Folks, Why is it so easy to get the military death toll and yet we're never told of the number of innocent men, women and young children of Iraq that we have murdered?

John McJunkin
Independence, Oregon

11/10/03

I am opposed to further engagement of US troops in Iraq. Get the US out and the UN in.

Time will tell, but I think history will prove that preemptive strikes encourage further aggression.

Rather than lessening terror, our actions have exacerbated the problem. We need to acknowledge that Saddam's rise to power was aided and abetted by the US provisions of $s and weapons. We are now seeing the unintended consequences of decades of foreign policy based on profits rather than dedication to democratic ideals.

God help us,

Pushkara Sally Ashford

11/09/03

I do not think this war will ever really be over. The idea of all the oil wealth in Iraq is a good reason for those which this has appeal.

The people are terribly backward toward our ways. How can anyone expect them to change over night. It will take at least 40 years to get the area set up where the people can fend for themselves. Just like when Moses brought the people out of Egypt. It took 40 years to turn them into a band of people to work together, love together and be a hard hitting band of people to take care of themselves.

I believe God has a plan for this who war thing.

Sincerely,

Chaplain Judy Weaver

11/05/03

Hello from Iraq,

My thoughts on the war are this we are doing every thing we can to help the people here and alot more are accepting us than are not. Most of the people help us in the things that we are doing and the ones that are trying to kill us each day are either not from this country or are trying to grab the power for themselves. If the rest of you all could see how these people live and were treated compared to how the few lived and were treated you would understand how desperate these people are for freedom and a better way of life.

1sg William Rasche. Wa. National Guard
town for now outside of Baghdad Hopefully soon back to Lacey soon I hope

10/31/03

I firmly believe that the Iraq war was the wrong way to fight terrorism. Besides our efforts through intelligence to track terrorist and their plans for future acts of terrorism, the best way to attack terrorism is to bring all the pressure the US can down on Israel and Palestine to bring about a lasting peace. Our failure through our own efforts and our vetoing of an UN efforts to curtail Israel's continued aggression and territorial expansion is shameful. As an Evangelical Christian, I fear past administrations and our current administration do not want to alienate the vote of "Left Behind" Evangelical Christians and the pro-Israel Jewish vote. Thankfully there are many Jews in the US and Israel that are taking an increasingly aggressive stand against the current Israeli policy of aggression against Palestinians.

But we did engage in the Iraq war and we did topple a very ruthless and cruel tyrant. Am I glad Saddam Hussein has been overthrown? You bet I am, but now we are entrapped in a very costly (in lives and money) cleanup operation that we can't abandon without worse consequences than if we had never gone to war in the first place.

I am disturbed that someone tried to bolster the necessity of our "post-war" operation in Iraq by producing multiple duplicate letters not written by the names signed at the end of the letters. I did, however, receive a letter which I believe is authentic and perhaps it should be printed to show another perspective. It follows this message. The letter didn't convince me that we did the right thing, but but it does convince me that a cleanup operation (without Pork) is a necessary. I just hope and pray that our government will treat the veterans of the Iraq war and its cleanup better than we have treated veterans in the past.

Sincerely,
Larry Reynolds
Lake Forest Park, Washington

10/29/03

I, for one, do not hate your husband, Michele. I want to see him home to be with you and your child. What I disagreed with was the fact that GWB sent US troops into a country claiming they were part of the 911 strike and were ready to bomb the US when there was no compelling evidence to support this and the international community did not agree with our actions. It really had nothing to do with Saddam being a terrible dictator. There are terrible dictators in many countries and the US has not intervened. That gives me a reason to wonder about the agenda of our leaders and distrust their actions. Thousands of Iraqi civilians and hundreds of Americans are dead already. Your husband is being used by people who don't have his best interest at heart and I pray for his safe return.

cheryl, olympia

10/27/03

Any war based on lies is wrong. Bush and his Administration have lied to America. I see the effect on our military everyday and they are stressed out and totally unprepared for the job's they're doing now. The valiant people went to war based on a lie and basically won the war but lost the peace. They are warriors and not administrators. We should open the door to the UN, no strings attached and let them do what their trained to do and sent our kids home.

Gary C. Wilson, Druid
Tumwater, WA

10/27/03

Bush is a lunatic and has destroyed Iraq even more than it was. But even though he is a despicable failure, the entire blame for Iraq’s misery should not be on his head. Bill Clinton’s missile strikes in the 1990s and his administration’s subterfuge and exploitation of the UN inspections as a way of getting to Saddam and killing him is also shameful. No, I don’t think Saddam was a great guy; He was crazy. But then again why did the U.S. support and defend him in the 1980s when he committed the worst atrocities? Isn’t this something we all should look into?

This whole Iraqi misadventure has taught me one thing: There is really no such thing as a free and decent country in this world. Every country for the most part is ran by arrogant and greedy people who are only out to gain as much for themselves as they can. Self-interest and self-aggrandizement is the eternal human catalyst. So let’s stop kidding ourselves about America or any other country for that matter being a land of “freedom” and a “peaceful nation.” These are just pretty labels meant to fool ignorant people to follow some questionable and ill-conceived cause,i.e. the war in Iraq. Anyone who thinks that the U.S. or any other country for that matter went into Iraq, a ran-down country which is mostly desert, just to free the people and bring “democracy” without expecting anything in return, is an ignorant idiot with no knowledge of world history. France and Germany didn’t send their soldiers into Iraq: why? Simply because doing so was contrary to their political and economic interests, not because they object to the war in Iraq just on moral grounds. There really are no good guys in this whole Iraqi mess, except the Iraqi people and those American soldiers who either refused to fight or ones who realized that what they have done is wrong and don’t want to be a part of the charade anymore. I was in the military for 5 years, so I know how it is. I was deployed in Kuwait from February to July 1998 when BUBBA decided to launch a missile attack upon Iraq. It sucked, and from that time one, I knew that something was wrong and that I was being lied to. Therefore, I don’t believe the propaganda and whitewashing U.S. government bull anymore…and neither should you because you are being lied to!

Paul Pawlowski
Indian Trail, North Carolina

10/26/03

I just read a number of thoughts on the war and most of them, unfortunately, were negative. Let me just say this to all of America: EVERY MILITARY MEMBER, INCLUDING MY HUSBAND, HAS FOUGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO MAINTAIN FREE SPEECH; SO SHUT UP!!!!! I agree with one author who stated, if you don't like what you have been given, get out of MY country! I hear France is accepting residents. I am sick and tired of trying to explain to my four and a half year old why people hate her daddy. Don't you realize that without his sacrifice, our sacrifice, you would be just as bad off as the people of Iraq??? Furthermore, where were your voices of protest when Clinton sent troops into Bosnia or when HE bombed Iraq?????? I have finally figured out the liberal mentality. As long as the person pushing the button or giving the orders is as morally corrupt as the liberals are, y'all don't care. But let someone stand up and say he has principals, ethics, morals and a true religious faith, and he becomes some kind of monster incapable of rational, logical thought. When was the last time any of you held the fate of our great nation in your hands? For that matter, when was the last time any of you watched your husband leave for a combat zone, knowing that he may not return and that he's fighting for an ungrateful nation? Spare me the self righteous, I know more than the government because I read the newspapers bs. I urge each and every one of you nay sayers to find an Iraqi refugee and ask them about life with Saddam. PS Did you that a woman can be sold over there for the cost of a few head of livestock? Just makes you go HMMM, doesn't it?

Michelle
Olympia, WA

10/20/03

It is time for peace. It is time we recalled GWB before we totally isolate ourselves from the world. It is time to bring the soldiers home and let the UN in. It is time to give the Iraqi citizens full control over the rebuilding of their cities and government.

Karen
Moriches, NY

10/19/03

My thoughts are that our bully President and his cronies have sent young lives to Iraq as a price for their access to the oil...and used fear tactics to scare the American public.

It's time for the White House Regime to be ousted...

I suggest that Bush, Cheney, Rice and Rumsfeld pay 87 billion-reconstruction bill, for they have plenty of oil money. Also, they should replace our soldiers in Iraq with the members of their families and their business cronies.

Tony and Mary Jakubowski
Blacksburg, Virginia

10/17/03

I'm consistently stunned to read the short-sighted views of fellow citizens who fail to realize when they're being manipulated. This war was never about human rights and removing an "evil" dictator. How can we claim to be helping the Iraqi people while we destroy their country and murder innocent people? The Bush administration's actions have helped to create a culture that discourages us from questioning their actions or even holding a contradictory viewpoint. They talked about how America is a land of freedom and then attempt to squelch the truth and anyone who opposes them.

This war was wrong from the start and stands as one of the great travesties in our recent history. President Bush spends his time forging a PR campaign for unlawful killing while he ignores the problems in our own country. Our economy is struggling, people are losing their jobs, and the environment is being destroyed. Yet too many people consider the Iraqi invasion justified because of September 11th. First of all, the administration has publicly admitted that they have found no links between Sadaam Hussein and 9/11. Secondly, this "eye for an eye" mentality is wrong and is helping to sever our ties with many other nations.

Dan Heaton
St. Louis, MO

10/17/03

Everyone in the world, save a few small countries, Britain, Italy, Poland displayed adament negative responses to our INVASION OF IRAQ.

Why is the Bush Administration getting approval ratings of 56%? Because the American public has been lead like sheep, unable to think for themselves, and persuaded by the media!!! Remember SHOCK AND AWE.? Remember playing cards with Iraqis on the face? The invasion played out like a movie. Saddam tried to asassinate Bush I. Bush 2 tried to asassinate Saddam and was successful killing the sons. Exciting TV, wasn't it?

We have opened up a HORNET'S NEST!!!!!!

Carolyn Miller

10/17/03

The war is an absolute disgrace. The whole affair makes me ashamed to be called an American. The war monger (Bush) should be impeached.

Michael Zajaczkowski

10/17/03

Thanks to the Olympian for identifying what is clearly a propaganda technique designed to create the illusion that the Iraqis want us there. (Read international papers if you want to see how bad things really are, and to read letters from soldiers against Bush, begging to come home)

What a world we are living in. If you speak out against the war (a constitutional right, at least in it¹s current revised form) and you are accused of being unpatriotic, which is then converted into being either ³anti-American² or even ³pro-Iraq². This is not a new tactic. The Nazi propagandists were well aware of how easy it was to get consent for a war. According to Herman Goering: "People can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders.Š All you have to do is tell them they're being attacked and denounce the pacifists for a lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

What is patriotic about wanting to send US troops into a country to defend our oil rights and to further enrich an adminstration with clear and documented ties to Enron, Bechtel and Halliburton? While the US troops are there, in harm¹s way looking for weapons that don¹t exist, Bush is cutting military benefits and many of these brave soldiers will come home with no job when they return. Now Bush is cutting funds from military school kids: http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1170546&l=6226

It is clear that the invented threat from Iraq was beyond comical to the rest of the world. Bush's invasion of Iraq was the most protested war in history (15 million on Feb 15 alone), even before it started.

The US had world sympathy after the 9/11 attacks. Now, through it's policies in the world it has again become the object of scorn. We live in a country where teachers have to buy school supplies out of their own pockets, yet we have enough money (through a record turnaround of budget surplus to the largest deficit ever) to provide things in Iraq that we don't even enjoy in this country. All the while people waving flags in the naive hope that we are "helping" them. Amazing.

Bradley
Seattle, WA

10/15/03

Obviously the army had to find someone not too high up the chain of command to take the fall for fabricating these propaganda letters. The paper reports letters emanating from soldiers in the 4th Infantry Division and the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment. In the past, the 503rd would not have been a part of the 4th Infantry Division. Was the Lieutenant Colonel in the 4th Infantry Division who allegedly fabricated these letters in a position to have them distributed to and sent from both of these units? If not, then he can't be responsible for all the letters. You may want to have someone check on this.

Sincerely,

Jim Weber, Tumwater

10/15/03

Here is a big ³Thank You² to LTC. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 2/503d Infantry Regiment, for allowing his troops to spread the story of what is happening in Iraq from a soldier¹s viewpoint. It appears the Olympian would prefer that LTC Caraccilo - - the "instigator" - - be punished for having the courage of his convictions to allow thegood news of what is happening in his part of Iraq to be made public. Perhaps there was a better method to go about that than allowing his soldiers to send out a form letter. But the facts need to be made known. It is unfortunate that you are making more of an issue of possibly being duped by a good and honorably intended message than in disseminating the content of the message.

Roy B. Bernd
Olympia, WA

10/15/03

While reading reader responses to your story about the identical "letters to the editor" from soldiers in Iraq that were published in your paper and others, I came upon this:

"What you and the rest of the Democrats and liberal left politicians are doing is called treason. My husband is a retired USAF colonel; he has fought for this country since the Vietnam era, and I resent all this garbage being spread around.
    Joan Harding, Lascassas, Tenn. "

I'm finding it harder and harder to take being called a traitor just because of my honest political beliefs. It's no longer a joke, not when it's becoming part of the national lexicon due to the efforts of Ann Coulter and proBush.com. This sort of thing wouldn't have been so out-in-the-open even a few years ago, before Bush and his cronies came to power.

Being called a traitor is no joke, in my mind, but becoming a personal slander on my citizenship and my allegiance to my country, which is no less than any so-called "patriot". It's also potentially dangerous, as those of us who demonstrably disagree with this regime may find ourselves physically harmed (as Coulter advocated) because we show this with a statement or a bumper sticker. Is it time to begin exploring the notion of a class action suit against some of these demagogues? The legal criteria for treason seem to be pretty clear-cut. If legally feasible, it would seem to be a slam-dunk against them: in order to prevail against such a suit, they would have to prove that each and every liberal and democrat had actively betrayed this country, a standard that would be impossible to attain. Gratuitously branding people as "traitors" fails the free speech test if it defames them without proof or incites violence against them.

BTW, Joan Harding of Lascassas, TN, I also fought in the Vietnam war, unlike Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz, Perle, Rumsfeld et al, leaving all of one leg and parts of another there. I consider myself to be a Democrat and a liberal. Would you, your husband, or any others in your town call me a traitor to my face?

To quote the ill-advised taunt (considering that he had massive secret service protection at the time, thousands of miles from the fighting) of our Great misLeader, "Bring 'em on".

David Conway
Ann Arbor, MI

10/15/03

What some people are failing to realize with the occupation of Iraq is that there are things that the US Government is NOT sharing with the general public, and probably WON'T. So be it. Having been in the military and understanding that not all information gained by our intelligence community is something that can be distributed to the public, I also understand that Saddam WAS a threat, not only to the countries around him, but to the US and to the Iraqi citizens. Think about it.. a year ago, if we all wanted to voice our opinions in that country, we would have been shot.. for speaking our minds.. I can't believe some people would begrudge another country the same opportunities that we have in this great nation. Go ahead and bellyache about the President, Congress and all the other political boo-ha that you want to "blame" for the way things are in this country today. The bottom line is that given every hardship we have, we STILL live in the best country in the world... and if you doubt that, maybe it's time for you to leave...

KL
Washington

10/14/03

It wasn't a war - it was an INVASION.

Chuck Cirino
Granada Hills, CA

10/14/03

"Let me point something out to you 'holier than thou' people at The Olympian. All our military are not necessarily capable or literate enough to write a letter describing the scene."

    -Joan Harding, Lascassas, Tenn.
    Tuesday, October 14, 2003
    LETTERS ON THE LETTER

Is Ms. Harding saying that the majority of our soldiers are illiterate? Time for the "War on Ignorance". I guarantee it will cost less than $87 billion, and it will be more successful.

Thanks-

Ian Stephens
Boston, MA

10/14/03

In spite of the best efforts of today's Left of Lenin Congressional and Media Fondaites, I think the the job the President and our troops have done, and are doing in Afghanistan and Iraq is commendable.

The only downer I note, is that they have failed miserably in instructing Tom Daschle and his gaggle of Disgruntled Ultra Partisan Demo****s where to plant their **** America First Excrement so the sunlight of reality won't unleash its true aroma.

Cordially,

Pete Peters,
Another of Willie and Jane's notorious old Spit upon and Cursed "Baby Killing, War Criminals"
VFW Post No 2713
Fondaville, WA-WA (Seattle)

10/13/03

The US led invasion of Iraq was the result of protracted conspiracy of the banking, oil, arms and Israeli agents masquerading as US officials in the White House, Pentagon and State Department, to say nothing of the war-hawks in congress and mass media.

The solution is an immediate exit policy from below, in the ranks, by the deceived and endanger US troops. This is no mere moral objection to the mass murder of civilians and wanton destruction of Iraq as shocking report that US bulldozers are uprooting date palms, orange and lemon trees in Iraq as collective punishment: http://news.independent.co.uk/low_res/story.jsp?story=452375&host=3&dir=75

Dr. Lawrence Mosqueda of Evergreen State College in Olympia clarifies in his article, 'A Duty to Disobey All Unlawful Orders - An Advisory to US Troops' http://www.counterpunch.org/mosqueda02272003.html their oath of the US Constitution, which in Article VI, Section 2, states that treaties ratified by the US Senate, 'the Supreme Law of the Land' -- among those treaties are the Geneva Conventions and the Nuremberg Principles -- which make it a Crime Against Peace, a Crime Against War, and a Crime Against Humanity to make aggressive war, irrespective of any act of congress or decision of the president. http://www.rise4news.net/Nuremberg_Principles.html

The troops are as disinformed as the American public by the propaganda disseminated by the conspirators instigating unlawful wars of aggression. Ending the war need not depend on an act of congress to cut-off funding, or awaiting the suspect results of next years General Election. It can, and should be immediately terminated by US troops refusing to obey unlawful orders.

