I am a neighbor of Nancy Oden and have been ever since she moved here from “away.” To my knowledge she has always been law-abiding and a good neighbor. While we disagree on politics, I have never known her to be a violent person.

The freedoms which she speaks of losing are freedoms which all of us cherish so deeply. Sept. 11 changed the rules dramatically. For years she has been more than willing to instruct others on how they should live their lives and how they should do this or do that. Now that the shoe is on the other foot and she must comply with the rules of safety for the greater good, she is outraged at the loss of her personal rights. Now she speaks most vehemently of the same freedoms which the various citizens’ militias have always championed.

You remember them. The “dangerous right-wing militia” who think freedom is worth something. You will also note that there has been no hue and cry from the “militia” concerning the necessary abridgement of our rights and privileges since Sept. 11. More than likely it is because they recognize that now the danger comes from outside our borders rather from within our own government and we must all be soldiers in this war. Whether we like it or not.

There are many ways to fulfill this role and many of us are already there. Carrying a gun is not the only way available. There are many civic and governmental organizations – fire departments, ambulance services, nurse aides, town constables, county sheriff’s departments and Red Cross. Red Crescent, local civil defense, hospice groups, churches, Civil Air Patrol, search and rescue teams, Young Marines, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and many others – that have an endless need for people to fill the positions.

The fight for freedom and security is a never-ending battle. The weapons are courage, resolve, dedication and preparation

1 Lt. Timothy C. Look

Jonesboro