Make no mistake: Terrorist attacks have hit home

When the twin towers fell, it triggered weeks of funerals in concentric circles around lower Manhattan. Now, by contrast, the sounds of "Taps" echo across America; no state is spared.

In 2001, terrorists had to work hard to enter the United States, live here undetected and lay plans to hijack jet airliners. In 2005, America delivered its best men and women to them in Iraq, one and two and 10 at a time.

This fall, the number of confirmed military deaths in Iraq passed the 2,000 milestone. By Thursday, it had reached 2,178.

Will 2006 bring it close to 2,973 -- the number believed to have died in the ruins of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93?

We fervently hope not.

Whether or not it does, we are certain: Terrorists are hitting us where it hurts, at home.

(from today's Statesman Journal)

For which of you, desiring to build a tower
does not first sit down and
count the cost, whether he has enough
to complete it?
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation,
and is not able to finish, all who see it
begin to mock him, saying
"This man began to build, and
was not able to finsh."
Luke 14:28-30