Iraq was innocent as charged, whereas the US Government is guilty of violations of International Law and the US Constitution. Therefore, we are in a constitutional crisis, with a setting government that by its conduct has made itself 'null and void' of any lawful authority whatsoever!

In fact, the US has become a rogue state, again as in aiding the Nicaraguan Contras, for which it was convicted by the World Court twice in the 1980s. If justice is to be served, the US officials and ranking military officers, and their co-conspirators in the private sector deserves/must to be hauled before the International Court of Justice (ICC) and charged with war crimes.

Outrageously, the Bush regime is repressing international support for ICC worldwide in seeking immunity for US troops and officials/themselves from prosecution for war crimes: http://www.commondreams.org/headlineso3/100-01.htm

Further these hapless soldiers are poisoned to the point that their ability to father or mother a normal healthy child is unlikely, if not impossible. That is genocide, resulting from the depleted uranium (DU) coated bombs and missiles ruthlessly unleashed upon Baghdad in March, amounting to ten-times that of 1991.

I would get a vasectomy, or hopefully would have had a stockpile of my sperm frozen for future use, which many servicemen did this year before going to Iraq. If that sounds dramatic, please read the article and view the photographs in the November 1995 special edition of LIFE magazine article titled: 'The Tiny Victims of Desert Storm' http://www.life.com//Life/essay/gulfwar/gulf01.html

Then write back to your sons and daughters, husbands, brothers, uncle, cousins and friends and neighbors who have been sucked into this war that should have never happened and must be terminated by the troops themselves by revolution in the ranks if necessary, and unfortunately it will be!

Oil is thicker than blood for the ruling class who has usurped governance for their own criminal greed.

Inconclusion I find it disgusting that the policies and actions of the US troops in Iraq mirror the inhumane racist criminal acts of the Israelis in occupied Palestine. Thereby making criticism of Israel harder when the US is guilty of the same atrocities as a matter of policy too.

Bill Mitchell
Venice, California

10/13/03

It's not a hatred for our country it's a hatred of our leader's policies, and there couldn't be a bigger difference. Those who see dissent with regard to this war as an attack against this country do not understand how a true working democracy should convene. I love this country but I hate this war and the hurtful and power hungry precedent many of this current administrations policies are furthering. If someone hates this country, then the course of action should be to ask "why?", not to label them an enemy. That would be counterproductive to a free thinking democracy, obviously. We should try to understand, not take sides blindly. Jingoism is highly damaging to a democracy. To blindly support our leader's wishes destroys the needed oversight of a democracy's constituents and should never be done. We did not go to war with Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein, we went to war with Iraq to destroy their ability to produce and deliver weapons of mass destruction. Whether our leaders would like you to think otherwise or not makes no difference. If we put to the world that we were going to war with Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein because we didn't like him or how he run his country, we would have never been allowed to do so. This was a calculated war with an extremely weak opponent (Kuwait's army was bigger than Iraq's at the time, now it's even smaller) to set pre-emptive war precedent, to gain control of the 3rd largest oil reserves, and to show the world that we are in power... not the UN whom we disregarded and attempted to coerce, not the EU, not even the neighbors of Iraq whom we attempted to bribe into compliance. Good luck.

Mickey Stanboltz
Chicago Illinois

10/13/03

Your's is the chutzpah of the boy who killed both his parents, then asked for mercy from the court because he is an orphan.

Report all the news, don't filter it through your world view, then the soldiers in Iraq do not need to correct your screwed up reporting.

Herrmann Glockler
Reno, NV

10/13/03

It was clear to millions of people that it was absolutely unnecessary to go to war last Spring. We were not in imminent danger. The result is thousands of lives lost. Tens of thousands of people maimed. More than a 100 billion dollars to reconstruct a country that WE needlessly destroyed. We are not safer! And to my great disappointment 50% of the people in this country "don't get it." They believe all the lies of Bush, Cheney, etc. I must blame the media, both print and nonprint, who are for the most part afraid to call this administration what they are, liars.

Anthony Matz
West Lawn, PA

10/13/03

Regarding the US 503rd Airborne form letter. I say it's "Ok". Someone had put into words these Soldiers thoughts and feelings then offered it to them to sign and send. This happens all the time, I do the same to Congress Men, Senators and Others when someone offers a form letter for me to sign that speaks to my concerns or experiences. Go "503" if this is your experience, send them out.

Tom Ludwick
Florida

10/13/03

Hi,

I am from Sydney Australia. I caught up with your letters-to-the-editor pages out of interest; to see what the ordinary American thinks of their war on Iraq as I have been horrified by the statistics that, until recently, 70% of the US population thought that Saddam had something to do with September 11. I could not fathom how uncritical the American populace seems to be about their news media and their politicians. Now I know that a lot of misinformation that is bought is the fault of one of our own, Mr Rupert Murdoch. He uses FOX as the pied piper of American public opinion to tell you how to think. But what I don't understand, as an Aussie, is how you guys LET HIM GET AWAY with it.

Nevertheless I was heartened to discover on your pages that the overwhelming majority of letter submitters don't agree with the war. Keep on questioning what you see and hear, and use common sense like the French do, and you may get out before this becomes another Vietnam.

Somehow I don't think this bit if free speech is going to be published though.

Trevor Woodward
Business Development Manager
Elcom Technology Pty Ltd

10/13/03

I write articles for my local weekly newspaper (Gilmer County Times-Courier) on the military histories of men from Gilmer County Georgia. Today I interviewed a LCpl, USMC from the 1st MarDiv just returned from Iraq. He say's that the streets and highways were lined with cheering Iraqis glad to see our American forces there. The current problems stem only from the surviving Baathist party members and Islamists from other countries. America, he said, has done exactly the right thing and that we need to finish the job.

I should add, however, that my own son has just returned from Iraq and has told me that the Iraqis are 90% behind the US. That 10% or so are fascist of the Baathists party whose only aim is to distablize the present situation. My son is Commanding Officer of Special Forces Troops. He returned only a week ago and was shocked at the negative reporting in America's press. According to him we are clearly winning the "hearts and souls" of the long suppressed Iraqi citizens. In the colorful language of soldiers, the American liberal press is full of **** **** and don't know what they are talking about.

G. Mcclellan
Ellijay, Georgia

10/12/03

You should find out who is responsible for the form letters because if it is coming from the Administration that is not good but if it is a set up for the Administration then it is bad for you. I look forward to your followup on this story.

bob

10/12/03

News Reporters tend to search for dramatic events, which make headlines back home. Including all bloody events and acts of sabotage they can find. They do not try to reflect any positive events as they are not considered for primetime "News", therefore all we hear and read at home appears very glum and cheers those in Iraq commiting "news" events. Saddam is watching the same "news" the rest of are and acting accordingly for the most effect.

It is much better we be fighting terrorists and terrorist supporters around the World than here at home. This war is costly, but near as costly as another "twin towers" event. 9/11/2001 cost our country many times what the war in Iraq is costing.

Kenneth L. Hebard
Roseburg, Or.
A USMC Vet. Two Purple Hearts

10/12/03

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the United Nations had a commando squad, comprised of members from various nations, to take care of dictators? No one nation could be blamed. No soldiers would be kllled. No property destroyed. Wouldn't this send a great message to would-be tyrants?

No one can tell me that this war was necessary, that the U.S. had to spend 200+ billion tax dollars to kill thousands of Iraqis and destroy the country.

Clarice W. Mathis (age 92)
Paducah, Ky.

10/12/03

In my view, war with Iraq was a monumental mistake. Iraq was more of a threat to its neighbors than to us. I sent e-mails to the president, governors and representatives objecting to the plan to invade Iraq. But of course, George W. was determined to have his little war and nothing could sway him from that objective. Mercifully, he will not be president next term. I will vote for Mickey Mouse -- he could hardly do worse.

Faye Deaton

10/12/03

I think the reason for support for the war in Iraq to, seemingly, be slipping, is that the media's reporting on the failures or obstacles to success are definitely having that effect on people - just as the media hoped it would! When 9/11 happened and President Bush laid out why we must fight the war on terrorism and that played into going into Iraq, he made it clear that this war (on terrorism) would be long. The nature of the enemy would make it so and should make clear to every American citizen why this war is different than any other our nation has fought. The American people understood that early on and were willing to be patient as we engaged. BUT day after day of negative news and doubts about the administration's ability to carry on to secure us and no more terrorist attacks on our soil (yet) has undermined the necessity for the war on terrorism. Might I add, that along with the media, many democrats have undermined the effort, as well. Alot of people only have access to the naysayers in the news and that makes for an uninformed bunch of citizens, not to mention apathetic ones!

By the way, I don't care if every letter sent and signed by military personnel is identical. The content of the letter is what counts and it would seem that most agree with it or they wouldn't sign it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. But then it is another issue that the media (and anti-war people) can use to try to derail our effort in Iraq even further!!

Sincerely,

Beverly Alfonso
Antigo, WI

10/12/03

I love what we are doing over there. Those who think it is a failure have an extremely short and selective memory. Under Saddam Hussein, many more were killed for simply thinking ill thoughts of the regime. Things are much better now. Things are better now then they have ever been.

We are doing the right thing.

Mike Kozlowski

10/12/03

I am in Iraq as a contractor. I have been on many convoys including one that has been ambushed. The man next me was manning the SAW Machingun when he was wounded in the arm and I bandaged it. I have been through countless mortar barrages, another just tonight before writing this. I have seen more than my share of blood and was actually working at the 28th CSH in Baghdad on satellite equipment during the height of the attacks. I saw many of the wounded. I have no illusions of the danger.

This War is not nice nor pretty. Yet compared to World War II this war is relatively safe. Even compared to Vietnam this war has very few casualties. This war is the most successful in American history as far as battlefield leadership and performance. We, you and everyone else are aware of this. Conventional wisdom, especially among the war critics, predicted thousands dead and many more wounded.

I would like to see more balanced reporting. Not just from you but the media in general. How long has it been since they caught the men with the shoulder fired surface to air missiles? Not one paper mentioned what those would have done to a civilian airliner. Do you want the war fought here or the streets of America, in your home town? Your paper can say what it wants to answer this question, but the readers know the truth.

Why can you not help like this? (Yes, it is my wife...) http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=17961

Mark C. Jeffery
CFLCC C-4 / MC-4

10/12/03

The useful idiots of the left are trying very hard to bring down the government of this nation, in any way they possibly can do. If we leave Iraq now, we are doing exactly as the Saddams and Osamas of the Middle East wish us to do. Why is the left in America so dense as to believe otherwise? If we leave, we abandon these people to the horrors that will come, not only in Iraq, but in the whole area. I wish those who want to abandon the effort could move to the terrorist area and live there for a couple years. I recall how these same wimpish liberals criticized George Bush for his "isolationism". They have allowed their desire to get back in power so they can proceed with their agenda to morph into such hatred of the administration that they will say anything to bring shame upon this nation. Their open hatred of our present government is palpable, and oddly enough, the leftwing whiners will be the first to fall when the terrorist types take over the world. Wake up, America.

JCBacot
Georgia

10/12/03

So, you say that many letters from the Front appear to be alike. So what? Your stories are all alike. All of them. Is anyone complaining?

If you read about Iraq in your paper, or the NYT or the LAT, or the WPost, or the BGlobe - you are all saying the same thing. So what? We know that you all "think" alike - that you all "dislike" Bush, and that you all have forgotten about 9-11. So be it.

Allen O'Donnell
Wayne, Nebraska

10/12/03

My feelings concerning this Iraqi are short and sweet!!!!!!IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED!!!!!!!THE BEST THING TO DO NOW SINCE WE HAVE MADE THIS HORRIFIC ERROR IN JUDGEMENT IS TO GET OUT AND GET OUT FAST!!!!!!! We have been taking orders from Israel far too long and this error is the result of a very stupid administration who do not know their hind ends from their front ends.!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris Rosendale

10/12/03

Print the **** letters.... are the soldiers real or imagined >?

If the Soldiers are actual persons ... then Print the letter and include names.

Is it true that the soldiers felt that >"Everything it said is dead accurate. We've done a really good job,"< ?

If there was a Democratic party chap in the White House you'd print them... but then you'd be printing letters from soldiers guarding Lower Manhattan. and Washington DC, not in Iraq.

Cheers,

Russell

10/12/03

Your article on the form letter from our soldiers in Iraq was interesting. I would agree that a form letter is somewhat tacky.

However, it is interesting that the press has chosen to investigate the existence of the letter rather than its contents. If the letter is accurate, that and the fact that this view of our record is just now being heard are the real stories. If we're doing good work in Iraq, why aren't we hearing about it?

Regards,

Cary Wyman
Morgan Hill, CA

10/12/03

You should be ashamed of yourselves for making such claims and insinuations.

Let me point something out to you 'holier than thou' people at the Olympian. All our Military are not necessarily capable or literate enough to write a letter describing the scene. But - and this is the biggest point here, THESE GUYS DO NOT HAVE TO SEND THEM, NOBODY IS TWISTING THEIR ARM. If they prefer not to attach their names to the information they are at liberty to ignore it. GROW UP and for God's sake stop turning our country into a war zone with your Liberal Blabber.

What you and the rest of the Democrats and Liberal Left Politicians are doing is called TREASON. My husband is a retired USAF Colonel, he has fought for this country since the Vietnam era and I resent all this garbage being spread around.

Joan Harding
Lascassas, TN

10/12/03

Regarding your Thrill of the Day:

It is clear beyond any doubt that conditions in Iraq are improving rapidly. Whatever the facts about these letters you claim to have, the tonnage of material from credible journalists, Democratic members of Congress, the Iraqis themselves, opinion polls, etc., is building rapidly and is putting the lie to the despicable "if it bleeds and leads" philosphy of our biased press. Schools are opening, hospitals are up and running, the electricity is back to prewar leves. shops are open, newspapers publish freely, and most importantly of all, no children are tortured in front of the parents, women are not rapped and killed by the secret police, mass graves are being dug up not dug. None of this matters to you. What matters is that someone may want the world to know about it so badly they will engage in tactics ALMOST as shameful as the ones you use to disguise the truth. As with that "quagmire" you all lusted after and "reported" in the first week of the invasion, so to with this one. Facts are stubborn things and they will ultimately expose you as the partisans you are.

Jonathan Burack
Stoughton, WI

10/12/03

I have never seen such hatred for our country and leaders as I have in reading some of the mail responses to your article re: War Thoughts. It simply confirms that this country is in real trouble as long as the far left liberals/socialist are trying their best to undermine our people. I am 75 and support the president and of course the military--yes we have lost some men and women--and that is sad--perhaps the blazing liberals that responded condone the acts of Saddam and his gang--seems they do as some want us to just abandon the people of Iraq. For the Olympian to refuse to publish letters from our servicemen (Many soldiers, same letter 10/11/03)--should hang their heads in shame.

Bill Wallace, Auburn, MA

10/12/03

From the beginning we have been told that this is going to be a long and difficult process, whether it is in our dealings with Iraq or in our war with terrorists. I'm sick and tired of people bellyaching about the cost, the time, the pain. As a Viet Nam vet, I think we're doing the right thing and that Dubbya is a capable leader with integrity. He has a team that is brilliant, diverse, and trustworthy.

So, bite the bullet and support the president.

Jack Jaffe+

10/12/03

Paul Nolan
Jessup, MD

10/12/03

Craig Michaels
Los Angeles

10/11/03

The war in Iraq was a gross mistake. It would be a mistake to continue to occupy Iraq, leaving our service men and women as targets, and opening the door to more terrorism against the US as protest to our illegal occupation. I support the proposal of Congressman, and one of the nine running for President, Dennis Kucinich. He proposes we get the US out and get the UN in. Kucinich recently presented the outlines of a plan he has just released to bring US troops home from Iraq, end the war profiteering, and allow the United Nations to facilitate Iraqi self-governance.

Clarity Sanderson
Sandy, UT

10/11/03

- The Bush administration has admitted that the war was not about WMD.

- The mainstream media presented only the G-Rated "Disney Version" of the invasion.

- The real war was and is still X-Rated.

- Thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens were killed and injured.

- The magical "Victory Tour" is a re-election tactic.

Chris Stegman
JV, Seattle

05/03/03

So a nation of 290 million spending $400 billion on all the modern war making technology available was able to whip a nation of 22 million (half of whom are children) that has been under embargo for the past 12 years. So what? The question of why has still not been answered!

Larry Kerschner
Pe Ell, WA
Viet Nam infantry veteran

05/02/03

Those who fomented and set us up for this war are all war criminals and those (including press editors, managers) who continue to the manufacture consent for this war are accessories.

