Dr. Bud Gollier, age 66, Ottawa

The events of 9/11 have changed the way America is perceived by the entire world. At home we argue about security, privacy and the many issues that affect our lives and give cause for disagreement. Such things as presidential powers, constitutional rights, intelligence, racial profiling, wiretapping and foreign policy are fodder for national opinion polls and radio talk shows. Abroad we are castigated by friend and foe alike for our role in Iraq and the Middle East.

Individually, our lives have seen little change unless one of our sons or daughters is in harm’s way. We have longer waits at the airport and increased anxiety about the threat of terrorism. We no longer have the comfort that we are safe from arbitrary and unpredictable attacks. As the criticism grows and the Iraq war continues, there is increased concern about the role of our military. This concern has a decided negative effect. It is true we have extended ourselves with our involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. The press has generally painted a glum picture of our military activities. This must have an effect on our recruitment into the armed services. I am afraid we have lost the momentum sustained by our heroic soldiers of past wars.

Of those presidents on most lists among our greatest, their response to major conflicts has often been a deciding factor. Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman come to mind. It is a mark of a great leader to have great vision. I am afraid that the events of 9/11 may be viewed as a tragic distraction for a great nation. Historians may judge that a president with great vision would have recognized that our critical matters at this time are energy, the environment, immigration and health care. We must not forget that our constitutional fathers clearly instructed us that we must preserve the national defense.