It’s on most people’s mind.

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

It’s on most people’s mind. Since last Tuesday, the nation has been riveted to the news about the war on America.

The President and leaders of this nation are in Washington debating what steps America should take next, but what do area residents think the next step should be?

"I think we should go to war," Ironton resident Charlotte Clark said, but, she added, leaders should "stop and think everything out."

Clark, who has lived through the Vietnam and Korean Wars and whose husband, brothers and brothers-in-law served in the military, said the thought of going to war "doesn’t set so well," with her.

County Commissioner George Patterson agreed, saying putting soldiers in harms way is a tough decision the country’s leaders will need to make. Patterson said he would like to see the U.S. use missile strikes and other air offenses used, saving ground troops as a "last resort."

"I don’t think we can set back and take," the attacks terrorists have already waged on the U.S., Patterson said.

He added U.S. citizens need to stand united with the President and leaders and "trust the people to do the job we elected them to do."

Ironton resident Sandy Castle said the terror of last Tuesday left her in shock. "When I heard what happened in New York and Washington D.C., I think , that

like most Americans, my thoughts ranged from the initial disbelief and

shock, to horror and anger," Castle said.

She added, "our government must find the perpetrators of this crime and any who are aiding them. They must be shown that you cannot hurt Americans and go unpunished."

Since Congress gave the President the go-ahead to take necessary steps on Friday, America, and Americans, are gearing for what’s to come.