Chris Stegman
Olympia, WA

04/30/03

Mr. Bush is right in his opposition to tyranny in Irak. Mr Bush is also right, I suppose, in bleeding Irak to change a tyrannical regime. But Mr Bush isn't right in sticking around to remake Irak in his own image, for Mr Bush's troubles with tyranny (see Patriot Act II, Supreme Court Decision on holding without bond legal aliens), as well as conflicts of interest (see Mr. Cheney's business partners), preclude nation building in the Middle East. Soon Yankees go home will be all he hears from Baghdad.

Tom Connelly
Moses Lake, Wa.

04/30/03

This was a carefully orchestrated march to war (and back) aimed at gaining further control of the strategic oil reserves in the middle east, thru political control of the next Iraqi gov't, thru a U.S. staged 'interim gov't'. Bush & co. were set on war from the outset and are now reveling in their victory over 'evil'. Funny how the Iraqi people are already getting wise to the U.S. gov'ts true motives (see Olympian article"Anti-Americanism on the rise" A-2, April 17) They had a ready made target in Sadaam, that much is for sure, since we propped him up thruout the 80's and provided much of the chemical and biological weapons we accused him of hiding. The rest of their rationale falls apart upon close scrutiny. Weapons of mass destruction? We haven't found any. Threat to his neighbors? Not since 1990. LInks to Al-Qaida? None proven. Threat to the U.S.? Fat chance.

But Bush's ratings are UP (for the time being) even if the economy is DOWN (for the long haul I'm guessing). Remember the 'Wag the Dog" theory. We'll Bush has perfected that one, with the idea of 'perpetual war'. Wag the dog, forever more.

Chris Stegman
Olympia, WA

04/17/03

I know so little, but know what I feel! I'm totally against the war, as I believe most people are. I am definitely NOT against our troops. I love them and pray for them and their families. I love seeing the overpasses full of families and friends waving the American flag and telling us to Support Our Troops. I'm not sure what all this will lead to. This is my opinion; there is a reason why foreign troops aren't storming through our backyards, shooting up our malls and our churches and our hospitals. It's because we are at war 24/7 keeping our country free from that. We are so fortunate to have these great armed forces and brave men & women who fight continually for that goal in mind. We don't have a clue what it would be like to live with a dictator ruling our country. We must be determined to keep our country always free of that! I hope that our leaders only have in mind helping other countries to be free of that, also, and not all the agendas they are accused of. I believe if we unitedly live by the principles this country was founded on we will always be free.

CB
Washington

04/15/03

To: Tsgt Scott Howard, USAF

Here is an excerpt from your statement:

"I know we sometimes get fed up with some of these stupid people with their stupid opinions, i guess everyone is entitled to their opinion..even if they are wrong!!"

If it is only stupid people that oppose the war, then why is it that in the forums of higher education in this country (as well as others) the majority of students and professors have been against this war from the start? You say that the majority of educated people in this nation are "wrong," and yet you provide no justification for your self-righteous statement. With Judao-Christian notions such as "wrong," "faith" and "Praise be to God" soldiers such as yourself will reassure any Arab notions of a Holy War, or neo-Crusades. This will therefore generate support for Bin Laden and Saddam, and strengthen the numbers that oppose you. It is also taking away international credibility of Bush's mentioned intentions of this war.

If people like you represent the United States abroad, I fear for the future of this nation. I do not respect those who are so hypocritical as to promote Christian morals while traveling abroad to kill fellow human beings. If your religious beliefs are true (as stated in the Bible), those who kill will not be granted heavenly passage. As Einstein once put it,

"Heroism at command, senseless brutality, deplorable love-of-country stance, how violently I hate all this, how despicable an ignorable war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be a part of so base an action! It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of Murder.

I do not think Saddam is a good man, do not be mistaken. I hope for a quick finalization of this conflict and that as many lives as possible will not be lost in the process. If you think the estimated deaths of 1600 Iraqi civilians (that would likely still be alive today) is acceptable, explain that to the families and loved-ones left behind.

Adam

04/13/03

I strongly support the troops who are serving all over the world. Unfortunately, our government has propagandized the "support our troops" as if this were the real issue of war. The reality this war has nothing to do with the troops. It has everything to do with controlling natural resources (in this case oil), and strategizing for the next step toward world domination. Colin Powell said today in London...Bush said today...Rumsfeld said today!!!!!!

"We have designated Syria for years as a state that sponsors terrorism," he said, warning that it would be unwise if Syria "suddenly becomes a haven for all these people who should be brought to justice."

Powell said Iraq's progress toward democracy could be an example to countries like North Korea and Iran, which "have systems which are certainly not friendly to democratic principles, who have supported terrorist activities over the years, and who have been developing and even possess weapons of mass destruction."

Bush Warns Syria to Cooperate With U.S.
Sunday, Apr 13, 2003; 1:29 PM

President Bush again warns Syria it must cooperate with U.S., not harbor Iraqi leaders.

- Reuters

Rumsfeld Says Some Iraqi Leaders Have Fled to Syria
Sunday, Apr 13, 2003; 11:03 AM

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Sunday "there's no question" that some senior Iraqi leaders have fled to Syria. Some have remained in Syria, while others have moved on to different countries, Rumsfeld said.

He declined to identify the Iraqis or the other countries, or if the United States was prepared to take any punitive action against Syria.

"We certainly are hopeful Syria will not become a haven for war criminals or terrorists," Rumsfeld said.

Syria's deputy ambassador to the U.S., Imad Moustapha, who appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press," denied that his country was harboring escaped Iraqis.

Eisenhower warned of the "Military Industrial Complex" as a potential fall of democracy. Well? It's all about "support the troops, get the oil" and everything to do with world domination by the whacko’s in the administration.

The ignorance and gullibility of the American people, who have no clue what basis America was founded, will re elect the lies and goals of the Administration we see every day.

Remember the United States was founded by the likes of Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, etc. Can you conceive of a democracy being headed by Bush, Cheyney, Powell, and especially Rumsfeld, with backing of Tom DeLay etc?

God help us and "God Bless all mankind" not JUST America! This has nothing to do with troops, but everything to do with world stability, control, and perpetual war.

No one should be against the troops, but let's not make this an issue of, so called patriotism, selfishness, and self-pity.

Duncan MacLeod, Olympia

04/13/03

So What is Victory?

Saddam's military defeat is hardly surprising. Given a contest between the U.S. forces- military might that exceeds anything the world has ever seen- and a country which relied upon materials decades old - we should be "shocked and awed" that it took so long. Victory is so much more than military dominance.\

If the war was about bringing democracy to Iraq, that project is a ways off to be sure. If it was about removing Iraq's "weapons of mass destruction" - okay where are they? If it was about reducing the threat of terrorism - what has been truly done about that? Nothing - except to fan the flames of Muslim fundamentalism. Was it about stabilizing the region? Even the corporate media shows cannot portray that - there is nothing yet but increased instability. Only if the war was about taking Saddam out of power, can we say there was a victory this week. But couldn't he have been taken out of power without a war? Yes to be sure. However, that wouldn't satisfy the warhawks.

True victory in Iraq, and by that we should speak of sustained peace and true stability, may never be achieved. But for sure it will cost the U.S many lives and billions of dollars.

Even a close look at this weeks' iconic image - the tearing down of a statue of Saddam in Baghdad's center - reveals the situation may not be what it seems. On April 6th, Ahmed Chalabi was flown into the city of Nasiriya by the Pentagon along with 700 fighters of his "Free Iraqi forces". On April 9th one of the "most memorable images of the war" is created when U.S. troops pull down the statue of Hussein in Fardus Square. How many members of the Free Iraqi forces were there? The close up action video of the statue being destroyed was broadcast around the world as proof of a massive uprising and characterized as important as the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Still photos show a long-shot view of Fardus Square which is empty save for three U.S. Marine tanks, The International Press, and a small handful of Iraqis. There were not more than 200 people in the square including the journalists and marines. It may have been hailed as an equivalent of the Berlin Wall falling…but it was really nothing more than a carefully constructed media event tailored for the television cameras. So much for truth in advertising.

Jbates
Olympia

04/12/03

Still I don't know anything about the real reason for this war. No WOMD were found, not one proof about the relationship between Bin Laden and Hussein.

So what was the real reason for this terrible war?

A lot of people may be happy about the result of this war. And fortunately, it was less difficult than we thought. But even though the Hussein regime is finished, the country isn't in peace yet. I fear that the current situation is still very dangerous and there is still a lot to do to prevent a bloody civil war.

When I see the pictures of marauding masses in Bagdad and other cities I think that the situation will become terrible for the Iraqi people. So, when will the Bush administration give us the truth about the necessitiy of this war? Was Saddam really so dangerous for the US? And what about the plans in the future? What about Iran, Syria, North Corea? Will the Bush administration find other reasons to wage war with them?

This war in Irag, even though it seems to be succesful, doesn't make me happy.

P. R. Hallau

04/11/03

Peace. Can it be achieved or shall I say, maintained, peacefully? History will tell us the answer is no. San Francisco, in the name of maintaining the "peace", non lethal bullets were fired at the demonstrators, who unpeacefully were trying to promote peace. The ultimate hypocrisy? Sound familiar? They realized that people weren't listening. To become more obvious, to be heard, the peace people became unpeaceful fanatics, hard core, do anything for our cause, civilly disobedient, illegal fanatics. Sound familiar? We cannot talk with extremists. They understand only bloodshed.

Freedom. We've all heard that "freedom is not free". Why won't you believe it. Our freedom from the King, Free? Freedom from slavery, Free? Freedom from Nazi Germany, Free? Perhaps if we would have sat down with Adolph and explained that we are a peaceful, love your neighbor, save the owl, type of culture he would have sparred us. Wake up. I realize that for some of you, its a long journey back from la la land, but lets put the ignorance and naivety behind us. Next time your up on your self proclaimed pedestal, preaching hate and condemnation of our government, letting everyone know the sacrifices you've made by standing out in the rain for an hour or two, take a minute to be thankful. Thankful that we now have a president who's less worried about political correctness and more worried about protecting the freedom of the very people who castigate him.

Be thankful for the thousands of soldiers that have given the "ultimate" sacrifice, so you can stand out on the street and ensure everyone who drives by knows you have more compassion than intelligence. And, of course, our troops today, who are giving it all for someone else's freedom. Be thankful to them. I am. Thank everyone of you.

D. Zurfluh
Washington

04/10/03

Will someone please explain to me how attacking Iraq is increasing or even maintaining our freedom?

Jack Zeiger
Olympia, WA

04/10/03

All winter we were bombarded with daily propaganda about "weapons of mass destruction" as a justification for Oil War II. What weapons? If they had them, why didn't they use them? Now we're being asked to substitute the incredible claim that it was really an altruistic liberation from a brutal former ally, even though he was no more brutal than many current allies.

Some WOMD will no doubt be "discovered" (or planted). Maybe a few that were supplied by the Reagan regime are actually still there, though more likely they have long since deteriorated or been sold. No matter what patriotic fantasies the corporate media may try to sell us in the coming months, history will support the overwhelming worldwide opposition to this radical act by an unelected president, a war against a country that did not in any way threaten the security of the U.S.

Craig Oare
Olympia

04/10/03

I liken this so-called War with Musellini's attack on Ethiopia. Along with his effort to prove how powerful he was he did it to test his weaponry with very little risk of reprisal.

George W.Bush also was programmed by all of the War Hawks still living who make Billions whenever weapons are needed and this gave them a chance to test their latest weaponry. Note: Apparently, the weapons needed testing. Accidents and weapon failure caused more deaths among American forces, including the Press, than Iraqi weapons did.

Also, the fact that Ben Laden had eluded him left him, GWB, without anyone on whom he could focus blame for 9/11 anymore- and focusing blame on a common enemy gave a huge boost to his poll numbers. So he turned- overnight- and said Saddam Hussein was the cause of all the problems. He implied that Saddam was. in part, responsible for 9/11.

But the credit for bringing the war about really lies with his control of the media- and the most powerful weapon he has- and that's the ability to brain wash almost all of A|merica.

George Orwell wasn't far off the mark. He misjudged the date of our country's conversion by only 20 years.

George H. Meyer
Citrus Hts., CA

04/09/03

My thoughts on this war:

War is never desirable but unfortunately at times it is a necessary evil. The thought of civilian casualties is not a pleasant one, but in this case it is far less than the number of victims who suffered daily under a regime of terror, abuse, and oppression. I am saddened by the loss of many of our brave soldiers, but I am grateful for their courage! They are our true heroes!!

While I oppose war in general, the reality is that there was no other viable option in this Iraq crisis. Freedom is worth fighting for and I am grateful that President Bush recognized the need and acted without hesitation.

God Bless America!

Casandra Guillen
Miramar, Fl.

04/09/03

I am a Tsgt in the USAF, I am currently deployed to the middle east and have been here since December '02. I would first like to thank my wife and kids for being strong while we are apart...thanks! Now, to all the troops deployed over here with me, i say "keep your chin up" and "Keep the faith" I know we sometimes get fed up with some of these stupid people with their stupid opinions, i guess everyone is entitled to their opinion..even if they are wrong!! I do enjoy reading the comments from people who just want to be heard, but haven't a clue as to what they are talking about. You guys...please keep them coming....i need a good laugh daily. Please remember though, i am here so you can be there saying what you are saying without threat of being killed for it. The only people who have really upset me are those saying they are "ashamed to be an american" please, please, feel free to leave. If you don't have the means to do so, give me a call, i'm sure when i get back i will be able to help you out with this problem. To everyone else, my prayers are with you no matter how you feel about the war, just don't hate the troops. Praise be to God!!

Tsgt Scott Howard, USAF
Deployed to Middle East

04/06/03

I strongly oppose the decision to launch a preemptive, unilateral war on Iraq. I think it is completely unjustified.

The world opinion is that we are an aggressive rogue nation. Global hostility towards the U.S. will ensure terrorism to reign for decades to come.

The cost of a long drawn out war will push our nation into an economic depression.

The motivation behind this war is highly suspect to be primarily about creating a market to benefit the elite, well connected members of the Bush administration.

Nuclear Pakistan and North Korea are more of a threat than Iraq has ever been. Inspections were working to disarm Saddam.

Public opinion finally put a stop to the Vietnam war. Now is the time to let public opinion put a stop to further acts of U.S. lead aggression.

We need to wage global peace much stronger than we are waging a global war.

Jill Crees
Des Moines, Iowa

04/05/03

I am a Senior Airman in the Air Force and am stationed in Germany where I live with the possibility of being sent to the middle east, thousands of miles away from my wife. And whenever I see the news or read a news paper, there is always another article about more war protests. I don't think that these protesters know that every time a troop like me reads about them marching through city streets, we feel like they do not support us. The war has begun, it will continue until Saddam and his regime are gone and the Iraqi people are liberated. So why not march through the city streets in support of us troops who are so far from home protecting your freedom to protest. War is ugly, we are not naive to that fact. And if you support the greatest military in the world, then march in the streets and show it. And all the protesters marching for peace, it will come. But until it does, use the same motivation that you have now and march for all the troops risking their lives for the freedoms that all Americans have now and millions of other people in the world envy.

SRA Shane A. Spradlin
Germany

04/03/03

As I watch the story of PFC Jessica Lynch unfold I am brought to tears by a young lady at the point of giving her life for her country and the freedoms, hopes and aspirations she holds dear. At 19 years old, wounded in combat, taken prisoner of war, probably tortured (at least mentally if not physically) and probably scared of what was going to happen next. Bombs falling, guns rattling, darkness, starvation, terror all about...and then, in the darkness of night, without hope America's best trained "killers" arrive and carry her to safety and freedom. PFC Jessica Lynch, Rescued - Reconciled - and soon to be Restored! She wants to become a school teacher and the state of West Virginia is offering her a "free ride" at the state institution of her choice. But will Jessica's "free ride" be a "free ride". Certainly her "free ride" will in no ways resemble the "free ride" that America's protestors and peace activitists are receiving. Jessica will have paid a very dear price for her "free ride". Can you imagine the irony of a Purple Heart recipient, former Prisoner of War, who served and fought and almost died for her freedom and country to stand up in class one day in the future and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, with the words "one nation under GOD" whom I am very sure Jessica Lynch and family are very grateful to being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union for bringing God into the classroom. PFC Jessica Lynch, thanks for showing American's that our freedom's are not free! May God bless you and your family and may your dreams be fulfilled.

Michael F. Wojnarek, MSGT, USAF-RET
Lacey, WA

04/03/03

It makes me sick to hear about the children killed by our troops. What makes it worse is seeing the pilots passing around high-fives after a bombing raid. Where is the compassion in these people? They are little more than killing machines. Often I hear them say that it is the civilian's fault for not heeding warnings. No. Since the US is the aggressor here it is their responsibility to risk their life to protect a civilian. To support this war and our troops is to support illegal killing of human beings. Are the Iraqi children any less worthy of mourning than our servicemen? Are they less human? How would you feel if you saw you 2 year old killed right in front of you? Now how do you fell knowing your son might have been the one to do it?

