The differences between the events of December 7th 1941 and September 11th 2001 DO NOT out-weigh the similarities.

Just because the attacks of September 11th were carried out by a terrorist group rather than a state government does not distinguish it as a criminal act. It was an act of war, and the Commander-in-Chief has acted accordingly, without the necessity of a formal declaration of war. Any citizen of the United States involved in the planning or support of the attacks of September 11th should be tried for treason, and if convicted, punished accordingly. Any non-citizen of the United States involved should be tried in a military tribunal as a war criminal, and if convicted, punished accordingly.

Just because the civilian casualties were greater in number than the entire loss of life at Pearl Harbor, doesn't mean that revenge will corrupt our cause for justice. Certainly there is always vengeance for some, but our nation will always stand for, and our cause shall always be: to seek justice for all.

Just because the terrorist networks use different tactics than a state supported military would, doesn't mean they can't or won't be defeated and eradicated.

Just because it doesn't "feel" like 1941, (i.e., an active selective service, mandatory rationing of resources by the civilian population, a national push to a war industry, or the fear of an oppressive domination of the world) we are not any less at war than then.

Just because our military is made up of volunteer personnel doesn't mean we have a shortage of human resources. If a draft were to be instituted under the proper definition of necessity, it would not be an unpopular action by the government just because it was abused in the past.

Just because today's technology is different, doesn't eliminate the fact we will still experience sacrifice.

Just because the current economy is different (from 1941), doesn't mean the challenges of war will be any easier, or any harder.

Just because there will be errors in judgment, demoralizing defeats, and constant criticism of and changes in leadership and strategy, we will not be convinced our cause is less noble, or to give up on striking the enemy on their ground rather than waiting until they strike on ours.

Just because the media stumbles around in everyone's way and everyone's mind, doesn't mean we will lose focus on the main objective. The media will fail to cause us to become impatient over time, reporting the negative more than the positive; or persuade us by presenting "useful idiots" made up of so called experts and celebrities whom they will interview over and over and over.

Just because the political parties within our government continue to debate on how to fix the economy, how to fight terrorism, or how many people need to pay how much tax, we are still a strong and united people. Politics will not deter our goal of continuing to be a free and secure nation.