The United States has made its move. Shortly before noon Sunday, the U.S. military began dropping bombs on several locations in Afghanistan, targeting terrorist operations and retaliating against attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11.

While most of the world enjoyed Sunday brunch, church sermons or catching a few extra z’s during a holiday weekend, President George W. Bush addressed those who were paying attention, citing his reasons for the country’s actions.

“More than two weeks ago, I gave Taliban leaders a series of clear and specific demands: Close terrorist training camps, hand over leaders of the Al Qaeda network, and return all foreign nationals, including American citizens, unjustly detained in their country.

“None of these demands were met. And now, the Taliban will pay a price.”

Today we as a nation will react to what our government has done, whether that means catching up with CNN or reading reactions in this newspaper.

The Star has considered all the information and we support our government in this endeavor to bring justice to those who have suffered as a result of the Taliban’s hatred.

What is clear is that Sunday’s attacks are in defense of our own freedoms. President Bush has taken time in reasoning for this response and eliminating terrorist regimes must be done immediately.

We may not know what comes next. Fighting may take place in our own country, in our cities and neighborhoods. Defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld all but promised further terrorist activity on American soil.

Terrorist actions require strong response, and singling out camps in Afghanistan is the first in a long line of retaliation efforts.

But these attacks are not the response of religious disputes. In fact, this is not an attempt to persecute the Muslim religion, but it could liberate Islam from a network of hate, violence and fanaticism — the brand of religion Osama bin Laden peddles.

This is a time for Americans of all races, creeds and walks of life to unite as citizens of one nation behind our government and embrace one another in love as a message to the Taliban that we will not hide in fear and we will not be defeated.