Mark Sand
Olympia

04/03/03

"No justification, worldwide alienation"

Why are we attacking Iraq? Some people believe this war is retribution for the September 11th attacks. Others believe that Iraq poses a direct terrorist threat. This just doesn't add up. Iraq has no ties to Al Quida. Why would Osama bin Laden be working with Iraq, the country that he left his homeland and took up arms to fight during the Iran Iraq war? Yet in a letter to congress outlining his justification for war, Bush stated that the Constitution gives the president the authority to "take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001." However, in direct contradiction of this proclamation, Bush has repeatedly stated that he has no proof Iraq was linked to September 11th. That’s weak sauce. This war is a political ploy to appease the paranoia of the nation and pad the wallets of American oil companies. Saddam isn’t the aggressor, we are. It is doing irreversible damage to the foreign relations and security of our great nation and the world. Who knows what monsters this trigger happy hillbilly has unleashed?

Nick Dygert, Olympia

04/02/03

As the wife of an Air Force retiree and the mother of an ex-Marine, I mourn for every serviceman who has sacrificed his life in the Middle East. I keep thinking: "He could have been my son; he could have been my husband," and then I cry. To all the families with loved ones in the war zone--and especially those whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice-we share your pain, grief, and apprehension. You're not alone. Thank you for your help in making the United States of America the great nation that it is.

To all the peace activists, just remember that your very right to demonstrate is being defended by those unselfish servicemen and servicewomen in uniform.

Millie Rose, Olympia

04/02/03

I trace my family's history in the Americas back to the revolutionary war. During that war my family took up arms to oppose the colonialism and empire of King George . At that time we were vastly out gunned and faced the greatest military power of the day. The tactics we used to throw off occupation and secure our liberty are being described by today's American leaders as death squad and terrorist. We attacked from ambush, destroyed supplies and supply lines, killed neighbors who remained loyal to the King and burned their property. We rejected the benevolence bestowed on us by a foreign occupying power. We fought, suffered and died to win our independence and security.

Thanks to the imperial aspirations of our new King George, America is now less secure and looks to remain so for a long time to come. The foreign policies of this "New America" are exactly those my ancestors fought against.

Lanny Carpenter
Olympia

04/02/03

TO ALL THE BRAVE AMERICANS FIGHTING PATRIOTICALLY FOR AMERICAN FREEDOM, I say a humble “thank you” and God Bless you for your courage and honor.

I remember a time when it was an honor to be an American patriot; it seems, for some, patriotism is “politically incorrect” these days. It fills me with a sense of pride that there are men and women who still strongly believe in our great country’s commitment to freedom and are willing to demonstrate support by their willingness to lay down their life in the name of freedom. I am further filled with pride when I see the love our troops display for the Iraqi civilians as they risk their lives to feed and provide them fresh water. A picture is worth a thousand words as you see the love expressed between a hungry child and a trooper proud to offer food to share and a future of freedom from oppression. Too bad the Olympian is unable to “find” those wonderful clips that other news media openly share.

I want you to know the majority of Americans are solidly behind you. It is a shame that your blood is spilled equally for those eager to degrade and dishonor this great nation as well as those patriotic in their beliefs.

For the misguided who support the enemy rather than their own country, please don’t let the door hit you on the rear as you leave the country. Thank God our national defense does not rest on your opinion and foresight. Remember, today’s freedom was bought with the precious blood of yesterday’s forefathers. Imagine our country today had THEY been so unwilling to defend and fight for justice and freedom.

I am proud to be an American and proud to support our troops.

W. Sherrye Morgan, MPA

04/02/03

A Debt of Gratitude is Owed

My oldest son was in the Gulf War; youngest son was in the Civil Air Patrol. My fiancee was in the Vietnam War. My two son's Grandfather was in World War II and their Great Grandfather was in the Civil War. This encompasses four generation's of males. There are good, decent, selfless people who take up arms when their country call's on them and they answer. They put themselves in harm's way in the belief that it will make life a better place for loved one's and their fellow countrymen. America's freedom and way of life did not come about without blood shed and sacrifice. Our troop's out there now and in the past are all HEROES and deserve to be treated with ut-most respect and gratitude. Wether for or against war; you are in debt to the people who fought for your right to speak out freely. Keep that in mind.

Linda Dillman
Olympia, Wash.

04/02/03

Everyday I watch the news and see the bombs being dropped on the city of Baghdad. I hear of the death and destruction and I can't do anything except feel sorry for the people of Iraq. These people are not my enemies. They are not my adversaries. The American media does not tell their stories, of how they have been forced to live under fear of a dictator and now are having bombs rained on their cities and homes. Every causality is written of as a "Casualty of War" as if its ok. Well its not as far as I am concerned. They didn't ask for this, they didn't sign up for this, they aren't military or fighters but they still die without a sound. When American soldiers die, a broadcast is relayed throughout the country, but "this is what they signed up for." The lack of compassion that permeates my country is amazing. The Iraqi people have done nothing to us, and in an ideal world we shouldn't do anything to them. I can't help but feel frustrated.

Faisal Hussain
Baltimore, MD

04/02/03

Now that we have just launched all our Tomahawk Cruise Missiles, dropped a huge portion of our precision laser/GPS guided bombs, and have well over half of our armed forces outside the borders of our country, what are we going to do when Russia, China, Germany and France declare war and launch a preemptive strike on the United States, because they see us as a potential threat to them?

Folks, we are but a tiny fraction of the worlds population. Super Power or not, we can be attacked, and China, Russia and France all have Nukes! Never mind that, with a population of 1.2 billion, China can field a standing army larger than the entire population of the United States. It's like my daddy used to say. He'd say, "Son, you're too big to need to be whipped, but you're not to big to be whipped".

How many Germans thought it was a bad idea to attack Poland in 1939? How many felt that way in 1945? How many Americans think this war is a good idea? How many will still feel that way when it is our cities that lie in ruins? Hold onto your hats, folks, this war is just getting started.

Timothy Pace
DAV; GWI, Haiti, Balkan Peninsula
Yelm, WA

04/01/03

Reading the countless expressions against the war, the one common thread that pops up over and over again is the opponents' dislike, hate and death wish for the current president. They appear to be as psychotic as the ones willing to blow themselves up thinking that heaven is just a spark away.

Somehow in the myriad of insults and ugly statements, lost is the logic of the point/counter point arguments. This is clearly one reason the issue of war can't be argued in a civil and thoughtful manner. All appear to be guided by their strong emotions and when this happens, no logical debate can take place. One finds only endless name calling and utterly idiotic remarks.

Watching, hearing the self-appointed 'peace activists' actions and words makes one wonder what kind of peace and world they wish on the rest of humanity. Everybody is labeled Hitler who does not agree with their view and by their expressions one may think that the secret US police will trample down our front door tonight to carry ones family to the killing fields.

It does makes one think what is their source of paranoia and irrational conduct. Governments elected by the free will of their citizens are evil(US and Israel) while governments established and maintained by the gun and terror(Iraq, Iran, Cuba, NKorea and Palestinian Authority) are heaven sent and models of proper conduct.

Dario Giraldo
Lacey, Wash.

04/01/03

I spend little time watching TV war airing exposing carnage and or listening to rhetoric mixed with propaganda supposedly justifying the Iraq/Bush war.The perpetrator of this carnage,the leader of this once great country must bear full responsibility for all consequences directly or indirectly associated repercussions such as another 9/11.

Unfortunately,the tunnel vision of this leader assures all burdens concerning this war will be passed on to innocent Americans for generations to come while certain politicians defense and Iraq rebuilding contractors will reap the benefits.

Don Pfaff
Lacey, Wash.

04/01/03

The Olympian, as well as most U.S.-based news media, is doing the public a tremendous disservice by using the terms "pro-war" and "pro-troops" interchangeably.

For example, in today's edition of The Olympian, a story which focused on veterans opposed to the war also, as a counter-point, included mention of "pro-troops" rallies held last Saturday. By misleading the public in this manner, you daily transmit the implicit message that those who disagree with the war are also against the rank-and-file U.S. military. This is simply not true. The majority of us who are against the war DO support the troops. I want to see every young man and woman returned safely to their families. But I do not support this war.

As I go about my daily routine here in Olympia, I've become acutely aware of a sharp divide in this community. I've seen an increase in the number of behemoth SUVs and 4WD vehicles flying through the town like Hollywood-inspired chariots of fire, with oversized stars and stripes banners flying from both sides. My car happens to sport a small, discreet window sign (perhaps 4" x 6" in size) that says "Attack Iraq? NO!" But with passions inflamed by television journalists promoting a "you're either for us or you're against us" mentality, is our home grown "support the troops" militia becoming a potential danger to me?

Do I need to fear violence or retaliation against me because I'm now viewed as hostile to the American troops, based on media-influenced attitudes?

Your slant on this war has tremendous impact on the average joe and, ultimately, tremendous impact on my own safety. So, in the name of journalistic fairness and integrity, please stop implying that the anti-war movement is hostile to U.S. military personnel. Every time you refer to pro-war rallies as "support the troops" rallies, it further divides our already shaken nation. Please don't contribute to this divide.

Thank you for your time,

Teri Clay-Poole
Olympia, Washington

04/01/03

This week end, while running errands in Olympia, I saw a few Volvos and old VW's with the bumper sticker "Free Tibet". Yet in my travels, I did not see one that said "Free Iraq" or "Free Iran" or "Free Rwanda".

All these human rights groups are worried about the Chinese occupation of Tibet yet none "worry" about mass genocide in Africa or the Middle East.

Hmmmm.....These places must not be romantic and exotic enough to merit a bumper sticker on a Volvo wagon, I guess.

John Korvell
Olympia, WA

03/31/03

My thought is I can't believe more people have commented on what they think about the war than those who have sent messages to the troops. Very sad. If you disagree with us (troops) fighting for YOUR freedom you have the FREEDOM to leave this country. Adios.......... These protesters/people against war are so concerned about helping other countries. America, our country, comes first. We are #1. Get your priorities straight!!! I am an American serving my country in the Air Force. I hate to think about my fellow airman who are deployed to save these peoples freedom and they don't care. They should be deported immediately! Some of you call yourselves "international citizens". You can see your "International" behinds out of my country.

Kathleen Currey
SSgt, USAF

03/31/03

All the rhetoric on whether or not we should go to war against Iraq has got my insane little brain spinning like a roulette wheel. I enjoy reading opinions from both sides but I detected a hint of confusion from some of you.

As I was reading the paper recently, I was reminded of the best advice someone ever gave me. He told me about the KISS method (Keep it simple, Stupid!), so with this as a theme, I'd like to apply this theory for those who don't quite get it. My hope is that we can simplify things a bit and recognize a few important facts.

Here are 10 things to consider when voicing an opinion on this important issue:

1. Between President Bush and Saddam Hussein...Hussein is the bad guy.

2. If you have faith in the United Nations to do the right thing...keep in mind, they have Libya heading the committee on Human Rights and Iraq heading the Global Disarmament Committee. Do your own math here.

3. If you use Google search and type in "French Military Victories", your reply will be "Did you mean French Military defeats?"

4. If your only antiwar slogan is "No War for Oil", sue your school district for allowing you to slip through the cracks and robbing you of the education you deserve.

5. Saddam and Bin Laden will not seek United Nations approval before they try to kill us.

6. Despite common belief, Martin Sheen is not the President. He plays one on TV.

7. Even if you are anti-war, you are still an "infidel" and Bin Laden wants you dead too.

8. If you believe in a "vast right-wing conspiracy" but not in the danger Hussein poses, quit hanging out with the Dell computer dude.

9. We are not trying to liberate them.

10. Whether you are for military action or against it, our young men and women overseas are fighting for us to defend our right to speak out. We all need to support them without reservation.

Although I didn't write this, it's probably one of the smartest things I've seen so far. As for the protestors, your 15 minutes of fame is over and done with. Get a life and be satisfied in knowing you've made an ass of yourself in front of the nation. Yeah, yeah... Freedom of speech and all of that . Everybody's heard it before. When people start spouting off about it , they ought to remember how they got it and what it took to have that right. Instead of talking trash about the war being wrong and the president being evil, they ought to be sending thanks and appreciation to the troops that are over there PROTECTING those rights. I'd be interested to see how much of the population that is against this war wouldbe willing to go over there and try to solve things peacefully, see how far they would get. I guess they think that Hussein would be willing to listen them just because they "come in peace." Gimme a break.

It's always easier from the cheap seats. Gotta bunch of armchair politicians and couch potatoe military strategists trying to lead the world to victory instead of leaving it up to the people that do it for a living and actually CARE about doing whats right for the world and for our future. I don't know whose heads are further up their own asses, the sixth and seventh graders I've seen protesting the war, or their parents for letting them up there in the first place. Talk about being embarrassed to be an American. Then again, their parents are probably right beside them, cheering them on. How about putting all that negative energy into something productive?

Then again, that would probably be too easy.

Kenny Moore
Victoria, Tx

03/31/03

My thoughts on Iraq are simple: It's about time. We are a nation reacting to leadership we haven't had in a long time. I have been following the Anti-American protests around the globe as well as in Olympia. I'm embarrassed to say I come from your town.

2nd Lt Robert "Bo" Ingham

03/31/03

As I read all the letters from people who tell of lies and deception coming from the White House and President Bush, while I read of how he is such a terrible person and is doing such a terrible thing, I can't help but wonder where they have been living. They say you can't create peace from war, maybe so, but you can't have peace by just sitting around doing nothing. Do you believe that if they went over to Iraq and held their demonstrations before the war that Hussein would have just said O.K. and have stopped murdering his own people? Would these same people sit by and let their children go to school knowing that within arms reach of that childs seat was a full arsenal of weapons as they are in Iraq? Would they have been so quick to protest the Civil war, would they have protested the Revolutionary War, WW 1 or WW 2, the Korean War, Vietnam? These people who protest war in the name of peace, war is never the answer to them, but without war where would this coun try be? Would there even be a United States of America? With out a war for the freedom of the Iraqi people, who is going to come to their aide and stop the brutality of the Hussein Regime? We live in a country where people have the right to complain and voice their opinion, they have the right to protest. How did they get those rights? When I look at the photos of the war in Iraq and see a mother crying holding on to her child it reminds me that war is very ugly but do we know for sure that she is crying from fearing us or is she fearing Iraq's leaders? Anti-war, Anti-Bush protestors here in the United States are taking full advantages of their freedoms but I guess they just don't want anyone else to have those same freedoms. I guess they don't believe that Iraqi people are good enough to have the same rights to live without fear. In my opinion Anti-war protestors are ANTI-FREEDOM protestors!! They are so quick to believe what Hussein and his people say we are doing but they don't believe their own people, their own troops. Is there something wrong with this picture? Saddam Hussein, known for years to be a murdering liar and they believe him first. So Sad. I guess it is true that people who have everything always want more. Anti-war protestors are so pampered and sheltered from the real world that they believe everything they have is here to stay and can not be taken away. Well I hope they are right. But to secure our rights and freedoms we need Presidents like George W. Bush, leaders like Tony Blair and most of all, our Troops. God Bless the USA and the Allies in this war against evil even the evil in our own country. The evil that parades the streets under pretenses of peace when all they truly want is to cause trouble.

Rachel Robins
Columbia, Illinois

03/28/03

For twelve years I lived in Olympia. I now live in Las Vegas. My son is a Captain in the Marine Corp stationed in Spain. He is a 1990 graduate of North Thurston High School. Most of the men who serve under him are between the ages of 19 - 22 years of age. I am very proud of him and all of our men and women who are standing up strong, and proud for our country. I have come to realize that even though war is horrible, and awful, sometimes only force can stamp down evil . I wish for peace. I pray continuously for justice and peace, and strength. I cry for the grieving mothers -the families whose sacrifice is deep and permanent. My heart is heavy for the pain that comes with war, but I know that closing my eyes will not make evil go away. I am an American-I love my country and I am bursting with pride! I wear a yellow ribbon everyday and have a big bow wrapped around my tree in the front yard. For all those who still demonstrate while our country is at war - you have the right because you have the freedom. Freedom costs.

Dale Sielczak

03/28/03

I believe the Bush administration is using the same war tactics and propaganda that Adolph Hitler used in World War II. Thousands of civilians are being killed by our missiles, and thousands of others are in danger of starvation and disease. We have taken everything from them but their determination to fight back.

I also believe that if this war continues, the United Stares will have increased terrorism, a depression and there will be a widening war in the middle east.

Patricia Louks
Bloomington, CA

03/27/03

I used to see see america as a great country, run be by great people. Now I know I was certainly wrong on one point.

America is still a great and beautifull country, but it is run by awfull lunatics and stupid liars with George Wanker (no mistake) Bush as first and biggest and so is the UK with Tony Blurr (no mistake either), Bush's little pudle dog.

They talk about the Geneva convention when american soldiers are showed on TV. What about the handcuffed iraqis showed by CNN, what about the bombing of civil communication systems, what about the bombing of water distribution plants, what about the bombing of hospitals, houses and markets, isn't that against the Geneva convention?

Oh no, this was not the coalition, this was deliberately done by the iraqi army. Because the coalition guided missiles are working so well. The only hit their own helicos and Hauwitzers but not iraqis.

