On May 2, 2011, President Obama announced the death of Al-Queda leader Osama bin Laden. As we all know, however, terrorism did not end with his death. As the new group ISIS grows, America is forced to find new tactics for stopping their growth while trying to navigate the ever-complicating political game between countries. Tiptoe annihilation does not exist. The following are five reasons we as a country need to return to our roots of the commitment to the cause of our predecessors, when we once fought for good.
1. With Vigor
Terrorism is not a video game. To attack terrorism, America must respond with vigor--an active, decisive motion--against all channels of terrorism. Vigorous commitment runs deep in the blood of Americans. The Revolutionary War, the Industrial Revolution, World War II: none of these feats would have the result they did if our fighters and leaders had not faced the task with insurmountable determination and power. Today we need the gumption to grab hold of our convictions and pursue the defeat of terrorism to its very end.
2. With Unity
Terrorism is not individualistic. While here in America there will always be policies to fight over, affairs to gossip about and morals to question, there will not always be innocent lives to protect at the rate we are allowing terrorism to grow. We will always disagree, but it is not every day we are given the opportunity to unite against a common cause that is greater than ourselves.
3. With Endurance
Terrorism is not a simple problem. It is not enough for us to make T-shirts, banners, and do a fundraiser to defeat this enemy: we all know this. In many ways, we are too far removed from the consequences of terrorism, but in the recent activity of ISIS, the world is slowly being drawn together. Just as after 9/11, each American was committed to detailed pursuit of terrorism, we must remember our stamina in this continual war. Our troops need the support and our leaders need to hear our continuing cry for vengeance against the unjust.
4. With Calculation
Terrorism is not naive. America must use logic to out think terrorism. ISIS has outsmarted America in two ways. First, they brainwash fighters from all over the world to join their cause, even Americans. Second, they issued a proclamation to support any individual or random act of terrorism in the name of ISIS to create the worst impact possible while the responsibility remains ambiguous. These tactics, while clever and contemporary, are not infallible. America has a history of canny maneuvering that has led to more victories than defeats, elevating us to the leaders in war and heart.
5. With Honor
Terrorism is not venerable. The history of America has always found root in each person's honor to serve their country in whatever capacity they are capable. The world looks at us to lead, and we must bear that burden with honor, dignity, and conviction. We should find great pride in this. However, we must also face the task with humility. As great as this country is, no one is too great to not fall. Honor and humility comes at a price. A price we have, until now, not hesitated paying. While we have lost a great many to the dedication of the cause, each soldier has died with purpose, choosing to risk their life for the virtue of the homeland.
Consider your own outlook on the fight against terrorism: how you felt on 9/11 and in the recent attacks in Paris and Cote d'Ivoire and all around the world. These are the emotions that fuel change. Terrorism is not an isolated occurrence. We need a world of fighter spirits now, especially in America.
It seems "old school" to have pride in identifying with something, however, I proudly call myself an American because I know all we came from and all we are capable of doing. I also know patriotism should not be offensive to my fellow Americans. We have plenty to deal with here at home, but policies and political correctness will not defend the dying of innocents. Right now is not the time to plan for action, it is the time to act, no matter what side of the aisle you stand on.
