Caught between a rock and a hard place, President George W. Bush has emerged steadfast.\n"We are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom," he told the members of Congress and a worldwide audience Thursday night.\nIn a moving speech, Bush gave the equivalent of an international arrest warrant for terrorists and promised that countries who knowingly harbor or support them will face harsh consequences.\nJustice can only be served if Bush and other world leaders take every step to find the perpetrators behind the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Bush and the foreign leaders who stand behind him are taking the right steps in balancing the need for retaliation and the need to protect innocent lives.\nThe ultimatum the United States gave Thursday night was clear and fair: The United States is taking a stand against terrorism. And "either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."\nBy not acting hastily, Bush has rallied support from prominent world leaders to help combat international terrorism, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair.\nWhile Bush spoke strong words, he made it clear that U.S. action will be taken against terrorism, not against a religion or a culture. \n"The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends; it is not our many Arab friends," Bush said. "Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists and every government that supports them." \nOn the home front, Bush announced plans to protect the American people against further terrorist attacks. One such move was the creation of the Cabinet-level position of Office of Homeland Security, naming Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge as head.\nBush also outlined more stringent aviation safety precautions and had a message for the U.S. military: "Be ready. I have called the armed forces to alert, and there is a reason. The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud."\nBut as he called American troops to action, Bush made it clear this is an international fight for freedom.\n"This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight. This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom."\nBush's words, conditions and actions Thursday are reasonable, fair and warranted.
Staff vote: 10-1-1\nyes-no-abstain
