Regarding the Aug. 5 op-ed by Arthur Grief:

A “scared republic”? No, a “determined republic.”

When Japan attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, we were all fearful.

We feared for the lads on the Arizona, for the prisoners taken on Bataan and Wake Island.

We feared for our security as we sent Japanese-Americans to relocation camps.

We feared for a follow-up attack – which did take place – at Midway.

This time, because we feared the worst, we were ready.

Bank failures and unemployment hurt but are hardly the equivalent to the death and destruction of Dec. 7 or Sept. 11. The Muslim fanatics declared war, it’s a war we did not want but now must fight and must win, just like the one following the attack at Pearl Harbor.

It’s not fear, but “duty,” “honor” and “country” that motivates, not a scared republic – but a determined republic.

Kevin O’Neill

Bangor