahead and tuck yourself in your cave .......but keep a wary eye out....for we ARE coming.  by C. Anselmo Thank You Mr. Shaffer for forwarding this e-mail 9/11/2002 If you find out "your source", please let me know, so I may reach Ms. Anselmo

 

Terrorist Tragedy  One beautiful sunny morn,  out of the clear blue sky,  a terrorist plot was born.  As one the Nation would cry.  The 11th of September,  and the horrific tragedy,  America will always remember  for all eternity.  First one tower,  then its twin,  gone in an hour,  and the people within.  Next was the Pentagon,  with more lives lost.  Their spirit lives on,  They paid the highest cost.  They may dance in celebration,  and party in their street  at Americas devastation,  but our spirit wont be beat.  America was only shaken.  Strong we still stand.  Our pride was not taken.  Together we will band Through loss and devastation,  America will survive.  As one Nation,  America will thrive.    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~   Remembrance 9/11  It's been almost a year,  Since that September day.  America shed many a tear,  for Her innocents ripped away.  Our flag and pride still stand,  So shines our country's spirit.  It echoes through out the land,  listen close and you will hear it.  In the passengers of Flight 93,  as they took back the plane,  Shone Americas pride and dignity,  With bravery that never wane.  Those at the Pentagon and Towers,  The Firefighters and Policeman,  Their helping hands and giving will,  Now safe in Gods loving hand.  From sea to sea, mountains to prairies,  came comfort, support and caring.  United against our adversaries,  in profound grief we are sharing.  At times we may disagree,  even fight amongst our self,  but to keep our Nation free,  differences are put on a shelf.  above 2 poems composed and sent to me 9/11/2002 by: Tina Joiner Johnson aka CopperAngel Thanks Tina!!!!!