Bush and his administration and generals are such enormous liars, even towards the coalition, that he has already given the rebuilding contracts to Halliburton and Brown & Roots etc. without Blurr knowing about it. Hahaha, Blurr has got it up his a.... good for him.

Anyway, both have deteriorated the world wide image of the United States as well as Great Brittain and for this only they should be live sentenced if not as war criminals.

It is a shame that Koffi Annan has ordered the UN inspectors, he as well should be relieved from his position. I wonder what Bush promised or threadined him to do so.

F. Brand

03/27/03

These guys in Washington fooled us from the beginning, from the first day after 911.

Unfortunately, George W. Bush started to listen to the falcons in his administration and now we can see where Wolfowitz' and Rumsfeld's plans lead us.

We have been told that it would be an easy, short war. And now?

We are being told that the war could be longer and more expensive than they believed.

And who will pay the price for all that?

We, the tax payers and citizens of this country which is meant to be the land of freedom.

Why is it that people who express their opinion to this war are blamed and banned? (M. Moore, Dixie Chicks ...)Is that the land of freedom and democracy?

Don't we remember that in the 30's they burnt books from jewish writers?

What about Dixie Chicks' CDs they destroyed?

And all that is happennig in this, our country. I'm ashamed!

A.R. Tenino/WA

03/27/03

My name is Nancy Hur and I was raised in Olympia for 24 years.

My immediate thought on this war is I am in support of these troops. Not only while they are fighting in Iraq, but the aftermath. There will be traumatic emotions that war has imposed on them. Currently my brother Ben Hur (yes, that is his real name) is a 1st Lt. in the US Marine Corp. He is a graduate of Capital High School class of 1994, where he excelled in swimming, golf, Academic All American, and graduated #4 in his class. Ben is a 1999 graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. He majored in Political Science. He is stationed out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

Ben currently is in Umm Qsar in Southern Iraq. Ben is the Executive Officer of Headquarters and Service Company Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable. When you see pictures of the US Marines in Umm Qsar and stories about the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, he is there.

I have had the fortune of keeping in touch with him via email and cell phone. He emailed daily prior to the war. Some humorous events he has told me about are, "I took a shower this morning. It has been about three days so it was good to clean myself. As I walked out of the shower trailer all of a sudden a sandstorm blew the hell out of me. So needless to say that I am still dirty" . "Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, whole peeled canned tomatoes, cooked bologna, and some of the strongest cups of coffee that man has ever drank. I am about ready to eat an MRE here pretty soon." An MRE is an acronym for Meal Real to Eat. "I went down to a bigger camp today and bought some cokes, chips,cigarettes, and hand sanitizer. I had to wait in line for about 2 hours. I also had a hamburger and hotdog for lunch with some salad. Not too bad."

Modern technology has also brought us the fortune of digital pictures. The pictures I am forwarding are from Kuwait City, where most of the troops were prior to the war. He also has called a few times from Kuwait, most recently 6 hours before the war started. His morale is great! He said he wasn't nervous and he was ready to get the show on the road. Many of the young men who serve under him are between the ages of 18-22. Ben has stated his confidence in them.

Nancy Hur
Hillsboro, OR

03/27/03

Since the war began, all I seem to read and hear about is people complaining. Peace protestors are out there saying they don't want war over oil; they condemn Bush. What is up with these people? Are they somehow unaware our troops are in Iraq right now fighting so that we can continue to have the rights that we do? If they don't like the way we do things here, then why don't they go live in Iraq! Our nation is at war, and all of you peace protestors out there need to realize that. We need to support the men and women who have left their loved ones and are risking their lives to fight for freedom. I might not be pro-war or even pro-Bush, but, I am pro-troops, I am pro-freedom and I am pro-America! I pray for the lives of the men and women fighting in Iraq. And I know that because of their courage, we will prevail.

Megan Warren
Olympia, WA

03/26/03

My name is Darla Stephens and I am twenty years old.

I have and never understood the reasons for war. I guess I have been naive all my life. I grew up learning about the wars in the past, but never had I imagined I would live through one. The thought that calms my mind is to know that we are doing this to protect our country and to free the Iraqi people. No one deserves to be in a position they are in. I walk down the street in shorts, and I cannot imagine how bad I would be beaten if I lived there. Why is it that when a Republican is President, we always have issues with the middle east? Yes, Clinton was judged for what should be his private life. But we were not in danger. Do I believe Bush made the right decision? I saw a photo of an Iraqi baby boy and he had suffered burns to his face. To see an innocent child cry in his mothers arms was hurtful so personally no. But I do stand by our brave troops and hope for a better outcome. I guess I still have a lot to learn.

DCS

03/25/03

We were attacked on 9/11/01. We may be attacked again. I've heard people say we were not attacked by Iraq. President Bush is charged with making judgments about where and from whom threats against our country exist. He has concluded, and the Senate has concurred, that a threat comes from Iraq. The rest of this planet needs to understand that this country will attack whenever and against whomever we feel threatened. We are rich. But we are not soft. To all whom these letters come greeting: Don't tread on me.

Nick Bond
Olympia, Washington

03/25/03

I have so many questions about this supposed "war" against Iraq:

Why does it feel as if I am watching a pro football team of thugs beat up on kindergarten children?

Why do the "smart bombs" and the strategic, surgical strikes keep killing Iraqi children?

Why do the American media put such a high value on American military lives and such a low value on Iraqi civilian lives? We hear nightly tallies on American/Brit casualties, but no mention of Iraqi dead. (If you're curious, check out www.iraqbodycount.net)

Why was VP Cheney's former employer, Halliburton, awarded the government contract to put out oil fires and rebuild Iraqi oil infrastructure? Doesn't this strike you as OUTRAGEOUS???? Go to CNN/Money Magazine to get the details.

Why does the US administration cry foul at the idea of US military captives being shown on Iraqi television, citing "Geneva Convention, Geneva Convention!!", all the while denying Afghan captives at Camp X-Ray at Guantanamo, Cuba, any sort of diplomatic representation, even after US media has paraded images of bound, hooded, and shackled captives stumbling to their cells to be caged like animals?

Why do pro-war hawks continue to hide behind the pretense of "supporting the troops"? Why do they wish to prohibit my freedom to disagree with the immoral policies of this administration? I am against the war, I am against this administration, but I support the troops. I don't wish harm to any of them. In fact, the highest form of support is to bring them home.

What has happened to American journalism? Why is NPR suddenly beginning to sound like National Pentagon Radio? What happened to clear, unbiased, critical reporting of world events? Why do journalists sound like clapping seals, nothing more than Pentagon-approved megaphones in support of the war?

Why did our "president" arrogantly brush aside world opinion, dismissing it as only insignificant noise of a "focus group"?

Why did our elected representatives so willingly hand over their Constitutional responsibilities with regards to the power to declare war?

Why does so much of the US population STILL believe that Saddam Husseim was responsible for 9/11?

Why has the public not howled in protest at the silent, insidious erosion of our civil liberties, all in the name of Homeland Security?

How in God's name did we come to this place?

tcp
Olympia

03/25/03

To whom it may concern,

War is Man vs. Man, which means Man will lose. Further, it is the rich and powerful who declare War and it is the weak and poor who do the fighting. Our soldiers are just as brain washed fighting for a dying regime as the Iraqi. Funny though, that the people continue to support the rich and powerful as they are led down a path of destruction all the while the powerful make you believe they are doing it to protect the week and the poor. If it wasn't for our extremely rich government that is supported by the people that allows it to be able to displace other countries regimes as they see fit. What propaganda. But realize this, the mass people who are not the rich and powerful could care less about the people in America. It is the powerful vs. the powerful and the people will lose. Why do we continue to support our leaders??? Is it out of fear? Or just that we think it is the best we got and I have bills to pay and trying to achieve some sort of happiness as the whole world goes down the wrong path? Humanity is doomed to failure again and again until the people rise up against oppression and say no more!!!

Thank You,
Joshua Sayers
Olympia

03/25/03

As the pundits of “Support Our Troops” decry the lack of patriotism by the antiwar protesters, I wonder if they will equally voice their outrage at Congress and the current administration in curtailing support to our upcoming Gulf War veterans. Recently, Congress passed a resolution to “Support Our Troops;” however the next day, the House of Representatives slashed $25 billion in healthcare and benefits for disabled veterans and beneficiaries over the next 10 years. In addition, the Bush Administration ordered VA medical centers to stop publicizing available benefits to veterans seeking care; and as of January 2003, ceased enrollment for some eligible veterans seeking healthcare benefits.

In 1991, during the first Gulf War, many veterans were unknowingly exposed to fall-out from destroyed chemical weapons ammunition dumps, oil fire pollution, and depleted uranium munitions. After 12 years, more than 160, 000 veterans from that brief conflict have service-related medical problems. It took several years for the Pentagon to admit our soldiers were exposed to these elements. If precedence holds true, we can expect significant numbers of Gulf War II veterans will need health care assistance.

The slashing of crucial funds to provide the necessary health care to our young men and women, who voluntarily placed themselves in harms way, demonstrates hypocrisy by the Congress and Bush Administration who “Support Our Troops” with shallow resolve.

So, as you stand in the streets waving your banners to "Support Our Troops," will you help ensure our brave young men and women acquire the health care they deserve? Or, will you a typical Johnny-come-lately patriot who will forget the war and the deeds of our soldiers who served your rightous cause?

Peter Scott
Lacey, Wash.

03/24/03

I contemplated putting together a Pro-Military Rally to block access to something that is near and dear to a majority of the moronic protesters I have seen on television, but since you can now apply for unemployment and welfare over the phone and online and I wouldn’t dare block access to Evergreen State College because at least if it’s open we have a good idea where a majority of Washington’s malcontents are located I guess I will have to settle with voicing my 1st Amendment right...

D.C.
Chehalis

03/24/03

"DO NOT FORGET"
> >
> > I sat in a movie theater watching "Schindler's List," asked myself, "Why
> > didn't the Jews fight back?"
> >
> > Now I know why.
> >
> > I sat in a movie theater, watching "Pearl Harbor" and asked myself, "Why
> > weren't we prepared?"
> >
> > Now I know why.
> >
> > Civilized people cannot fathom, much less predict, the actions of evil
> > people.
> >
> > On September 11, dozens of capable airplane passengers allowed
themselves
> > to be overpowered by a handful of poorly armed terrorists because they
did
> > not comprehend the depth of hatred that motivated their captors.
> >
> > On September 11, thousands of innocent people were murdered because too
> > many Americans naively reject the reality that some nations are
dedicated
> > to
> > the dominance of others. Many political pundits, pacifists and media
> > personnel want us to forget the carnage. They say we must focus on the
> > bravery of
> > the rescuers and ignore the cowardice of the killers. They implore us to
> > understand the motivation of the perpetrators. Major television stations
> > have announced they will assist the healing process by not replaying
> > devastating footage of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers.
> >
> > I will not be manipulated.
> >
> > I will not pretend to understand.
> >
> > I will not forget.
> >
> > I will not forget the liberal media who abused freedom of the press to
> > kick our country when it was vulnerable and hurting.
> >
> > I will not forget that CBS anchor Dan Rather preceded President Bush's
> > address to the nation with the snide remark, "No matter how you feel
> > about him, he is still our president."
> >
> > I will not forget that ABC TV anchor Peter Jennings questioned President
> > Bush's motives for not returning immediately to Washington, DC and
> > commented, "We're all pretty skeptical and cynical about Washington."
> >
> > And I will not forget that ABC's Mark Halperin warned if reporters
> > weren't informed of every little detail of this war, they aren't
> "likely --
> > nor
> > should they be expected -- to show deference."
> >
> > I will not isolate myself from my fellow Americans by pretending an
> > attack on the USS Cole in Yemen was not an attack on the United States
of
> > America.
> >
> > I will not forget the Clinton administration equipped Islamic terrorists
> > and their supporters with the world's most sophisticated
> telecommunications
> >
> > equipment and encryption technology, thereby compromising America's
> > ability to trace terrorist radio, cell phone, land lines, faxes and
modem
> > communications.
> >
> > I will not be appeased with pointless, quick retaliatory strikes like
> > those perfected by the previous administration.
> >
> > I will not be comforted by "feel-good, do nothing" regulations like the
> > silly "Have your bags been under your control?" question at the airport.
> >
> > I will not be influenced by so called,"antiwar demonstrators" who
exploit
> > the right of expression to chant anti-American obscenities.
> >
> > I will not forget the moral victory handed the North Vietnamese by
> American
> >
> > war protesters who reviled and spat upon the returning soldiers, airmen,
> > sailors and Marines.
> >
> > I will not be softened by the wishful thinking of pacifists who chose
> > reassurance over reality.
> >
> > I will embrace the wise words of Prime Minister Tony Blair who told
Labor
> > Party conference, "They have no moral inhibition on the slaughter of the
> > innocent. If they could have murdered not 7,000 but 70,000, does anyone
> > doubt they would have done so and rejoiced in it?
> >
> > There is no compromise possible with such people, no meeting of minds,
no
> > point of understanding with such terror. Just a choice: defeat it or be
> > defeated by it. And defeat it we must!"
> >
> > I will force myself to:
> >
> >
> > -hear the weeping
> > -feel the helplessness
> > -imagine the terror
> > -sense the panic
> > -smell the burning flesh

> > - experience the loss
> > - remember the hatred.
> >
> > I sat in a movie theater, watching "Private Ryan" and asked myself,
> > "Where did they find the courage?"
> >
> > Now I know.
> >
> > We have no choice. Living without liberty is not living.

> > -- Ed Evans, MGySgt., USMC (Ret.)
> > Not as lean, Not as mean, But still a Marine.

03/24/03

Some of your letter writers are still sadly fooled into thinking the war with Iraq is about 9/11. That shows the power of the oft-repeated lie—a favorite tactic of the Bush Administration. The CIA and even our president, when pressed, admit that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

Bush and Cheney have artfully manipulated American fears and desire for vengeance. The first push for the war last fall achieved its purpose—to elect a Republican majority to Congress. The cry to support our now "wartime" president allowed Bush to evade the real issues of his first two years in office—his mismanagement of the economy, the plundering of the West by his energy buddies, large tax breaks to the wealthy and his arrogant snubbing of several international efforts to improve our world’s ecology and economy.

Bush’s push for war (a peaceful solution was never sought) was nearly derailed by the UN’s refusal to follow his "guilty until proven innocent" logic. With UN inspectors steadily revealing Bush’s assertions to be false or unsubstantiated there was but one choice—to force a war before any further damage could be done to his "facts".

Will we ever really know whether Saddam had weapons of mass destruction? Even now, when our Army finds potential sites they don’t invite the UN inspectors immediately to verify what was found. Instead they immediately release a speculative story to Fox news to get the necessary headline (to be recanted later?).

This is a war with no substantive basis, in which no threat to the US has been remotely shown, rejected by churches and countries worldwide, but justified by a repeated prodding of our fears. Our brave country manipulated and led by fear—how ironic!

Jim Keogh, Olympia

03/24/03

I am ashamed of our leaders, I am ashamed of my county. This war should never had happened. Saddam should have been dealt with when he invaded Kuwait, We have no legitimate excuse to go after him now. This shame will be on our heads forever.

J.M.S.

03/23/03

My deepest concern about the war is that it will have dreadful and unforeseen implications for many years to come. I am afraid that our administration has either not analyzed these implications fully, or naively believes that conditions will be within some acceptable level of tolerance. These implications and consequences have not been fully explained to the American people. The adminstration has taken advantage of the best loyalties of American citizens to involve them in a war that will have unmanageable consequences, well beyond our capacity to control. My 'gut feeling' tells me that the implications include increased terrorism, an increase in militarization of the United States, demoralization of our country, degradation of our quality of life and limitations on our hopes for the future. I expect if the American public had any inkling of what may be ahead of us, there would be an incredible outcry against Bush's policies. Though we have entered into this conflict with a less than satisfactory level of support from other countries around the world, I believe we will be heavily dependent on them to help the United States cope with the effects and after effects of this war. Military superiority will not be adequate to resolve the numerous problems that will face us in the days ahead.

And I am glad to pass on a resolution passed by the National Federation of Community Broadcasters yesterday during their annual meeting in San Francisco. From what I understand it passed unanimously.

We, at the March 2003 conference of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, representing the interests of 176 members, resolve that the current war in Iraq is not being conducted with the consent of an informed public.

We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and a move toward a peaceful resolution using established institutions and structures such as the United Nations.

Further, we call for an open debate with full access to information and the recognition of the rights of freedom of speech, and non-condemnation of those who question government policies.

Neva Reece
Anchorage, Alaska (formerly of Olympia)

03/23/03

I am a Intuitive Healer. Here is a personal intuitive reading for you: Hmm, let’s see…This last year has been filled with huge and unexpected events. Old health issues have risen to the surface. You have stopped dreaming. On a deep level you are reassessing who you are and what you’re about. You have entered uncharted territory and it is a bit scary. It feels like you are waiting for something to happen. How do I know this? Welcome my friend to the Age of Aquarius.

There is a lot of discussion about the new age and entering the Age of Aquarius and the whole end-of-the earth thing. I can with all assurance say we are no longer waiting for the big event to happen, it has happened. The Aquarian cookies have been baking and they have just been pulled from the oven.

