From the Publisher’s Desk: 20 Years Later…

Freedom doesn’t come free. This was never more evident than September 11, 2001, when radical Islamists from 7,000 miles away launched the most sophisticated and deadly terrorist attack in world history.

Families sat in shock, worried about loved ones, while young patriots answered the call and signed up for the armed forces. The American spirit is strong, and we don’t take kindly to attacks on our Republic, or our brothers and sisters.

Our nation mobilized as we prepared for the global war on terror. American flags lined our streets, and patriotism was at an all-time high. It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times.

Now, two-decades later, those terrorists are back in control of their heartland, Afghanistan. Their immediate neighbors, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, share similar goals of extremism and global Islamic dominance, ruled by Sharia law.

After the attack it was easy for us to label the terrorists cowards, but make no mistake, they are not cowards. They are ruthless, calculating, cold-blooded killers who will sacrifice their lives in the name of religious extremism. They have been killing for centuries, and they will kill for centuries more.

While there are differing views on our role in the middle east, I think all sensible Americans can agree on one point: we need to secure our nation. This means tightening our borders and enforcing the existing immigration laws. Vet those coming into our country and make sure they share our values. In July alone, 212,000 immigrants were apprehended at the southern border and released into our nation. In just one month, it was nearly the population of Saratoga County!

The sad reality is, if we can’t control our borders, there will be another 9-11.

We owe it to the fallen, and the survivors, to never forget the events of 9-11; never forget those who lost their lives; never forget the children left orphans; never forget the mothers who will never see their children again; never forget the service men and women who fought and died far from home; and never forget the realities of the world we live in.

Remain vigilant my friends, and always do the next right thing.

God Bless!
– Chad