Feedback -- Community discusses recent terrorist attacks

Hijacked planes were used as missiles for destruction and chaos in an

attempt to cripple America.

Instead, they awakened a sleeping giant. We had grown comfortable with

a false security that wars would not touch our soil. We enjoyed an

unparalleled prosperity that produced a dangerous complacency. We took

our freedoms for granted. That changed with the despicable attack by

demented enemies as we saw them brutally destroy innocent lives and

important landmarks.

Out of the ashes of pulverized concrete and melted steel, the strength

of America has been revived. The media enabled us to witness

unprecedented patriotism, unity, heroism, generosity, love and compassion

in people all over America. Perhaps most important of all, the tragedy

served as a reminder of our need and dependency upon the almighty God.

Our enemies misjudged the American spirit, and in so doing caused us

to be educated and energized for the unique war they have declared. Now

we must pray for those who are dealing with the grief of losing loved

ones, as well as wisdom and discernment for our leaders and the decisions

they must make in the days, possibly years ahead.

BONNIE O’NEIL

Newport Beach

The events of this week have gone beyond the horrific and our minds

cannot comprehend the monstrous actions of people killing innocents. It

is not the first time in human history nor sadly will it be the last. But

they are events that are happening. And they are happening in my lifetime

and are affecting me and my family, friends, community and country.

I want to hear every story. I want to see every tear, know every name.

I want my ears to burn with the weeping of widows and the anguished cries

of children searching for parents. I want my heart to continue its aching

and sadness. I want to hear the stories of heroes, the selfless

sacrifices of my countrymen offering their time, resources and prayers. I

want my blood to travel 3,000 miles to find veins in need.

I want these things to sear my soul lest I ever forget this moment.

Our country was given a terrible gift of evil. But we have been

delivered grace, and compassion and hope. And now it falls upon the

shoulders of everyday Americans, united by the common good, to reach

across this precious and great land to brothers and sisters heretofore

unknown, and in their greatest hours of need.

Americans are at their very best when times seem worst. That’s why the

eyes of the world look to us time and again. We lead in adversity, rise

in the face of despair. We build when others see disaster; we conquer

when others acquiesce to defeat. Americans are a breed apart -- are now

and always have been.

I revel in our latest triumphs and laugh in the face of this new

terror. They have no idea who we are.

CARL E. OSSIPOFF

Newport Beach

Never in my lifetime of 82 years would I have thought I would

experience the devastation and the destruction of innocent lives as those

of Pearl Harbor and the World Trade Center complex.

Our lives will change as we once knew it. May God protect and bestow

his protection and blessings on the families and loved ones of those who

have perished so needlessly as the result of these atrocities.

JIM DE NUCCIO

Newport Beach

If we do not apprehend the leaders of the Sept. 11 terrorism, the terrorists’ having hijacked four planes apparently with no unsuccessful

attempt and the amount of devastation caused will encourage more

terrorism.

Furthermore, apprehension of them will cause terrorism with the

objective of obtaining the release of the guilty. Execution of the

leaders will make them martyrs in the eyes of many who will seek to carry

on the sick acts of the leaders. Punishment will achieve little. However,

perhaps the people who want revenge are entitled to whatever little

satisfaction may come from it.

We should plead again with Afghanistan for its help in the extradition

of Osama bin Laden, this time with the message that whether he is

involved in the Sept. 11 terrorism or not, he must stand trial on past

terrorism.

That’s because we value lives and try to avoid injury to the innocent,

we prefer voluntary extradition.

Absent such, we will destroy him even though doing so involves the

loss of innocent persons as well as conspirators.

Concurrently with the delivery of the message, we should recall any of

our diplomatic representatives who may be in Afghanistan and shortly do

as we have threatened, hopefully without American casualties.

ROY B. WOOLSEY

Newport Beach