Editor's Note: This article is about a very controversial subject, the Iraq War. I ask that each of you remain sensitive in your comments and respect each other's opinions. You should also take some time to speak to your family about this subject, and learn as much as you can so that you can form an educated opinion. Thank you, and read on.

Although 9/11 may have been almost five years ago, the sad and tragic day still touches the hearts of many Americans. Thousands of innocent people lost their lives in a selfish and evil plan to destroy our country.

Then not long after, war in Iraq broke out and thousands more American soldiers, doctors and marines died as well. This got me thinking. The damage 9/11 did to our country has done more than we think. It has forced our country to fight for something we're not even sure we agree with. The war in Iraq has affected the lives of us as 9/11 did.

Almost everyday on the news you hear stories and reports on Iraq. Whether it is the statistics of those dying, or the horrible crimes Iraqis commit against their hostages, the sight of some of the stories is enough to make you sit down and consider. Why have we stayed in Iraq so long?

Just a few weeks ago, one of my best friend's older brother came home from the war. He had been sent to Iraq about a year ago. He had to leave behind his wife and newly born baby girl. Thankfully, he wasn't going to fight, they needed his doctoring skills. For the first week he had no place to sleep and he had to sleep on the ground. The entire time, his family, along with mine and many others close to him were scared out of their minds. What if a group of Iraqis had attacked their camp site? Would it matter if they were soldiers? No, he would have died an innocent death, much like those on the planes on 9/11.

When he was finally able to go home, we could all breathe a huge sigh of relief. This said; there are many families with much less luck. Families all over America receive news that their love ones have died in Iraq. Imagine the shock. And of course the sadness. My heart goes out to them all.

My question to all of you and to America is this: In America we say God Bless America. But with all these innocent deaths, the thousands of lives lost in Iraq, is that really true? Can we say for sure if this was the right thing to do? The decision is yours but then I wonder what it would be like to lose a friend or family member to this. Does that really mean we are blessed? Or is it something else?

This is xEmx101 signing off.
God Bless America.