There was a time not long ago when the children of this blessed country rode the bus to school with smiles on their faces, their only concern being the math test that suddenly sprung itself upon them.

Mothers and fathers provided for their families, and old college buddies passed the time at a local pub chuckling over memories of their past.

During the Clinton era, we were sheltered from the rest of the world by the very borders of our country. Deafened by a concept mirroring pre-World War II isolationism, we failed to acknowledge the growing glow of impending carnage that loomed across the Atlantic Ocean.

The innocence of life in America imploded on Sept. 11, 2001. Limbs were severed and blood was shed unmercifully as a result of one of the most barbaric acts in the history of mankind.

America had been ambushed in the worst way imaginable. The spirit of our great country was impaled by a group of individuals who sought to murder us into submission.

A dazed America was in need of a true leader like never before. President George W. Bush stepped up to the enemy and became that true leader.

In the most significant crises of modern time, Bush showed both compassion and strength. There is no presidential protocol for handling terrorist attacks, yet the president came through with flying colors.

A second term as president of the United States cannot be won on a terrorist attack alone. Bush has demonstrated that he is the right man to defend us as commander-in-chief. The president also has shown that he has a clear, prosperous plan to lead us into the future.

Since Bush has been in office, there has been a solid growth in employment in higher-paying occupations. Employment has increased by more than $1 million in categories that paid above the median earnings of $541 per week.

The president also has taken the high tax burden off the shoulders of America. Middle-class taxpayers have received tax cuts totaling $1,690 in both 2003 and 2004.

The budget for the Department of Education has grown 58 percent since Bush has been in office. This is more than Clinton accomplished while in office for eight years.

Bush makes sure to give our veterans the support they deserve for defending our country. The funding for veterans is going up twice as fast under Bush as it did under Clinton.

The fact of the matter is that this president gets it done. Not only is Bush a proven leader, but he’s also proven that he relates to the common American. This clearly shows through the tears in our president’s eyes as he reflects on the many brave men and women who have lost their lives defending our freedom.

The compassion and leadership Bush has demonstrated these past four years truly has held America together. For his strength, courage and sheer desire to witness a safe and prosperous America once again, Bush has earned the gratitude of millions.

After Sept. 11, 2001, a little girl named Jenny became an orphan. Her parents jumped out of a crumbling World Trade Center and met death. Jenny saw them die on TV. For as long as this planet circles the sun, there should never be another Jenny. Let’s give President Bush four more years so that the terrorists know that we’re serious about defending our liberty.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.