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War Report Only three months after the terrorists declared war against America on September 11th, our military troops are winning the war in Afghanistan. The Taliban government and the Al-Qaeda terrorists used to run Afghanistan. Now, they are running for their lives. Army special forces troops, Marines and Air Force pilots are hard at work rooting out the terrorists that remain in that country. Our troops are doing an excellent job. Their progress is proof of their professionalism, dedication and good training. While the war is headed our way, it is not over. Not by a long shot. And U.S. military leaders warn that the hardest and most dangerous part may be yet to come. More American troops may die there as we fight to find and root out the terrorists who have fled to Afghanistan's mountains and beyond. The small number of troops � and one CIA officer � who have died so far during Operation Enduring Freedom are heroes. They gave their lives overseas so more Americans would not die here from terrorist attacks. Their selfless service reminds us that freedom is not free. Nor is it without enemies. No matter how long it takes, we will find the terrorists and bring them to justice, or bring justice to them, as President Bush said. Doing so will help make the world a safer place. We are also making good progress against terrorists here at home. The damaged section of the Pentagon is being rebuilt. And most of the debris from the World Trade Centers has been removed. Though the attack in New York was devastating, the number of casualties there is less than had been first thought. In September, as many as 5,000 were thought to have perished in New York. But now that number is closer to 3,000 -- still a terrible toll. Since the attacks, President Bush's team of advisers has done an excellent job. Leading the way is Attorney General John Ashcroft. When he was first nominated for the post, some called him "too divisive." But now, many call him the best U.S. Attorney General in many years. He is protecting our civil liberties while also taking needed steps to help protect our lives. As part of the President's team, John Ashcroft has helped make sure there have been no more terrorist attacks. And the President's call to hold military trials for any captured enemies is the right move. After all, the September 11, 2001 attacks were not criminal acts. They were acts of war that demand military justice. Just three months ago, America was at peace and untouched by war. That has changed. And so have we. We are now a different nation. The hard reality that the world is a dangerous place has intruded upon the peace we have known for so long. We have been awakened from the slumber of complacency. We are rising to the challenge. We have rediscovered what it means to be an American. Tomorrow's Missouri and America depend upon how we overcome the challenges we face today. |
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