Stand together during this crisis

To the editor:

To those who out of fear turn their anger toward the innocent, all Americans share the frustration you feel. However, you must keep in mind the terrorists' goals to disrupt the American way of life and bring attention, if not agreement, to their cause.

We learned a valuable lesson from Pearl Harbor. Taking Japanese Americans from their homes and places of business and placing them in concentration camps was not exactly the American way.

You must understand that bin Laden is not representative of the Muslim faith, just as a rabid wolf is not representative of the healthy remainder of his species. Being in the military, I have served proudly alongside Muslims. The Muslim men with whom I served had as much dedication to God and this great country as any other and in many cases much more. I have stood proudly among these men and will stand beside them and fight with and for them tomorrow if the call comes.

We are Americans. Bin Laden and those like him win only if we lose sight of the ideals this country was founded upon. Those who hate us for the freedom earned through sacrifices of blood, widows and fatherless sons will learn the true meaning of unity and deep resolve.

God bless America, land that I love.

VERN DAVIDSON

Scott City, Mo.