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By Rep. Virginia Foxx

Last month, my colleagues and I debated the very important issue of how we are going to confront the Global War on Terror. There are two very clear choices: our nation can either continue to confront this challenge head-on or we can retreat in defeat.

I do not quote President Kennedy often, but he once said, “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid for it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.”

When it comes to fighting terrorism, we must never choose the path of surrender. While there is no quick path to victory, it is absolutely necessary for us to maintain our resolve and stand firm until the job is done.

Many people are quick to forget that terrorists have long waged war against the United States -- well before the 9/11 attacks. Americans were bombed in Lebanon in 1983, at the World Trade Center in 1993, at Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia in 1996, at the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 and on board U.S.S. Cole in 2000. Over the years, terrorists have made it their mission to destroy our great nation and all of the ideals upon which it is based, thinking they could kill innocent Americans, unprovoked, without paying a price. It is vital that we continue to stand up to these murderers and show them that the United States will not sit back and tolerate their savage acts. We can either win this Global War on Terror proactively on our terms, or we can let the terrorists bring the war to us like they did on 9/11. The right choice is clear.

Despite what some folks in the media and many on the other side of the political spectrum say, we are making terrific strides in the Global War on Terror with every new day. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the number one Al Qaeda terrorist in Iraq, was killed last month. Al-Zarqawi was directly responsible for thousands of bombings, assassinations, kidnappings and other acts of terror in Iraq and around the globe. He even personally beheaded American hostages. Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our United States military and intelligence forces, he will no longer be able to kill again. This was a major setback to Al Qaeda, as al-Zarqawi was one of its highest-ranking leaders. This was also a major victory for U.S. and Coalition forces and U.S. and Iraqi intelligence. Iraqi government officials and countless Iraqi citizens are supporting our efforts in the war and are demonstrating their desire to be free.

Yet, as President Bush said, we cannot expect the terrorists to give up just because one of their most visible leaders is gone. We must continue to prosecute this Global War on Terror until our mission is accomplished and until the terrorists are no longer a threat to Americans.

I am very proud of our men and women in uniform for their service, selfless attitude, and sacrifice. They are making great strides. They are freeing people from oppression so that they may enjoy the same freedoms that all Americans cherish.

Today, our troops have aided in the liberation of the people of Afghanistan from the brutal Taliban regime and have denied Al Qaeda its safe haven of operations. They have crushed Saddam Hussein’s brutal dictatorship and have captured thousands of terrorists and terrorist operations. Children in Iraq are returning to school and Iraqi businesses are prospering. Iraq has had several successful elections and has formed its government under a new prime minister. And although it is rarely reported by the media, there is undeniable progress and hope in Iraq with each new day. The Iraqi people have proven they long for freedom and will continue to fight the terrorists by establishing a more democratic form of government.

We all know of the many sacrifices our military makes to preserve our freedoms and ensure our safety. Our troops are the best and bravest in the entire world. They have fought bravely and served honorably. That is why I cannot understand why some continue to put a negative spin on their accomplishments. These folks need to focus on the great progress we’re making and stop repeating the tired rhetoric of liberal newspaper editorial columns. They need to remember that our troops are fighting to preserve our freedoms – including the freedom of speech that many liberals use to attack this war.

Editor’s Note: Virginia Foxx is a United States Representative from North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District. You may contact her Clemmons office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her on her Web site, www.foxx.house.gov.

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