To the editor:

On Dec. 7, 1941, the United States was attacked. We suffered several thousand casualties, mostly military. The majority of us recognized this attack as a threat to our way of life and responded accordingly. Three years later we stood in the burned ruins of the capitals of those who attacked us. In the interim, untold treasure was expended and over 100 million casualties ensued, mostly civilian. From this tragedy we in concert with most of the then-existing nations of the planet created a new order focused in the United Nations that is still in place.

On Sept. 11, 2001, the United States was attacked. We suffered several thousand casualties, mostly civilian. Six years later we still seem to be unsure as to who really attacked us. We seem to be arguing over whether they are aggrieved criminals, an organized threat to our way of life or something else. Again, vast treasure is being expended and perhaps 100,000 casualties have ensued, mostly civilian. All with broadly recognized, limited, positive accomplishment and vociferous dissension. As a result of this tragedy most of the world considers us rash and uncompromising.

George Lippencott,

Lawrence