But there is no commodity more precious than human life.

Ethnic cleansing must not be tolerated. By using its power to try to end the atrocities in Kosovo, the United States is already sending a message to other would-be butchers that such actions will be met with strict force.

Although they place American lives at risk, the actions of the United States and NATO are correct. The atrocities taking place in Yugoslavia must come to an end. Milosevic was given a chance to end things peacefully at the talks in France, but he still wouldn't budge.

As a result, NATO decided to communicate with Milosevic in the only language he understands -- violent force.

Since last February, civilians in the Yugoslavian province of Kosovo have been butchered by the thousands. With about 90 percent of the province's population comprised of ethnic Albanians, Kosovo wants autonomy.

In defiance, Milosevic has used Serbian armed forces and police to try to crush the revolt. In the process, thousands of civilians have been slaughtered. According to United Nations estimates, more than 450,000 people in Kosovo have been driven from their homes.

But now that the bombings have begun, Milosevic has stepped up his aggression against the Kosovars in what NATO calls a "scorched-earth policy." With a flood of refugees, a NATO spokesperson yesterday warned of a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Worse yet, most of the refugees escaping the province are women and children. Men between 16 and 60 are being detained and perhaps executed by the Serbians.

With NATO action only proving to make Milosevic more defiant, the alliance should take a hard look at deploying ground troops into the province to protect civilians. As long as the goal is to keep peace, not to invade Yugoslavia, it is highly unlikely that another Vietnam War will break out.

Now the alliance must finish the job. If Milosevic continues to resist, force must be increased until he breaks.

Millions of lives could depend on it.