Today is a dark day in America. This might not be obvious to an outside observer. We continue to go to class and take exams today. We might play frisbee on Old Main lawn or begin our weekend early over a cold beer at our favorite State College nightspot. But below the somewhat trifling day-to-day patterns we continue to follow, we are torn.

We are divided, as a country and as people. Whether or not we feel military action in Iraq is justified right now, we worry, wonder and fear.

We worry about the innocent lives that will be lost or devastated by this war. And we worry what will happen to those lives if our country doesn't take action in Iraq.

We wonder what this war means for us at home and abroad. How are we going to pay for this war and what will it mean for our already struggling economy? How will this change America's relationship with the countries not backing our actions?

We fear backlash from Saddam Hussein, al Qaeda or another American enemy. But we also fear what could happen if these people are not stopped.

Some of us support the war. We feel Saddam has given America no choice and the potential threats to our country outweigh the possible devastation of war.

Others of us protest our country's military action. We feel more diplomatic avenues could be pursued before we turn to arms.

As we go to war in the Middle East, we also go to war at home. But this war on our home front is not a sign of weakness, rather an undeniable testament to America's greatest strength.

Whether you support action in Iraq or not, don't let the battle at home end just because the battle abroad has already begun.

If you support the war, make your opinion known. If you are against the war, continue to press the government with your views.

These aren't options available to the Iraqi people. Those who support America's intervention in their country and want Saddam's removal face death in opposing the Iraqi regime. And those who protest America's action in their country have no way of stopping the bombs and soldiers.

Although today is a dark day in America, it's an even darker day in Iraq.