Public support of U.S. bombings in Afghanistan seems to be dropping as reports of civilian casualties in Afghanistan begin to come in.

We knew these kinds of casualties would happen. This is a war. Not everyone is going to be happy about the results of war.

Human beings are imperfect, and war is the greatest testament to that. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need to kill one another. But, because we are imperfect and do make mistakes, history is marked by war.

The U.S. must be careful to ensure that the attacks against the al Qaeda network are not just another part of a long line of mistakes made by the U.S. in the Middle East. The U.S. must prove to the world that it is scrutinizing the actions of its military and that each mission is thought through completely and weighed against the possibilities of its failure.

More mistakes will be made in the future, and people must understand this. However, the initial reasons for the conflict must be kept in perspective. The U.S. was attacked in a brutal and unacceptable manner. Any attack on U.S. soil naturally would be considered unacceptable, but the use of civilian lives to make a political statement is something that no one should be willing to allow to stand.

Therefore, the U.S. has chosen to make a point to any potential future terrorists, while eliminating the possibility that al Qaeda has the ability to stage a future attack. This is a legitimate response.

On Monday, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told NBC that the British need to be patient.

“We have never said it will be solved in a matter of days or weeks,” he said. “It is going to take time. Please remember why we are doing this. What it felt like on Sept. 11.”

Similar statements can be heard from U.S. officials almost daily.

An overwhelming support for the initial strikes was seen almost four weeks ago, and President Bush’s approval ratings skyrocketed after the attacks. But as the war on terrorism continues, how will Americans and the rest of the world continue to view the conflict? Will the support of the American people wane?

The answer is yes. Whether we want to admit it or not, many become disillusioned by war, especially long ones. President Bush repeatedly has warned that this war will take a long time.

The casualty reports are just beginning to come in, as mistakes are made by the military and bombs fall in unintended places.

There will be more casualties. Some American servicemen and servicewomen likely will perish in combat. However, the public must remember why its young men and women are over there. Ask some of the people that serve in the armed forces of the United States what they think about the war against terrorism. They say they are ready to serve their country. They joined the forces to protect our freedom from any threat from anywhere. They know they could be called to go to Afghanistan, and they know what they would be there to do. Let’s just hope that the citizens of the U.S. will not forget why billions of dollars are spent on defense every year & to protect us.

The coalition against terrorism is fighting for a reason. There is a purpose.

As mistakes are made and errors tallied, it will become increasingly more difficult for the citizens of the U.S. to maintain their support and to keep the struggle in perspective. However, the morale of armed forces must remain high, and it is up to the people at home to help assure that it is.

Mistakes are what mar the history of mankind. Let’s not make the mistake of dividing this country over the conflict and stand together in our own protection.