Rep. Kevin Tracy: I have been watching CNN a lot recently.  And I've been thinking a lot about America, her people, the free world, democracy, freedom and many other things.  Especially the military. I had planned to go to college and while there, join the Air Force ROTC.  But with recent developments, I think I have to change my mind on that. If there is a war when we graduate from High School, I will join the Air Force before college.

I have met a lot of people who would not want me to go, many of whom are very influential and close friends of mine, friends I have rarely disagreed with, and friends I have always disagreed with.  None of them could convince me that this wasn't the right path.

There is nothing more important to me and nothing more dear to my heart than the thought of the Bells of Freedom ringing in the ears of every child on the face of the earth.  But terrorism is a threat to all the United States has accomplished for the past two centuries towards that goal. That is one reason I will fight.

The second reason is also important to hopefully not just me.  If I DON'T fight, how can I expect to live a long life with the thought of being a coward always echoing in my mind.  The thought that if there had been one more person, if I had been there, maybe at least one of those Allied soldiers could have made it back to their families and friends.  He or she could have kids and a family. Or even worse... what if they were married and had kids?  After watching each of these people tell their stories of spouses, sons, daughters, and friends who were robbed of life or are still missing after the Kamikaze terrorist attacks on innocent civilians, I am willing to do anything to stop it from happening again in the free world.

I went to downtown Chicago yesterday afternoon. And as we drove through Chesterton, the toll road, and down town, I was inspired by the massive number of Patriots displaying Red, White, and Blue in one fashion or another. If it wasn't for the light traffic, I would have thought it was Independence Day. I think there are more flags now than on the 4th however.  I know the support for the President and the entire free world is there.  It is time that terrorism be stopped, and NOW IS THE TIME!

We have been living in fear for too long and this pushed us off the edge.  War is nearly inevitable, Europe is ready, our Armed Forces are ready, Americans are ready, all that is left now is finishing the battle plan and a Declaration of War by the U.S. Congress.  Justice will be dealt.

And I hope some of my friends join branches of the Armed Forces themselves. Remember, for each one that joins willingly, we will be further from calling in retired military men to fight, because after that, the Draft will be re-instituted.  And the United States of America shouldn't ever be forced to stoop to the fishbowl again.

We cannot be free if we live in fear, I join for freedom.  And for the patriots, old and young, veterans and service men, and for the freedom of man, I can say this.  If my nation fights, then I fight too.

Please contact me with your comments or ideas, I'd love to chat with you about this.  We each may learn something, even if you disagree and would never die for this great nation.