There has been apprehension that some others and I have perhaps lost our focus during this recent national crisis. The complaints run along the lines that, prior to this terrorist attack, we were more anti-government than we now appear to be. Some have even gone as far as saying we caved in to statism and have shown ourselves to be hypocrites.

I will not presume to speak for others that have been questioned abour their focus, but as for myself, I can say that my outlook has never wavered. That outlook is based upon a set of principles developed over a lifetime and I'm just stubborn enough to stick with them. My personal focus remains American interests first and foremost--agendas, politicians, foreigners, and critics notwithstanding.

It is true that I have never liked the way our government has grown to become the intrusive entity that it has. That's no secret, and I've written numerous columns about that over the years. Even through this recent time of turmoil, I have strongly advocated keeping a sharp eye on those that would further erode our freedom and advance their statist and socialistic agenda, using a national emergency as the excuse.

This particular crisis, however, is not a question of Left versus Right or modern statist Liberalism versus traditional American individualism. This is a question of American survival. An outside force, intent on destroying our way of life, has attacked us. Thousands of Americans were killed in a single act of of aggression in what potentially could be a long line of attacks by people who have made it ultimately clear what their real focus is--the destruction of all that is America.

The attackers care not one bit about American political affiliations or philosophy. They care about destroying us, lock, stock, barrel, and culture. Americans who can't see that fact are at a distinct disadvantage in this struggle because they are ignoring a basic principle of war--know thy enemy.

Americans who continue to argue internal political philosophy over the kitchen table while the wolf is breaking down the front door are shortsighted indeed and do a disservice to the country they love and the legacy the Founders left us. The Founders' words ring true when warning that, although they created a republic, it was up to us to keep it, if we could.

During the American Revolution, did the Founders agree on everything politically and philosophically? No. Did they have internal squables over countless issues facing them and their dreams? Yes. Did that prevent them from joining together against their common foe when the time came? No.

It is true that only about 33% of the colonists of 18th. century British North America supported the Revolution, while 33% were loyal to the British and the remaining 33% or so just didn't care. But, of those who led the struggle for independence, while differing in political philosophy, did in fact face the British together, shoulder to shoulder in a long line that stretched from Bunker Hill to Valley Forge and finally to Yorktown.

Did my grandfather of seven generations, a Swiss immigrant, fall in line with every political thought that came from the leadership of his day? I can tell you that he didn't. Nonetheless, he remained in command of his company throughout the Revolution and spent that winter at Valley Forge, sustained wounds at the Battle of Morristown, and finally made it to Yorktown. Can we do less? Could I ever do less, given the standard that he set for me? No.

The Founders have been a shining example for many Americans throughout the years, as expressed in numerous letters, notes, and comments I've received, read, and heard. Why should we not look to them once again during this time of national crisis, when, for the first time since the War of 1812, an external enemy has attacked our homeland?

What did our people do the last time American soil came under attack by a foreign power? Did they focus on their political differences, as the British burned the White House, or did they unite to win the war against their common enemy? I think you all know the answer to that one.

First and foremost, our primary focus must always be the preservation of our homeland against an attacking foreign element. To that end, we must remain a united force, resolved to win the war. That is a MUST DO America, a MUST DO. We have no option if survival is truly our focus. For those that can't see this or have trouble with the concept, they are naive, shortsighted, have no earthly idea of what it takes to win a war, or in sympathy with the attackers. I can see no other acceptable explanations.

In past columns, I've emphasized the need for cohesion, resolve, and unity, not because I think this need might be material for a sound bite or because it looks good in print. I base my analysis on quite a few years of experience and on seeing the difference between cohesion and fragmentation when it comes to outcome during times of conflict.

Have I lost my focus? Not a bit. My focus remains strong and firmly based upon the principle on which it has always been based--America first.

I will uphold the oath I took long ago to preserve, protect, and defend the U.S.A. against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And it's not by chance that, in my mind, this oath references foreign enemies first. A foreign enemy has attacked us and it is every American's responsibility to defend our country with all that is in our hearts, our minds, and our souls.

America's primary focus, not just mine, must be the preservation of America. After surving and winning the war, we can focus more on our internal issues. Victory will require of us dedication to the mission and to be unified in both purpose and resolve.

Fragmentation only begets fragmentation--fragmentation not of our own choosing but as forced upon us by an outside element. Is that what we want, a foreign power to decide America's future, or do we reserve the right of self-determination unto ourselves? This is what the real question of focus should be for all Americans.

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