To catch you up on the “Ages” thing, when the Babylonians calculated the zodiac, the vernal equinox was in Aries. The Age of Aries was all about forming the law and strengthening tribal connections. At the beginning of the Common Era, “A.D.”, we shifted into the Age of Pisces. The Age of Pisces, represented by the fish, was about sacrifice and self-individualization. Each cycle represents a teaching that is imbued into the fabric of humankind. Kind of a “lesson plan” of where we are headed.

The Age of Aquarius has been "downloading" information for some time. The total download has occurred this year. As we go through this change we are not just effected on a planetary level, but within our communities, our families and personally. We hold the cycle that effects the entire planet in our bodies. Our personal evolution can be tracked through the Chakra system.

The Chakra system acts as an energetic marker beginning at the base of the spine, up through our body and beyond. Each one of us goes through these developmental phases as we mature in our lives. The lower Chakra system, below the waist, is about the tribal and group consciousness. As children we are totally involved with this level. It is a normal occurrence for teens and young adults to begin to self individualize and move above the waist, into the exploration of self in the upper chakra system.

With the Age of Pisces coming to a close we have now traveled through the entire body system. With the beginning of the Age of Aquarius we are ready to explore the world of the invisible. The Age of Aquarius is about archetypal thinking and global consciousness. Aquarius is an air sign, filled with exploration of science and new inventions. We have entered the realm of connectedness.

So why are we struggling? Didn’t we think we would go lightly into this new age? Brotherhood and understanding? Sympathy ands trust abounding? And yet our planet, countries, communities, families and ourselves are searching for balance. The only way to do this is to realign with the new level. At the beginning of every era there is a "reset" that occurs, seating the new teaching level into each Chakra from the 1st upwards. Just when we think we have reached great enlightenment at the close of an age, we begin again with survival. There is sense of something dying and things falling away. We are releasing old thoughts and ideas and how they have been created over the last 2000 years in religions, countries, communities and families and within ourselves. You can figure out by looking around what the result of this level of "reset" can lead to. People are in love with power and control and do not give up the reins so easily.

As our bodies now move to this new vibration anything that is held in an old belief pattern which still vibrates at the old level now is out of alignment with the new Aquarian pattern. Anything that is coming up for you this year around physical health, relationships or however else you are manifesting is directly related to holding a group of old thoughts and beliefs around that system.

So now what? We have been downloading bits of this new age since about the 60's. There are groups of people who have formed new thinking patterns and are now assisting others through this shift. These forerunners have paved the way for us, creating paths that can assist us in unfolding gently into this new age. It appears that many of these early workers, healers and spiritual teachers are being hit especially hard right now. Within this group we are not receiving “Aquarian 101” lessons, but rather we are being asked to defend our thesis.

It is all about being in the moment. It is only in the present that we can make the shifts necessary. The good news is whatever beliefs are not in alignment will become visible. Your area of teaching will be springing forth for you to uncover and bring into alignment. And the readjustment of whatever that is can happen in one moment. We have entered the time of the expanded self, the time of instant manifestation, the age of miracles. Whatever has arisen for you, the solution truly lies within, between the breaths, ready for you to claim. And the best news is you do not have to do it yourself because this is the age of global community.

Oh, and remember that each age lasts about 2000 years so we have plenty of time to figure this all out. In the movie The Matrix the Oracle talks to Neo about his future that seems bigger than he can handle. She says “eat this cookie, by the time you are finished you will be right as rain.”

Be peace. All is one. All is now.

Cathy Pfeil
Olympia, WA

03/23/03

Saddam Hussein in surely a wretched dictator whose oppression of civilians is tyrannical. But the idea of war for peace is hypocrisy that may destabilize the entire gulf region. I pray that this questionable war is short and our troops come home soon and safely. The situation that they are now engaged in has been oversimplified by our government, and the long transition that Iraq now faces may be more problematic than is currently acknowledged. The precedent of pre-emptive war truly disturbs me and many of my friends and family.

The peace movement did not stop the war, but seems to have influenced the initial strategy of the US and British planners. This influence is an important counter to prevent the widespread bombing of civilian populations and infrastructure seen in the first gulf war and in Afghanistan. The world is watching the conduct of our troops, and I applaud the efforts of outspoken citizens worldwide that are providing this oversight to protect the innocent civilians in Iraq. If so many had not spoken out I question if such care would be taken.

To wage war is an extremely serious matter, and I was not convinced that war is justified by the evidence of questionable legitimacy provided by our government. Many citizens worldwide were also not convinced to many we appear as the aggressors in this conflict. This endangers the security of US travelers and interests worldwide. I fear that this conflict may inflame an already jaded public opinion of our nation worldwide.

Jesse, Olympia WA

03/23/03

In his eight years as president, Bill Clinton managed to screw only one other American in the Oval Office. In less than THREE years in the Oval Office, George W. Bush has screwed us all.

Steve Kreiter
Olympia

03/23/03

A friend and I were talking about the war and he suggested that America violated a “tradition” of no preemptive attacks when we attacked and invaded Iraq. I took it a bit further by stating America violated a basic “principle” with our preemptive attack. I believe we lost something as a people and as a part of this earth by violating this principle. It will take a great deal to gain back the trust of the peoples of the world who already view us as arrogant and at times reckless.

I am committed to supporting our troops who are fighting and dying in Iraq, and my heart goes out to family members who have loved ones involved in the fighting. My heart also goes out to the Iraqi people who have been suppressed by decades of oppression and other wars they had no say in as to whether or not to fight. No Iraqi in Iraq could line their streets in opposition to the warmongering actions (Iran, Kuwait, Kurds) of their Stalinist dictator Sadaam Hussein.

I remember in 1966 when my father was serving aboard Navy River Patrol Boats in Viet Nam and I was 13 years old. Two persons came to our door and asked if we would sign a petition against the war. When I told them my father was fighting over there, one of them blurted out he hoped my father would be killed, that “anyone fighting over there deserved to die.” I vow to never stand by when or where anyone says anything against any one of our troops who are doing their duty now in Iraq. They are over there now as the result of one man’s decision and sole responsibility and keep your quarrels confined to him, our president.

I also believe that we lost the Viet Nam war here in the United States by meddling politicians trying to wage a war in half measures, and the naïve actions of persons opposed to the war here in America. By actively protesting the war being waged now in Iraq it gives aide and comfort to Sadaam and his henchmen. We will see pictures of our dead on Iraqi television because the Iraqi leadership believes we don’t have the stomach for a fight and that we are weak. Osama Bin Laden reportedly referred to Somalia as an example that if they bloody our nose, we will pack up and go home. Demonstrations give aid and comfort to opposing forces and more of our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters as well as Iraqis will die as a result of these well meaning but naïve gestures against the war.

Communicate your beliefs to your congressional representatives, use the system to change it, campaign against President Bush at the next election, but get don’t give aid and comfort to the dictators of the world.

Robert S. Geissinger

03/23/03

TO THE PROTESTERS: what good do you think you are doing when you block people going about THEIR business? All you do is make THEM angry and toy with the thought of ACCIDENTALLY running you down. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS and stop mugging for the cameras.

Carol M Caldwell
Olympia, WA

03/23/03

I am saddened by the group of American Anti-war protestors. Have they already forgotten 9/11? Do they remember, especially in New York, what stunned, saddened many children, and angered most Americans? How soon they forget!

Drema Walch
Olympia

03/23/03

I support our troops and the Bush administration 100%!

How can you support our troops and not what they are doing? How can you protest for peace when you are disrupting lives by lying in the streets, vandalizing property, cursing and assaulting people because they don't share the same views? Give peace a chance?? Isn't 12 years long enough or maybe another 12 years would do.

My favorite quote is, "Except for ending Slavery, Fascism, Nazism, and Communism…. War Has Never Solved Anything!"

As for the peace sign it's nothing more than a chicken's foot in a circle!

GO TROOPS! You are the ones who make me proud of being an American!

Tawnya D.
Shelton
U.S.A.

03/23/03

When I look at the protestors around the world burning American flags and hating Bush, I find it hard to believe that these same people shed any tears over 9-11. That’s why it’s so hard to separate the American “anti-war” people from those who hate everything we stand for.

Susan Secrist
Lacey

03/23/03

It is sad when we go to war! War will always be sad! at the same time Saddam is scary (makes some of his people sad), North Korea is getting scary (getting ready to make someone sad), I look at the protesters and they are scary (the rights they exercise came from someone's sadness), I think to myself, would any of you want to live like the Iraq people live? I think to myself of how fortunate we are to be standing where we stand, saying what we say, believing what we want to believe and the freedom be what we want to be.

The U.S. has come along ways since first landing on this land which belonged to the natives. The settlers were hungry, cold, tired and sick, the Indians helped them to live and got slaughtered in return. The Indians were told how to live, what to believe, how to dress and then given 2 miles of reservation to do so on (sound like someone any of you heard of yet?).

To this day the natives of this land still struggle to survive, struggle to buy land back and to educate their young and take care of their old while on that same little land they were given, and still they fight for our freedom.

The Black people of this country have had and still have similar struggles and they were brought here by the same people who did this to the Indians, and they still fight for our freedom. Does anyone care about that?

Hitler traumatized populations, Saddam traumatizes his own people, Russia wanted Afghanistan while every one believes their god is the one!

What the U.S. is doing in Iraq is the opposite of what it has done in its own history, and the U.S. has been doing so for only the past 55 years.

I am glad to see we all have the right to an opinion and the right to free speech, the right to the US constitution, the right to an education and the right to be as angry as we want to be at our leaders, cause while we are all out there practicing our rights someone somewhere is getting raped, shot, hung, bodies dismembered, losing the right to an education, and having to buy permits from their local government to do what some of you are doing now.

I apologize if any of this offends anyone (its not meant to)!

Through my eyes this is what the world is and will continue to be until the day comes when we have all had to tie on the same shoes with the same struggles.

Bush may be after oil and whatever else he may be after, as long as the people of Iraq get what belongs to them there will be hope, I hope the U.S. helps the people we trample on and not leave them with a broken hope in a broken home with a broken land.

May Peace Come to All Someday! and it will! When peace does come, the world will become that place we all dream of!

Power is nothing if you don't have the strength and the heart to hold and share it!

Chris Olin
Olympia, WA

03/22/03

Can anyone explain to me the significance of the "Shock and Awe" bit? This is the dumbest thing I have heard in regard to the Iraqi war phenomenon, yet it's the most popular headline running. If this is a Bushism, add it to the long list of asinine things he has said over the course of his political career. Who will be the first genius to print up the bumper stickers? [No, really].

Shock and Awe" ranks right up there with "Freedom Fries" and "Freedom Toast" [Some idiot's clever means of flipping the bird to the French for those of you that haven't yet been exposed. I'm sure the French were most humbled by those humiliating bits of retort. It's no wonder they poke fun at Americans].

Who are the mental midgets responsible for coining these moronic phrases? Americans, Brits, and Iraqis alike are losing their lives in this war and the best we can do to describe it is "Shock and Awe". How pathetic.

Erik Heimann
Olympia

03/22/03

As a disabled GWI Veteran, I would like to congratulate George W. Bush on a job well done. I am absolutely SHOCKED. This war is AWE-FULL! I'll be waiting for you in hell.

Timothy Pace
DAV: GWI; Haiti; Balkan Peninsula
Yelm, WA

03/22/03

Hello,

I am a soldier of over 18 years now. I hail from Lacey, WA. and although I am not forwardly deployed during this current situation, I did serve during the last Gulf War. I am however, currently deployed in support of the on-going operation

The short and sweet about how I am thinking about this current situation is this.

I am not very happy with our president, or the administration of the current presidency. He is my Commander-In-Chief however and if ordered to go to war irregardless of the political situation I will go. I raised my hand many years ago and am well aware of the risks inherent to this type of employment. I am constantly training my soldiers to be ready for these types of world events and do my best to care for their families as well.

Saddam is I feel a very evil individual. I believe he is a greater threat to world security, particularly our own if left unfettered. He has certainly shown me that he cannot be trusted. I believe this with all my heart. There also other individuals and countries in this world I feel should face similar retributions for their actions as well. I believe the world has suffered enough through terrorism and its after-effects.

I have been to so many countries during my time in the service. Sometimes when you go to these countries I never even understand why it is that I am there. I never ask, just do my job to my fullest capacity. Sometimes the people really seem to hate us. Even though I personally have never done anything wrong to these countries. This cannot be right. As Americans we are somehow stereotyped as evil people, people view us as takers, consumers, and users. This could not be further from the truth.

During both World Wars we supported many countries in fighting for their freedoms. We supplied food, logistical support, money, administrative support, world relief, tanks, ammunition, you name it, and yes much blood shed. If we had not gotten involved in either World War, I wonder what the world would be like today.

Certainly these are dangerous times in which we are living. Dangerous times call for measures to insure security for us, and for our Allies. We must as a world pull together and eradicate regimes bent on world disruption and order. How can there be anyone in this world teaching and raising their children to hate Americans, to kill, this is horrible. This type of activity must stop, and if we are the only ones who will stand up to this and attempt to stop it, then so be it.

I love our Nation, and all of it's wonderful freedoms. All Americans should rally behind it's forces and support our country, and it's way of life. People should understand, diplomacy is failing. Hollow threats of force go on and on and on. I think it's enough, lets finish what is already started. I believe the President of the United States has us committed anyways. So we need to pull together as one Nation and do what must be done. Then the healing process can begin and we can live on with our lives.

I sure miss home, and the Great State of Washington!!! Pray for all of the soldiers, that we may prevail, that we will come home, in one piece safe and sound.

Thank you for the opportunity to be able to express something today. I am not sure I have done a good job expressing myself, there are so many thoughts running through my mind.

Sincerely,
Ken Anderson

03/22/03

You already know this ---- now admit it!!!!

Our beautiful evergreen state has a tremendous amount of military personnel living here. The reasons they enlisted are as wide and varied as the diversity types in our communities. While some may thoroughly enjoy their job, I am confident others may enjoy it as much as one who cleans public toilets.

It is our personal obligation and responsibility as mature US citizens to fully and positively SUPPORT our troops, their families & friends, our police force, others and ourselves.

Stand tall!!! Be proud that others have given their life (maybe even your relative) so that we can have all the freedoms we do. Use your God given voice, energy and enthusiasm to positively support and encourage each other in an uplifting positive way. Send our troops the message that we want them to make us proud by staying safe, completing their job and returning home alive.

What? for one reason or another you can't do that - because you're so against war? Ask yourself this, do you really think our government knows who you are by a photo in the paper or on the TV. Use your 15 minutes of fame to write all your anger and frustration on a piece of paper and tuck it under your pillow to read when you're not so upset, whether it be tomorrow or next year.

What? you still can't do that? - then march yourself right down to the nearest recruiting station, enlist in the marine, army, navy or national guard, tell them to give you the crash course in basic training and go over seas and use your adrenalin rush to fight for our country & your freedoms. What? can't do that because your ashamed of our country, then move to Iraq, Iran or another freedom robbed country and become their citizen. Still can't do any of the above? then ask yourself deep down in the pit of your soul, why or why not? when you've found the answer, start positively encouraging yourself so you can positively and productively encourage others.

My intentions are not to anger or upset you - my intentions are to encourage you to: set aside personal believes and Positively SUPPORT your troops, families, friends, police, others and especially yourself!!!

Kay L.
Olympia, WA

03/22/03

"It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence." --John Adams, second President of the United States

My family will continue to ask God to guide our leaders in the decisions they must make every day. Let us all remember that our nation was founded on biblical principles. I am grateful that the United States has a Christian President. President Bush is our elected leader, and it is our duty as American citizens to support him.

Whether your personal beliefs lean to the left or right, now is not the time to attempt disruption. The time to protest was before the war started, and after it is over through the political process. The images of our citizens burning American flags - the utter contempt for the freedom and wealth we obviously take as our right - made me feel so ashamed.

RP
Olympia, WA

03/22/03

The one thing this campaign is proving to the rest of the world is what crazy,war mongering people are running this country. In these sad times, I am truly embarrassed to be an American citizen.

Of course with this scale of devastation our corporations ie Haliburton will make a huge profit with lucrative contracts slipped to them by the Administration to "rebuild" Iraq. A most disgusting business, indeed!

Drl Kirk Fraser

03/22/03

Put down your signs and go home to your children. Better yet, take them over to Israel and live in fear for the life of you and your children. Be afraid to speak out to the man who raped someone you know, shot someone you loved, or who's sons beat someone related.

We are going to take control of an extremely sick situation and maybe turn it into something liveable for many innocent lives. If you are against that, then get out of my country. That just plain hurts my heart.

So go find another excuse to rally against the government and cause annoying traffic for the rest of us. I, on the other hand, will stand for my country, my soldiers, and the inncent victims which we are protecting.

-m.bennington
Olympia, Wash.

03/22/03

Hmmmm.... Let's see. The USA was victorious over Japan. Look at Japan before and today. The USA was victorious over Germany (twice!) Look at Germany before and today. The USA, through strength, won the Cold War. Look at eastern Europe then and today. The USA was not allowed to fight to win in Vietnam and "lost". Look at Vietnam before and today.

