Online Venting

Americans are a patriotic people. They're also angry.

Following Tuesday's terrorist attacks, people have been flocking to the Internet to express their opinions and offer suggestions on how the U.S. should respond.

Visitors to CBSNews.com's message board overwhelmingly endorse a military campaign to avenge the senseless killings in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. Some even promote the use of nuclear weapons. They write in strong and colorful language. And they are not hesitant to rebuke the few writers who urge a more restrained response.

Writes Blackbearjeff: "There is truly only one way to respond, and that is to fully declare war on all countries who harbor and supply and support terrorism. We must have a full military response including ground war against these countries. It must then be made clear that the war will not end until those countries give up all knowledge and information of terrorist activities to include capture or confirmed death of all known terrorists. I stand fully behind my Commander in Chief in any military action he so chooses."

Imist writes "First step is to remove bin Laden and his organization from the world. If, by some chance of fate, bin Laden is not the culprit... so what? Take a page from the Israeli book... figure out the top candidates capable of this act, and remove them and their organizations. We surely will find today's culprit, and will prevent tomorrow's disaster. We MUST take firm, decisive action. We can tolerate mosquito bites, but we destroy venomous snakes when they become a problem!"

"We may never know exactly who did it. That's why I say INVADE AND OCCUPY any and all countries that we even think MIGHT be involved. Don't embargo their oil - TAKE IT!" says BobUSMC.

Joe America writes "I'm a little scared and mad as hell - Mostly worried about the future for my kids and grandkids, 50 years old and ready to sign up and fight - I've had it! This is NO time to walk softly - go in swinging and carry a BIG STICK."

Blackangel writes, "All I can say is I better see the country who is responsible off the map!!!!!!!!"

Mountainman wants to "turn the Middle East into a parking lot."

Rbutch counters "Don't turn the Middle East into a parking lot, make it a swimming pool!"

And Fishman declares "Dust off the nukes and send a message."

Some writers warn of going too far.

"We must respond and respond firmly. However, we fight a battle not only against terrorism, but also for the American ideals of Democracy, Justice, Freedom, and equality. I hear racial epitaphs, hatred, bloodlust expressed in every break room discussion and chat room. Quick anger and bloodlust are the worst capitulation to the terrorist attacks on our nation. Those who judge prematurely and demand punishment without proof surrender America's ideal of justice. Those who lash out against all Arabs, with no evidence at hand, surrender he American ideal of equality under the law. Does no one remember the Japanese internment in WWII or the witch trials?" pens CliffBurger.

Feather notes "If you endorse military retaliation for today's acts of terrorism - then are you not of the very same mindset as the terrorists themselves who claim to be retaliating against ongoing US-corporate-military imposed terrorism, human rights violations, poverty and oppression in THEIR countries?"

Archangel: "Ttotal declared war on that nation will lead to more needless loss of life. We've lost enough American lives today, why push for an action that will inevitably lose more?"

A spirited discussion involves the merits of immigration.

Elijah Kane: "It's unfortunate to think that these terrorist received assistance from inside the US. Maybe it's time that America closes its doors and take a long hard look at who is living within its borders."

In response to another posting Kangaroo writes, "I am deeply grieved at the association of the term 'Foreign Nationals' with mention of those possessing criminal records. At a time when a nation is in mourning, and many fingers are pointing towards various foreign terrorist groups, a statement such as that would only serve to alienate honest, hardworking and peace-loving Foreigners in the US, while inciting lesser educated masses to harbor feelings of resentment against their foreign neighbors.

America does not need more segregation and hostility amongst its multitude of peoples. Your responsibility to the people of Boston and the United States, is to uphold the dignity of your people - and of all honest peoples. You have severely disappointed and disgusted me with your allowance of such a bigoted news item.

Don't assume that Foreign Nationals are comparable to Criminals. Those foreign baggage handlers are earning an honest living - don't disrespect them with your irresponsible statements. An apology is in order."

The conspiracy theorists are also well represented on line.

Many readers have noticed the coincidence of the attacks and the date 9 –11.

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