A bitter pill

On December 7, 1941 2388 people were killed including 48 civilians. The next day our President offered these words, in part:

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. [emphasis added]

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God. - Franklin D. Roosevelt - Dec. 8, 1941

Later we learned that one of our adversaries was concerned:

"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." - Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

On September 11, 2001 2973 people were killed, including 125 military personnel. We've had no declaration of war so I can't offer any speech worthy of citation. We DO have many who believe we did the deed ourselves, or at least deserved it.

Our enemy mocks us and invites us to join him.

On the fifth anniversary of the event politicians will posture and pundits will wring their hands or beat their chests.

Nothing will change. I'll skip it, no TV, no blogs, no newspapers, the taste is too bitter.