Americans are eager to avenge last week's terrorist attack, convinced the assault has fundamentally--and permanently--changed the nation's way of life. To fight terrorism, large majorities say they would pay higher taxes and sacrifice some personal freedoms, according to a Los Angeles Times Poll.
Nearly seven in 10 believe America is already in a state of war.
"I hate to see some country blown all to pieces just to get a few terrorists," said 87-year-old Elmer Thornton, a farmer in Elsie, Mich. "But if it has to happen, it has to happen."
The events of last week, not surprisingly, left the country profoundly shaken, reordering political priorities and undermining many Americans' sense of personal security. Nearly nine in 10 said their lives were disrupted by Tuesday's traumatic events. Almost six in 10 of those surveyed said the events will dramatically alter everyday living.
"I think we're going to be a little bit more aware of what's going on," said Roger Allen, 53, an auto factory worker in Goshen, Ind. "I think it will always be in the back of our minds now."
The survey, conducted Thursday and Friday, gave President Bush extremely high marks for his early handling of the crisis, with 86% approving of his actions. His overall job-approval ratings climbed to 77%. The swell of patriotism across the country also spurred more upbeat views of the economy.
Sampling public opinion at a time of extreme duress can be tricky and sometimes misleading. "In terms of rallying around the flag, it can be quite ephemeral," said John Mueller, an Ohio State political science professor and author of the book "War, Presidents and Public Opinion."
But at least for now, Americans overwhelmingly favor retribution and prefer military action to more deliberative legal proceedings.
Saudi militant Osama bin Laden, is considered the prime suspect in the attack. Nearly seven in 10 said the U.S. should respond militarily if Bin Laden and his terrorist organization are found responsible. Only a quarter said Bin Laden should be brought to trial in the United States.
The anger extended beyond the suspected mastermind. If the Taliban ruling party of Afghanistan is found to be harboring Bin Laden--as intelligence officials believe--more than eight in 10 said they would favor a military strike against Afghanistan. That sentiment held even if innocent Afghanis would be killed.
