Date: 19/09/2001
Does Erika Ross, and millions like her, believe America should launch military strikes against those responsible for terrorist attacks in New York and Washington? Yes.
What if thousands of civilians abroad are killed or thousands of American troops die? Yes again. Does she support President Bush even though she voted for Al Gore? Yes. Is she frightened? Yes.
"I ride the subway and I think, 'my gosh, this could happen again'. It scares the living daylights out of me. But in a way this is a fight for freedom. I'd rather fight and die and know my child would be free rather than sit around and know my child could die at any moment."
The ethos in the United States is individualism and, until last week, it was hard for 285 million Americans to agree on anything. Only half of eligible voters cast a ballot in November's election, and those who did divided politically and culturally into the liberals of the big eastern cities like New York and the conservatives in the South and the Midwest. All that's gone. At least for now, Americans are serious, and united in a way not seen since World War II. They are moved by international support, but willing to act alone if necessary.
There is a tremendous sadness, and a realisation that there are likely to be more terrorist assaults in a nation that has never faced mainland attacks before. Often weeping over the telephone, Americans have told pollsters they want retaliation. The latest USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll found 88 per cent support for military strikes. At least 65 per cent back retribution even if a war were protracted, involved ground troops and if 1,000 American troops were killed.
Yet amidst the details of the polls are doubts about the wisdom of a "long, unrelenting war" against terrorism, as Bush has put it. The Gallup poll found strong support for reprisals against those found responsible for the attacks, but only a bare majority, 52 per cent, agreed with a long-term struggle. A Zogby survey found that fewer than half of respondents believed America would win such a war.
Yet for now, they are determined to try, even if it means sacrifice and loss of civil liberties. Almost 80 per cent back military action even if it required the reintroduction of the draft, an extraordinary level of support after the trauma and cynicism left by the Vietnam War.
Incredibly for a nation wary of big government and accustomed to personal comfort, 84 per cent are comfortable with military action even if taxes were increased and even if it resulted in a prolonged recession (78 per cent support). Last week, Americans grumbled about airport cancellations and delays. Now, they are willing to wait for two or three hours at airports in return for tighter security.
The Gallup organisation records President Bush's job approval rating jumping faster than any other "rally" in polling history, up from 51 per cent in the weekend before the terrorist strikes to 86 per cent now. Presidents from Roosevelt in World War II to Bush snr during the Gulf War in 1991 have had strong public backing, yet it can crumble quickly. Nine in 10 Americans favoured President Bush's father at the beginning of the Gulf War. His popularity plummeted to 37 per cent before his defeat in 1992.
In the streets, there is roaring patriotism mingled with anxiety. More than 80 per cent say they have flown or will fly the flag.
Overwhelmingly, surveys show, Americans believe their Government when it blames Osama bin Laden, and their outrage would not be satisfied by his capture and trial. They want Afghanistan attacked, and 60 per cent support a return of presidential powers to order assassinations.
The atrocity has been compared endlessly to the galvanising of public opinion after the bombing of Pearl Harbour.
There are less positive similarities. Japanese were rounded up and interned during World War II in a hysterical wave of fear, and the 3.5 million Arab-Americans (80 per cent of whom are Christians) are now terrified of violent retribution.
The Gallup poll found that 58 per cent of respondents supported Arabs and Arab-Americans being subjected to tighter security screening before boarding aircraft. And half thought Arabs should carry some form of special identity card.
Story Picture: Photo: AFP
This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.
