"Eye on Conservatism"

September 18, 2001

Hell to Pay!
by Robert Yoho

"I can hear you... The rest of the world can hear you...And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon! " -- President George W. Bush

Numbered among the unfortunate souls who perished on the plane that struck the Pentagon was Barbara Olson, the attractive and accomplished wife of Solicitor General Ted Olson. She recently published a book called "Hell to Pay." Although it had nothing to do with terrorism, the face of Barbara Olson and that simple phrase has come to mind quite often in the past few days.

One can only wonder what the terrorists hoped to accomplish on that terrible day. How could they so perilously misinterpret the American reaction to their attack? Did they think we would stand by and do nothing? With President George W. Bush occupying the White House, they will not succeed in forcing us to betray the nation of Israel. Their attacks will not convince us that we should no longer stand as a beacon for liberty.

The terrorists' so-called "holy war" is actually a contradiction in terms. There is nothing holy about the wholesale slaughter of women and children. This was certainly not a war, but it is now. They have attacked a people who routinely meant them no harm.

Do not be misled by the claims that these Islamic militants do not fear death. Despite their apparent lack of humanity, they are still human. Osama Bin Laden wants so much to go on living that he will not wear a watch or permit any electronic devices in his presence.

These phony religious extremists hide behind their fanatical followers. They send their suicidal death squads out to do their bidding while they hide behind women and children. Meanwhile, they remain safely tucked away in their opulent bunkers while their own citizens struggle in poverty. They claim that they are serving their god, but their leaders and clerics are unwilling to die for their faith.

Unlike our president who told the world that he would be in New York visiting the police and fireighters, you would never see the likes of Osama Bin Laden or Saddam Hussein telling the world where they would be on any given day. They place their sanctuaries and training camps near schools and milk factories. These terrorists are weak, cowardly little men, who cannot hope to survive in the open. Like cockroaches, they run and hide when the spotlight is turned upon them.

The light of the world is upon them now and predictably, they are quickly fleeing. Before September 11th, these forces of evil were free to live, work, and safely ply their trade of fear. They were free to inflict terror on other innocent people around the world. Americans were largely complacent to the terrorist activities in places like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and London. Americans went about their business while the rest of the world languished under these repeated acts of terror.

This time, they have overplayed their hand. They have foolishly overestimated their power. These dark forces of evil have succeeded at nothing but to strengthen our commitment to Israel. They have succeeded at nothing but to expose themselves as cowards to the world. They have succeeded at nothing but to kill some of our citizens, demolish our buildings, and to temporarily disrupt our way of life. But it will be a hollow victory - and a short-lived one!

These terrorists can shake the foundations of our buildings, but they can never shake the foundations of faith, family, and freedom that bind us together. They can lay hold of our friends and loved ones, but they can never grasp the ideals and values that inspire us. Terrorists can wound, kill, and maim our citizens, but they cannot realistically hope to quench the American spirit.

America is weeping now. However, the shock, grief, and anger will soon be replaced by a quiet resolve. Even now, it is changing! Sadly, the United States is getting a grim and chilling view of the terror faced by the Israeli people on a daily basis. American complacency is now gone. The apathy has passed. No longer will our country be satisfied with letting the rest of the world fight the war on terrorism alone.

They may have won the first battle. But for the United States, the war has only now been joined. The hands that covered our eyes and were clasped in sorrow are now folded in prayer. But soon, those same tender yet callused hands will grasp a hammer. Our nation will begin the dreadful process of beating our plowshares into swords and our pruning hooks into spears. There is a fearful look of determination behind Uncle Sam's moistened eye. We remember that look well. The world last saw it sixty years ago this December.

The blood that was spilled on Black Tuesday will only serve to germinate the seeds of freedom and democracy. Moreover, there is coming a bitter harvest for those who trade in fear and evil. And their laughter will soon be changed to tears.

It is no longer a question whether we are in a war. The only question left to be decided is whether we will choose to fight or surrender. War has already been declared and Barbara Olson was just one of the multiplied casualties.

Only one thing is certain: if America chooses to fight, then there must be hell to pay! ***

© 2001 Robert Yoho

· Photo of Barbara Olson courtesy of CNN