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War – What is it Good For?
By:
Laurel Ross
I turned
on the Today show the other morning, and saw a hard
hitting Katie Couric interview with the families
of the soldier who hung the American flag on the
Statue of Saddam Hussein. Do I really need to know
these people? Will I learn anything about the politics
of the region, the war situation, or the mindset
of the Iraqis or Americans from the girlfriend of
that soldier?
What’s
with this war? I have nothing but admiration and
respect for our soldiers who have accepted the responsibility
of fighting this war. I am offended by the fact
that members of government who committed our Country
to war are (almost entirely) unwilling to commit
their own sons and daughters to the cause. Most
of the 18-22 year olds I know are lucky enough to
be able to pursue a college education without the
need for the tuition benefits of a military career.
Private Lynch, after being rescued, was guaranteed
a full college scholarship – I wish that option
had been available to her and all of her fellow
soldiers prior to enlistment in the military.
I am
incredibly concerned for the well being of our soldiers.
Eighteen year old children are making life and death
choices, killing on behalf of their country for
a cause that has not been particularly well defined.
To safeguard themselves, they must categorize each
Iraqi civilian as a potential terrorist. What will
these choices do to their mental health? I don’t
envy their choices, and the fact that they will
carry the consequences of those choices for the
rest of their lives.
Why are
we at war? I recall declaration of a war against
terrorists, Al Quada and Bin Laden - a war that
at least had some basis in logic to me. However,
these entities continue to exist and plan terror
against Americans and those who do not believe as
they do. Does our government truly believe that
killing Hussein and defeating Iraq will stop terrorism?
Haven’t we learned anything from the Israeli
– Palestinian conflict, where the use of terrorism
against civilian targets was established long ago?
We are fighting an enemy that believes itself to
be morally and spiritually superior; an enemy willing
to make the ultimate sacrifice to make a point.
Invading and conquering Iraq only makes America
a clearer target for terror. Regardless of how much
they may have disliked the Hussein regime, I can’t
imagine that the Iraqi people and the Arab nations
are going to accept, with humility, the intervention
of the United States, particularly when their people
have been conquered and humiliated on 24 hour news.
I hope
this war is over soon. I pray that our government
chooses to limit their aggression to Iraq, and invests
wisely and respectfully in the rebuilding of the
Iraqi nation. I trust that our soldiers will be
able to get the care, counseling and education that
they will need upon their return. And most importantly,
I hope that our actions will not result in escalated
terror against the American people.
Editors
Note: Please send your email comments to Laurel
Ross at LaurelRoss39@aol.com
April
14, 2003
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