Either we're in the war on terrorism for the long haul or we succumb to terrorism. Comments on personal observations, a few suggestions on survival, and encouragement to stay the course.

Thanks to all of you who wrote a note of encouragement during the week of 9/11. The people with whom I worked in the Pentagon all survived, as did my friend in the World Trade Center. However, some of our Toastmasters in both locations perished. As Andrew Young, former Mayor of Atlanta, said, "Everybody knows somebody…we're all in this together."

And we banded together. "USA! USA! USA!" In North Hollywood, nearly every street corner had at least one person holding a lighted candle. Some were singing, some just talking with others on the corner. Drivers passing by honked and waved. Many had an American flag flying from their vehicle. A group of comedians painted an American flag 50 yards long on the side of a building and then resumed performances. Television personalities collected donations for the Red Cross in the Rose Bowl; this may have been the only drive-by donation drop in the country! A long line of taxi drivers snaked through the line as the news team recorded the event.

While volunteers continued to sift through the rubble, we were moving on--back to business, thwarting the second aim of terrorists--to immobilize us through fear. We may even see direct action. "There are no rear lines; there are only front lines" in the war on terrorism William Cohen, former Secretary of Defense and Senator, warned. What if the enemy again brought the war to us? How can we best prepare to react in such a crisis?

First, resolve that the terrorists shall not win--no matter what. "Whatever the president wants of me, I'm prepared to do it. Show me the line and I'll be in it," said one young citizen. Mayor Rudolph Giuliani put out the call for 6,000 body bags last week, for civilians. Americans have been said to weaken at the first sign of body bags coming home in times of conflict. We are stronger now. And with strength must come discipline, the commitment to stay the course and to "do the right thing." We may be in for a long struggle. Northern Ireland and the Middle East have been living with terrorism many years. Our resolve will be tested.

Second, we must be clear thinking and focused. This advice from a friend of a friend in Israel may help us be prepared:
1. Keep cool - you lose your head in such a situation, you lose your life.
2. Every member of the family must have a cellular phone all the time. (I'd suggest four quarters in your pocket, too.)
3. Make a habit of knowing where everyone is.
4. Have a week's worth of mineral water (6 liter day/person), canned food, flour, sugar, flashlight, and batteries. (This is similar to preparations for a hurricane or other natural disaster. In California, we prepare for earthquakes!)
5. It is not personal; this is business; do not get offended.

Third, be vigilant. When your gut tells you something is wrong, listen to it. Check out or report suspicious activities. We cannot afford to take a "Let George do it" attitude. War has come to us and we need to take some responsibility for our own safety and that of our families. We must be prudent, not paranoid. We'll soon find a balance.

The day after the disaster, Dick Strong, of Strong Investments, sent an email reassuring investors. He added, "Americans have a natural desire to move ahead. Never, ever underestimate the average American’s commitment to our basic values. We have prevailed before and will again."

God bless America.