Last weekend I went to the movies, and saw "Pearl Harbor." Even though some of the characters were fictional, I realized the story behind the characters was true; the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. As I sat and watched this movie, several things came to my mind. How did the United States become so relaxed and comfortable during the German war; why did we have most of our naval fleet stationed on one coast; and what have we done to prevent any future surprise attacks on the United States.
             During the last months of 1941, President Roosevelt had been warned many times of a possible attack on Pearl Harbor. The military had deciphered a Japanese code that stated this fact months before it happened. President Roosevelt was fully aware of this potential attack. Although our history books say that the President tried to stay out of the German war, he had been trying to think of a way to get involved through the back door; this would be his chance. It was part of his plan. The only relaxed and comfortable people were our military men who trusted our President and government with their lives.
             Next, Pearl Harbor is an inlet of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. It is one of the principal naval bases of the United States. In 1887, the United States obtained exclusive use of this inlet to repair and maintain ships. In 1911 the harbor was dredged, and the channel was widened from the sea across the sandbar and coral reef at the port's mouth, allowing our largest naval ships into the harbor. President Roosevelt thought because of the area, this was a haven for our pacific naval fleet from any possible attack and ordered that all of our larger naval ships be moved to this area. Unfortunately, his theory was wrong.
             The year is now 2001, and sixty years have passed since the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Our military defense is the most powerful in the world. The United States now has high technology behind them. Our radar capabilities are beyond...