OUR VIEW: Hopefully, we can trust our leaders

Hopefully, we can trust our leaders

Drastic times call for drastic measures. But when are the times officially drastic?

President George W. Bush recently asked Congress for an additional $87 billion to support the war against terrorism. Understandably, money is needed to support the troops who are trying to restore order to a war-torn country. But is $87 billion necessary?

Over the past few months we have seen the president change from triumph to worry. May 1, he declared, “In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.” But Sunday, he seemed to have somewhat of a less victorious stance, telling those watching, “This will take time and require sacrifice.”

So which is it? Was the United States really victorious? Or should we all buckle down and prepare ourselves for the long haul?

Granted, the United States has proven it has a formidable military force, one that would be difficult to match. But events that occurred only two years ago in New York and Washington, D.C. clearly demonstrated that, as much as we would like to think so, this country isn’t invincible.

If $87 billion is what it will take to get this world in order, then so be it. But that is unlikely. Hopefully, all that money will also restore order to the lives of millions who were affected by Sept.. 11, 2001. Hopefully, $87 billion will ultimately give jobs to those who need them and a great education for everyone in this country. Hopefully, in all of this spending, the citizens will be able to continue their support of their president and the president hasn’t lost sight of his country and those who voted him into office.