Where we went to free a people, we did and left the country more free than it was before. Where we lost or did not fight to win, the people are as bad or worse off than they were before. Why don't you anti-military, so-called "peaceniks", understand? You are on the wrong side.

- Akahige
(I am not a Druid Judge. I only play one on television).
Olympia Wa

03/21/03

I do not think that the United States should be at war with Iraq, but I do think that something needed to be done to get Saddam out of power. Since the President of the United States thinks we should be at war, I believe that we, as a country, should fully support the troops since they put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom everyday. My heart and my prayers go out to those soldiers (and their families) who have lost their lives for our country and for Britain, as well as all the troops who are fighting this war. My thoughts are with you. Thank you for your courage and bravery.

SD, Olympia

03/21/03

This quote has been circulating on the internet. I feel it is so pertinent to the current situation in the US that I questioned its authenticity. I checked and now I'm convinced it's authentic.

These are dangerous times and the real danger lies behind the smokescreen of the war in the true motivation of the regime in this country for its actions.

"Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the common people don't want war neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."

By: Hermann Goering (1893-1946) Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, President of the Reichstag, Prime Minister of Prussia and, as Hitler's designated successor, the second man in the Third Reich. Date: April 18, 1946 Source: Gustave Gilbert, in his book Nuremberg Diary

R O Cummings
Olympia WA

03/21/03

As I see the war resulting in Halliburton ...(founded by the Bush family, and formerly headed by Dick Cheney) and it's subsidiary Brown & Root being awarded non-competitive contracts worth billions in Iraq as a result of this war, the erosion of our civil rights, and the continuing tax-cuts to the rich in the face of growing unemployment and poverty, I am reminded of the following quote.

"As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war." - President Abrahan Lincoln, Nov. 21 1864

Bill Fuller
Shelton, WA

03/21/03

I am commander of an Army Reserve unit mobilized July 8 last year for Operation Enduring Freedom. My unit originally served in Afghanistan and surrounding countries. Last month we moved to Kuwait and are now involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tonight my first team departs for Iraq, to be followed shortly be two more.

We have occasionally been seeing news coverage of the war. One source of coverage that is a bit disturbing is the Iraqi media: coverage of anti-war protests in the United States. I as much as any American cherish, support and defend our freedoms One of the most precious is the freedom of speech and the right of my fellow citizens to speak out about actions with which they disagree. I agree with these protesters in that I wish there were an alternative to war. But in this case there is not. Our Congress authorized the President to take this action, and he has chosen to do so. The U.S. and coalition forces are going to successfully end this war quickly, and hopefully with little loss of life on either side. Our hope is that the Iraqi regime will quickly realize they are defeated and will surrender, and that our efforts will result not only in reduced threat to our country, but freedom for the Iraqi people.

The message that I would like pass is that the time for such protests was before the war began, and following the war using our political process. That was prior to yesterday, and at a date in the future. Today the war is underway. Today, the result of anti-war protests will be to extend the war, and increase loss of life, American lives and Iraqi lives. Today, the protesters are aiding the army that we are fighting. The Iraqi media is not showing the rapid movement of U.S. forces into their country. They are not showing the large number of Iraqi soldiers surrendering. They are not showing ineffective SCUD and Al Samoud missiles that land near us. They are showing the American protesters, citing these protesters as examples of our country's lack of resolve to press this action, and encouraging Iraqi soldiers and civilians to resist and fight.

Please, work for peace but do not work against your American service men and women.

Gary L. Brickler
LTC, VC
Commander, 109th MED DET

03/21/03

As much as I’d like to fully express my gut feeling, I don’t think ½ of what I say would make it to print! I would just love to blast every single person out there who is in the “Anti-War” category. You people have no idea what you’re talking about. None. And quite frankly all of you people who are staging your childish little protests are the most disrespectful Anti-American people I could ever imagine. I would LOVE to see you go into a country such as Iraq for a few days. I bet you wouldn't even last 12 hours before you were crying for your mommies. I’d love to see you stage a protest in that country too - you’d come back to America in a box.

I can’t think of one reasonable person who WANTS war, but in this case, just as in cases before, there is no other option. For those of you (Patricia Holm) who say “inspections work”, gee that’s funny. They work so well that after repeated warnings, beginning last November, that sick ******* over there continues to harbor weapons of mass destruction. You call that success for the inspectors and success of negotiations? That’s the funnies form of success I’ve ever witnessed. We are fighting for National Security and as long as Hussein has these weapons, NO NATION is secure.

Liberate the Iraqi people. You ask why it’s up to the USA to decide if they want to be liberated. It’s a little bit obvious that many Iraqis do not support Hussein when the first 17 Iraqi soldiers our troops encounter defect. I would guess that most of the people there are so frightened by that monster that they do what they do to survive his wrath. They don’t know the wonderful opportunities that exist while living in a free country. As long as Hussein is at the helm, they never will.

I could continue all day and would love to because it makes me feel so good about who I am as a proud American, but I’ll wrap this up. Let me just say one more time that all you that protest the war are a disgrace to the rest of us proud Americans. You should find alternate living arrangements because you obviously don’t respect the country you live in and don’t deserve your freedom, which by the way, you only have because of war - when we fought for our freedom from Britain. President Bush - I support you 110%. You get my vote any day.

JS

03/21/03

The Bush administration's arrogant approach to the rest of the world is appalling, and they are destroying the image of America. This war is obviously what they wanted all along, and their cynicism will ruin trust of our country for years to come. I hope it is short and successful, and I pray for our troops' safety, as well as for all the helpless Iraqis who have no place to hide.

Let's work very hard in 2004 to make sure this president is NOT re-elected.

Ted Bicknell
Olympia, Wash.

03/21/03

I first wish to extend my condolences to the family of Rachel Corry, who died in a war-zone last week. This is a tragic loss for her family, for Olympia, for Washington and for the USA. It would be easy to find fault with this young woman's actions - the burning of the American flag incident, being caught up in the mob, the excitement of dissent, the thrill of solidarity with the oppressed, as the Palestinians surely are. It was a short step from her leading the flag-burning mob to foolishly trying to interfere with combatants in a war-zone. While flag-burnings, mob actions and anti-Israel rhetoric are surely not the way to model or to foster peace, a 23-year-old can surely be forgiven for falling prey to the same impulses that move young people everywhere. And now the world is a much poorer place with her passing.

I blame the International Solidarity Movement for allowing their organization to radicalize itself and to become as unbalanced as it has. I would encourage would-be activists to consider other organizations that are more balanced. These organizations abound in Israel, the Palestinian territories and in the Middle East. Perhaps the ISM's day is done. No organization can last long that encourages such reckless behaviour in its followers.

The war between America the UK and its allies and Saddam Hussein's terrorist-inspired tyranny is underway. I do hope the allies can spare civilians, who are being forced to live near or over military emplacements, itself a war crime, in my opinion. The forcible democratization of Iraq, if successful, will propel Iraq and the Middle East into modernity, a place very very threatening to the status quo, where imams wield their paternalistic anti-modern anti-Western opinions. They hate us because they (perhaps rightfully) fear us. We will surely be their undoing.

Only one Muslim leader, in my opinion, has managed to tread the fine line between Islam and modernity, and that is the Aga Khan. He leads a small but powerful sect of Islam, the Ismailis, who are peaceable for the most part (I've seen surprisingly inflammatory and denigrating comments about other religions on some unofficial web-sites, but all religions seem to do this). I wonder if the Aga Khan has not got a role to play in Iraq's renaissance?

I pray for peace. I pray for the brave men and women of the United States military. I pray for Iraqi civilians. I pray for the soul of poor Rachel Corry, who was led astray and ultimately martyred by the ISM. Peace now!

David Brook
Victoria, BC
C A N A D A

03/21/03

With the military being Washington State's largest employer, I find it amazing that communities wouldn't rally behind the troops. These men and women give you the opportunity each day to wake up in a free country.

As my mother used to say.............."That's your bread and butter you're talking about. Don't complain with your mouth full." After all, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, what would you have if the military packed up and left for another more supportive state?

Wendy
Lacey, WA

03/21/03

I am against this war. It makes no sense. I support our service people and send them prayers, but I do not support a war and a president who is using this and terrorism and 9/11 as a distraction to what he is really after. And I wonder how many can guess what that is.

Doc, Olympia

Why the protesting? All I am hearing is that we should let the Iraqi people live in peace. Well guess what...they are not living in peace and they haven't been since Saddam came to power nearly 30 years ago. America is trying to let them live in peace by bringing freedom to them. Saddam has those poor men, women and most importantly children, so brainwashed, that all they can say is how much they love him. The only reason they say that is because they will be murdered if they speak poorly of him. Yes, you heard me, he will MURDER children.

I say all you protesters need to get your head out of your a** and support our American troops. Protesting in downtown Olympia is not going to make Bush change his decision. You want to know the reason why? Because we are doing the right thing. I do not want my eight month old daughter growing up and living in fear of a man who is halfway around the world.

Our children in America are too precious to let them be exposed to that. By taking out that horrid dictator, we will be giving the Iraqi children a chance to be free and liberated. Don't they deserve that?

Katie L
Rochester, Wash.

I think the liberal philosopher John Stewart Mill said it best...

"War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

I support the troops and the President. And I pray for their safety and the safety of the Iraqi people they seek to liberate.

Tony Butterfield
Tumwater, Wash.

I'd like to know what this war has to do with 911. As far as I know, there was no prove that Saddam had something to do with it.

Is this war happening to hide the fact that Bin Laden is still a free man or that the war on terrorism has failed?

P.A. Ranor
actually in Switzerland

I am watching the breaking news on the war on terrorism and I am completely supportive of President Bush. We need to remember what happened on Sept 11th and make sure an evil attack such as that will never happen again. People need to realize that Saddam has no feelings for even his own people. They are too afraid to even speak up and fear for their lives.

Do these protesters out there realize how much freedom they have? I dare them to protest in Iraq to see how liberated they are. They probably would realize how much freedom they have if they went over there. It is sad that our own people can’t even support our President when he is working on securing our freedom and the freedom of other countries.

Just my thoughts. Stay strong & stick together.

Tara, Olympia WA

Finally! The wait is over and action can begin. This is the fault of former President Bill Clinton and his cowardly refuseal to act eight years ago when he should have. How many innocent civilians have died because Mr. Clinton did not do his duty? How many more have died whilst the no war cowards played out their arrogant and ignorant fantasies?

War like surgery, is a sometimes necessary thing. I don't like president Bush but I support what he is doing here wholeheartedly. It's good to have a real leader in the Oval Office.

GO USA!

Josh Amos

My husband is in the Army. Though I hate the thought of him and all of the men and women protecting our country in danger, I know that something must be done. Have we forgotten about September 11 and the involvement we now know that some in Iraq took part in? Why is it that there were no protests when going to war with Afghanistan? Of course we can sit back and have a nice gentle discussion with Saddam Hussein, but who says that will stop him from future attacks on our country. Do we need to suffer again as we have with the World Trade Center, the passengers on the plane in Pennsylvania, and the innocent people in the Pentagon? Hussein obviously is not afraid of the United States...my reason for believing this is Desert Storm. Once again he is in the picture, and if we back down this time we could suffer a lot more. We would mourn for a couple of months and feel guilty that we hadn't done something sooner. Please pray for those who are standing up for our rights and protecting our country.

Shannon Dye
Fort Drum, NY

My comment addresses the question "Why can't one be against the war and still support the troops?" I cannot understand how anyone can even consider such a statement. By it's very nature, one cannot be for the soldier fighting the war and against the war. Prior to a war, one can make the case that speaking out for or against is "freedom of speech." Once a war has begun and the soldiers are actually fighting and dying, speaking out against it only gives moral support for the enemy and that in my mind is a form of treason. My personal feeling that is based on actually being at an anti-war rally here in Seattle is that the protests are not about the war. The war only gives these people an excuse. The protestors astounded me with their overt hatred of President Bush and the United States. Many calling themselves "international citizens." The American military, unlike any military in history are true liberators not conquerors. It is impossible in my mind for someone to "support our troops" and yet hate their Commander-in-Chief. I remember the abuse I was subjected to by my own countrymen after returning from 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. I have never gotten over the experience. George Orwell once said, "If you hamper the war effort of one side, you automatically help out that of the other.

SSG (R) Ken Potts
U.S. Army Retired
Shoreline, Wash.

I think this war is justified. We have given Saddam since the end of the first one to comply with UN resolutions, and all he has done is brag about how he won the war. GIVE 'EM HELL BOYS!

Thanks,
Joseph Cole
SF, CA

Why must it be an Either/Or, For/Against division in opinion on this potential war?

Can we not provide patriotic support for our troops, while, at the same time, oppose the war which puts them all in harm's way?

Korea/Vietnam vets may not always agree on the foreign policy of this Administration vis-a-vis Iraq, but they do agree that the troops must have home support by the entire nation, not just their families and friends.

Just because I appear in an anti-war rally does not mean I do not support the warriors who put themselves on the line to support the foreign policy of the United States.

Hate the war, but love the Warrior, because s/he is us - as we were long ago.

Robert B Godwin, Olympia

This is not 1944 and the second world war. It is 2003. We have other means of solving differences then war now.

War is obsolete. Negotiations Work. Inspections Work. There is no hurry to drop bombs on Iraq now.

Patricia Holm, Olympia, Wash.

I am thankful that this country has leadership with vision, foresight, and guts. If our nation followed the path of the pacifists, we eventually would all be doomed to live a life void of freedom, or worse, death at the hands of the terrorists. War is not pretty, but the truth is that freedom is not an inalienable right. At times force must be used in order to preserve it. Sorry, Saddam is not going to change if you send him flowers. The message he will fully understand is one delivered on the nosecone of a bunker buster.

The vast majority of our citizens recognize that we have a job to do. Liberate Iraq.

Dean Crabs, Olympia

My faith is in the President and the US armed forces (who are all volunteers and who know why they joined). Let our forces do their jobs well and come back soon. They will make a difference.

Phil Milazzo
Cumming, GA

I would have to remind people that if a preemptive strike had been used on Adolph Hitler then six million Jews would not have gone thru the Holocaust. Saddam Hussein is doing to the Kurds what Hitler did to the Jews. And a lot of people don't care because they do not personally know any Kurds. But if Saddam were singling out Queers, Blacks, Jews, Retards, Handicapped, women, Or Democrats then we would have been forced by the PC Police to have removed him from power along time ago.

I will vote for Bush in the next election and if his brother ever runs then i will vote for him also. I just thank God that Al Gore and Bill Clinton are not around to let the cowards in France and in the UN walk all over us.

Steven Johnston

I've been following the debate about the war in Iraq in the editorial pages of The Olympian with interest and increasing consternation. Consider the following paradoxes:

We are about defy the United Nations and embark on an unconstitutional war with Iraq because Iraq has defied the United Nations.

49 percent of Americans believe that we are going to war because Saddam Hussein is somehow involved with the events of 9-11 when Bush himself declared that there is no connection at all between Saddam and al Qaeda (at a White House press conference on January 21st, 2003).

The alleged purposes of the promised 200 billion dollar war is to destroy alleged weapons of mass destruction that no one has so far been able to find.

Our partner on the moral high ground our leadership continually claims to occupy is an apartheid state, armed with hundreds of nuclear weapons, which is in violation of dozens of U.N. resolutions and which has publicly threatened to take "necessary measures" against Belgium in an attempt to forestall the prosecution of their leader for war crimes.

If it wasn't for the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of lives at stake, the pretexts for this war would be funny. If only we could laugh.

Sincerely,

Simon Peter Hemingway, Ph.D.
Olympia

My gut feeling is that this war is unnessary at best and illegal at worst. Unnessessary because the inspections are clearly acheiving the desired results of disarming Iraq of "weapons of mass destruction." Illegal if carried out unilaterally as that would violate the United Nations Charter.

My gut feelings also tell me that if we were to invade Iraq unilaterally or without unanimous consent of the UN security council, this would endanger americans much more than any danger that Iraq would pose to us with active UN inspections and a global coalition working peacefully to prevent Iraq's development and deployment of "weapons of mas destruction". Such a unilateral action particularly without participation from other Muslim countries, would certainly result in the recruitment of many more potentional terrorists and their increased motivation.

Will MacArthur, Olympia

A Manufactured War

Why is it widely believed that the attack on 911 was an inside job, framing

Muslims as pretext for surveillance, and war? A few facts:

NORAD left the skies open for 911, though they would have been able to track the planes by conventional radar. Why was the plane not shot down?

CCTV captured on video an aircraft less than half the length of a 757.

Fema was there a day early.

All "evidence" pointing to Arab involvement is suspicious. Mohammed Atta, supposed ringleader of the highjackers, loudly bragged about his mission in a bar and forgot his business cards there, forgot a Koran in a Florida strip club the night before he would have been leaving from Boston, forgot his Arabic flight manual, and forgot his fuel comsumption calculator. He was permitted to enter and leave the US freely while under surveillance by US intelligence as a suspected terrorist?

