Every day brought new rumors. Soldiers had become more active, and the night before bricks had mysteriously disappeared from many abandoned buildings. And now, people were saying a wall would soon be built. Fearing the worst, Hasso pleaded with his friend that they should escape the city. His friend, skeptical of the rumors, encouraged Hasso to "Relax. Enjoy yourself." Hasso had recently won a state swim tournament. Why should he not "enjoy himself?"

Now that gasoline prices have retreated from their July highs, many Americans are breathing a sigh of relief thinking that the economic storm clouds are clearing and the worst is over. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth!

When it comes to politics, philosophy and religion, truth is usually a commodity in short supply.

Is it possible that the United States and Britain could become so economically weak that we would no longer be able to afford the military equipment needed for our very defense? Could a time come when our factories are controlled by hostile nations and are used to produce weaponry for our enemies? Would you believe that these prophecies are already starting to come true?

Another September 11 anniversary has come and gone. It is a day when our country cannot help but recall the horrific attack we suffered seven years ago. As we all surrounded our television screens watching smoke pouring out of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon in attacks that eventually cost some 3,000 lives, we came to the realization that something had changed.