Be a Patriot. Don't Hoard Cipro!

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President Bush has used the S word, but when asked what "sacrifices" Americans would have to make in the war on terrorism, his example was enduring the hassle of increased airport security. As something to tell the grandchildren, this lacks a certain Stephen Ambrose quality. Of course, sacrifice should not become a fetish. Wars usually mean domestic austerity, but squeezing the civilian economy isn't necessary or helpful for this one. World War II required a universal male draft. The war on terror has no need or even use for most of those who are qualified to serve. So what does that leave?

There could not be a milder test of American patriotism than asking people who have not been exposed to anthrax to keep their hands off the Cipro. If we're not up to that, we should put the flags away.