"Somehow the United States managed to survive the threat of nuclear annihilation by the Soviet Union for 40 years, but now we're supposed to be afraid of a bunch of psychopaths whose technology and weaponry consists of roadside bombs is utterly mind boggling."

The above statement is contained in something of RONALD M. FITZPATRICK's of La Crosse, WI. I have not got the foggiest clue who he may be, but I would venture to suggest that Mr Fitzpatrick, pull his head out of his arse and review what the threat to his country is and how it can best be deterred (believe me you will not eliminate it).

Point 1 Mr Fitzpatrick
The US and the rest of the democratic free world survived the threat of nuclear annihilation by the Soviet Union because by and large it was shielded by the deterrent capabilities of the US (Second and third strike capabilities that made MAD work). If they had attacked the Soviet Union would have been obliterated, so it was never worthwhile - NATO Alliance, whosoever attacks one member attacks all - that has subsequently proved to have been a one-way street in the minds, words and actions of most European nations.

Point 2 Mr Fitzpatrick
As far as your "bunch of psycho's" go:

"Worst attack in American History" - Words used to describe the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. American casualties were 2403 dead and 1178 wounded. That took the political will of a nation, an entire Fleet and thousands of men to accomplish.

Now let's see what a "bunch of psycho's", 19 to be exact, could manage. 2,973 people dead, another 24 missing presumed dead, the date was 11th September, 2001. That took a hand full of anonymous terrorists, who thought it might be a good idea and less than $500,000 to accomplish.

What your Prseident is saying is absolutely correct, you use your armed forces to fight them whenever and wherever they can be found, otherwise they will arrive on your doorstep. And when they do arrive they will be bringing something a damn sight more exotic and leathal than a road-side bomb.