The Defense Department said a Boeing bounced off the lawn (which showed no signs of this), went through the building through a hole far smaller than the plane, took a bizarre course, and was miraculously consumed by fire, except for such things as Arab passports, and bodies.

Bush asked Senator Tom Daschle not to investigate. This failure to investigate is unprecedented for a disaster of such scope.

There is no evidence suggesting Hussein was involved, or that he would attack us. It makes me cry to see people hurting in this economy be sold "the product" of going to war to pad the pockets of the Bush Cheney defence companies.

Tantra Bensko, Olympia

If George W. Bush embarks on this madness of a war on Iraq, there would no longer be any question as to his fitness to be the leader of this great country or his status as leader of the free world. Clearly he is not suited for either position. The focus should then be on dragging the true axis of evil, Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld, in front of the International Criminal Court and making them answer for their war crimes. The Nuremberg Charter clearly established the concept of a crime against peace. By arrogantly ignoring the wishes of the UN Security Council and waging a war against a nation which has not used any weapons against us, nor are they in any position to do so while inspectors roam the countryside and their country is effectively isolated, Bush and company will be commiting a crime of the highest magnitude.

Robert Marra, Tumwater

I can't believe that there is no alternative to what the current administration is proposing. The population of Iraq is 50% children. I understand "they" intend to drop over 3000 bombs on the country in 48 hours. In my opinion this is murder. I can see no reason to do this. Nothing is more important than human life. Since the last "election" in 2000 I believe that the rights of american citizens have been Ignored. "What do we want Democracy? When do we want it Now!"

Helen Truscott, Albuquerque, NM

I believe that this war is wrong, but that in spite of millions of protestors it will begin soon. I can only hope that we will all support our young military fighters, both men and women, upon their return to the United States following this war. They will be there fighting for the United States under their commander-in-chief, the President of the United States. Whether it is right or wrong, they have no choice but to fight and we must support that. When they return, we must give them the respect and love that they are all entitled to. They are so much braver than those of us who will sit at home and watch with horror through our television screen and newspapers, the outcome of this war. War is not television, both sides will die and it is permanent. Now we must give up the rhetoric knowing that others who have fought for this country gave us the opportunity, through their lives and honor, to be able to protest or state our personal views. We may not agree with the President and his agenda, but we have the ability and voice, because of our military sons and daughters, to express our views and change the leadership through an election that will be upcoming. Remember that we are not powerless, we can make changes, not now but in the future. It is time to support our troops!

Lanna Parra Juarez
Lacey, Wash.
Retiree from the University of Washington

While it is true that Sadam needs to be deposed, that is not the job of our country.

We are not supreme entity that has the right to tell others how to live.

To date Iraq, military and those that plain do not like us or our country, have done nothing overt to us. They have run their mouths about what they are going to do to us, but then that is what children, or cowards do.

To lose a lot of our young people for an undisclosed agenda is wrong and self serving.

Thomas E. Barnes
Korean Vet
Rochester, Wash.

I can't believe any of us WANT war, here, in Iraq, N. Korea or anywhere else, but, if it IS going to happen (& that's sure how it looks to me), I'd rather it happened in Iraq instead of my front yard. I'm always amazed at those who are convinced "It's all about the oil". Bull! Or, "Its just to make the public forget G.W. doesn't know what he's doing in other areas". (I may be getting senile but my memory is a bit better than THAT! Besides, I don't think he's doing all that poorly!)

My main fear is those who don't support our President in this decision to go to war will undermine the morale of those brave men who are called to fight this war for us. I have friends who are already on their way to the front..they've even called my favorite mailman, (keep yourself safe, Bruce.) and I'm loudly proudly supportive of them! People, remember the shame you heaped upon the heads and hearts of the Vietnam Vets. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Back off if we go to war! You don't have to LIKE it but you DO need to support it!

Carol Sutherland
Olympia, Wash.

NO NEW WAR! It is a grave mistake for the president, the peoples representative to march into war full force. Without the U.N's approval a war is a decision of ignorance and hypocrisy. Without the nations approval the war on Iraq is a decision based on treason to the people of the U.S and a travesty worldwide. Our country was founded on the common voice of the people, not the single voice of oil inspired mutinies.

Misty Dawn Hodgson

I am amazed at the short memories of those Americans protesting the inevitable armed conflict with Iraq.

Less than 18 months ago, our nation was attacked. Thousands of Americans at both the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a nameless field in Pennsylvania died as a result of the attack. The American people were outraged by the attack on America and demanded to know how it could have occurred without the knowledge of American intelligence.

Now, as Secretary of State Colin Powell unequivocally proved to the U.N., we know Iraq provides logistical support for various terrrorist factions, including al-Qaeda. We know Iraq possesses chemical and biological weapons and have evidence Iraq is attempting to develop nuclear weapons. We know Iraq's current regime has used these weapons of mass destruction on thousands of its own Kurdish minority, its own Shi'ite minority, and on thousands of Iranian soldiers during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980's. Thanks to information from a captured terrorist, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain have all arrested terrorist cells operating within their borders. Those most recently arrested in Britain possessed ricin, a biological weapon for which there is no antedote. Why do we doubt the same source of information regarding Iraq's support for al-Qaeda?

Iraq is not cooperating with the current U.N. weapons inspectors. The U.N. failed to enforce it's will following the 1991 Persian Gulf War and force Iraqi disarmament.& nbsp; Led by Saddam Hussein, Iraq now possesses guided missles which exceed the ranges allowed by the U.N. Combined with their known chemical/biological capabilities, how can not take active measures to eliminate this threat to our nation?

I don't understand the mentality that allows people to deceive themselves into believing Saddam Hussein will voluntarily disarm and disassociate himself from those terrorists who wish to harm us. Our nation must take proactive measures to protect ourselves from a real threat that exists because of the present regime in Iraq. The alternative is to wait and respond after another attack on our nation. The opinion of the rest of the world is irrelevant.

Let's roll!

Craig Trahan, Yelm

War is unnecessary, illegitimate and immoral. We agree with the generalized opinion of the people in the US and many other countries in the world. Quickly browsing the web we read that:

Three million people in Italy joined the rally; in Madrid 2 million; one million in London; half a million in Germany and the chancellor himself attended; thousands gathered in Russia, Japan, Australia, France, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq. Two Peace Nobel prize, Rigoberta Menchú and Desmond Tutu manifested their rejection. Tony Blair is reconsidering his position.

Can President Bush go to war against the will of the people? Doesn't he sound as dictatorial as his enemy? Aren't we supposed to stand for freedom and democracy? Aren't we part of a global community?

Ernesto Cárcamo and Nora Cavazos Olympia, Wash.

I believed one reason why Bush and his Aministration are in such a rush for war is: Because of the cost of Bush's War in Dollars, Oil and Blood. (In that order) I hope the Oversight Commitee is will oiled and ready to go because, I believe, Bush will be impeached in the end.

Gary C. Wilson, Druid Judge
Tumwater, Wash.

In the first Gulf War it is estimated that 12,000 - 15,000 civilians were killed. We intentionally bypassed the cities. This time we are not. What will the civilian casualties be: 25,000; 50,000; 100,000? So what the Bush administration is saying is that we need to kill 50,000 men, woman and children on the speculation that Iraq might give WDMs to terrorists. Or maybe we need to kill 50,000 civilian men, woman and children because Iraq might be able to hit Israel with WDMs. Certainly Iraq can't strike the US (Korea can but that's not a crisis).

So is this about Israel, is it about a desire among the neo-conservatives to establish a "toe-hold" in the Middle East, or is this just blood lust by a bunch of spoiled rich children who didn't have the courage to fight in a war (all of them skipped out on Nam), just the desire to start them.

There is no moral justification for preventive war. We are doing exactly what Hitler said and did when he attacked Poland. We are doing exactly what Japan did when they attach China. We are doing exactly what Japan did when they attacked Pearl Harbor.

As a combat veteran of the Vietnam war I have seen the face of war and as my kids say IT SUCKS.

Gary Trumbull, Olympia, Wash.

I believe that Bush is just as much of a terrorist as Hussein. Otherwise, how could he unilaterally take off and make war on some other country for no clear reason? The main difference between them is that he's justifying his agenda with economics instead of religion (well, that's not completely true. Bush has also twisted the Bible his way for more funding support.

Bottom line: Going to war is the stupidest thing imagineable, since it's obviously just about Bush's agenda (oil and control), and not about helping the world to communicate better and function more smoothly.

From Alan Bennett, Shelton

Enough is enough..

This has gone on long enough.

Time to take action.

Our country is strong and free..

But the only way for us to be able to stay this way is to fight for our rights.

God bless all the men and women who are willing to sacrifice their lives to keep all of us free..

Terri Henderson, Olympia

Everyone I know is appalled by Tony Blair anyway, but particularly appalled by his mad ideas that we are in terrible danger and we must kill tens of thousands of people. in order to protect ourselves.

Nobody believes this.

It really is nonsence, and the fact that the U.K.Government can cut and paste old articles off the web ,and present them as the latest authorative statement from our security services in order to misleed the United Nations is incredible. He should resign immediatly- of course that would probably give us John Prescot as Prime Minister for a while, but even that is better than killing people to provoke peace.

Michael pilkington. Cambridge U.K.

Why are so many Americans so scared of everything? Why do they believe that problems can only be solved with violence and guns? Why don't they know that solving problems by violence only creates new violence? I always tell my children to find other solutions than violence to solve their conflicts. Why is it, that the leader of the most powerful country in the world forgets what his parents told him (I hope they did!) Further, it's very hard for me to understand, that if you are against war, you are treatd like a coward or even a traitor!

We people in "old" Europe have lived what it means to wage war and we paid a very, very sad price for it. So, don't let it start again!

I wonder why the people in the Land of Freedom do not think of all the risks such a war brings.

The US economy is in a very bad situation, welfare and health assurances don't work, lots of people are poor, violence in the streets of the cities of the US is raising - and we're heading for a war. Explain me this! I cannot find an answer to all that! Why is Saddam so much more dangerous than Kim Jong-il?

Are there really mass destruction weapons in Iraq? An what about the war on terrorism? Don't we create new terrorists with a war on Iraq? They weren'r even able to find Bin Laden! So why are they going to fight another target?

I'm really scared to see how the Bush Administration tries to solve these problems and I've got the impression that they don't know it either how to do it...

Andy Huebscher, Switzerland, Europe

I love living in Washington State, it's one of the most beautiful places in the Country however, I don't like all the liberal free thinking that is so prevalent. The "free thinkers" aren't really "free" at all, captivated by misconceptions that freedom is obtained by accommodation. How many terrorist attacks on America and other free countries - such as Israel - do there have to be for the peace process to be completed?

Saddam is a dictator and a virus and if you have a virus you have to kill all of it, you can't let anything survive or it will multiply again. I say to remove Saddam and anybody that supports him and give the Iraqis their freedom, they will become an ally just like Germany and Japan. This is the only way to world peace, one nation at a time. We have the support of many nations and don't need unilateral support. When's the last time you had a meeting at work or in your family on a controversial subject and everyone agreed?

John Curry - Olympia

Students in an afterschool program at Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School had these thoughts:

Whitley G.-8th grade says, "My feelings about the possibility of war is that I am angry and scared. Fighting is not the way to solve problems and I am scared because I might be asleep one night, hear a big explosion and my house might be on fire. I don't want me, my family or anyone else to die because people aren't willing to discuss their problems."

NiNet'ta N.-8th grade says,I think that going to war is just another excuse for President Bush to show that he is trying his best to secure our country. Yet, all he is doing is causing more trouble for America. I feel scared and sorry because today I'm able to write my opinions and live my life. If we go to war and lose, our freedom can be taken away. I also feel scared because we could be caught off guard and then my unborn sisiter won't be able to grow up and live her life. President Bush is putting all American's life's in danger. I think we need to come together as one nation under God and settle all of our differences instead of risking our life over something like this. The president needs to worry about what America needs and not what he wants."

Congress - send your own kids. Are Jenna and Barbara going?

SJ Davis
Seattle

I look at some of the responses to this question and have to wonder where some of these people studied history.

I can't believe that anyone arguing against the war seriously considers leaving a brutal dictator in charge of any nation is a good option. I have to believe they've just failed to learn the lessons that the first half of the 20th century should have taught us. In the 1930's the world stood by and ignored a broken Germany rearming. When the Italy invaded Ethiopia in '35 and the Abwehr goose-stepped into Czechoslovakia inand Italy into Ethiopia, the world wrote off Ethiopia and we were guaranteed "Peace in our time" on a piece of paper with Hitler's signature.

And our grandparents paid a terrible price for those errors. I support the removal of Saddam Hussein. I don't want to see the US have to take unilateral action. But, bottom line, while we do have the support of many countries (more than 2/3rds of our NATO allies voted to support us), we must be willing to act on our own. To do otherwise is to abdicate our sovreignty and the responsibility for standing against evil in the world to the courage and conviction of our most timid ally.

Tony Butterfield
Tumwater, Washington

Why are we rushing into war with Iraq? Not only is Bush doing little to nothing about the actual threat of Al Quada and other terrorist organizations, but he is determined to increase the wrath of the Arab world by bombing Iraq.

While Saddam is a brutal man who must be removed from power, surely we could at least attempt to do that peacefully and with international support. Bush's headlong rush to war is frightening to sensible people everywhere.

I am angered by the way Bush and his administration doctor the facts to fit their war-mongering agenda. Why did we impeach one president for lying about his sexual peccadilloes when we say nothing about a president who routinely misrepresents intelligence reports and other facts in his blustering speeches aimed at rousing unwilling Americans to attack another country?

Amy Aitken, Tumwater

I believe in America and I believe in President Bush. I'm a United States Marine getting ready to deploy to far-off lands to do my part in the War against terrorism. I have no problem with this. In fact, I'm happy to do it. Saddam Hussein is an enemy of the United States, plain and simple. We have to get him before he gets us. The peaceniks and cowards protesting a possible war had better not forget that it's war that gives them their rights and freedoms. So, while they're out there protesting and chanting against the U.S., perhaps they should stop by the travel agent, pick up a brochure on Iraq, and consider moving there. Write and tell us how great Iraq is after six months of no freedom of speech, nerve agents and torture.

Scott Carlson
Sergeant
United States Marine Corps

Is this Bush's war on terrorism? What about Bin Laden? Does Bush try to hide that that war didn't succeed? And why does he act so differently towards South Corea that confirmed to work on nuclear power?

For me, all that is difficult to understand and I wonder wether the Bush administration tries to make the US-people to forget about the bad economic situation and the stagnation concerning the hunt for Bin Laden.

So, I'm completely opposed to a senseless war.

Sincerely
Patrick Ronner
Hallau
Switzerland

I think that George W. Bush has reached a point of no return and he will engage U.S. troops in war. With the economy free-falling, deficits soaring, and protesters taking their frustration to the streets what does Mr. Bush have to lose by continuing on his present course? The path could not be clearer with Congress, the Courts, and the national media in the hands of the corporate-owned Republican Party. After all, who has the power to put forth articles of impeachment in the event Bush defies the U.N. Security Council and goes against the wishes of a strong majority of Americans? Knowing there is little, if any, checks and balances in Washington now ought to give everybody cause for concern.

Peace.

Kat Beglinger-L'Estrange, Eugene, Oregon

Re: your coverage of the protests this weekend, THANK YOU!!!!

It is important for people to realize that there are many, many people who believe peace is possible and that war is obsolete, an immature way of dealing with conflicts of opinion and unnecessary.

I have written to Mr. Bush and all my elected officials many times on this subject.

It only makes logical sense that if we are the aggressor, we will stir up anyone who has a gripe with the United States (probably some of them justified). Other immature people who want to create trouble or dissention can look to Mr. Bush's statements as their own justificationl for provoke us and others. It's like children saying, "my daddy can beat your daddy" - silly and childish behavior from people charged with leadership.

We have absolutely no business making threats and calling people names just because they operate in a way we don't like or don't understand. I'm no friend of Saddam Hussein or his politics. However, that does not mean I feel we should take over his country or start a war over something he did 10 years ago.

The United Nations has a method for dealing with whatever member countries do that violates international law. We need to respect the process that we helped set up. Otherwise, we might as well declare the world unbound by laws and deal with that havoc.

As a country, the US was founded on principles that offer a place where people can live freely, express their views safely and work with many others of different backgrounds. All this talk of war by Mr. Bush goes against everything this country stands for.

Thank you for covering so well the views of so many of us who felt the need to take to the streets to let people know that we believe peace is possible and that war is NOT appropriate.

Barbara Taylor, Lacey, Wash.

No, there has got to be a better way. Give Peace a Chance.

Terry Zier, Olympia

If the United States spent just half the money it spends on its multi-Trillion dollar war machine, on research and development of clean energy and alternative fuels, I firmly believe that we could end the war on terror and lower the high cost of living.

I don't believe anyone hates us because of our freedoms, but I do believe that if we spent this money on water desalination machines, helping the poor people of the so-called third world with birth control, and foods to assist the living and achieving social justice, who could hate us? Why do we spend so much more on instruments of death, a science and culture of destruction instead of turning the world into a garden of Eden? We need a science of life.

On this anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, I pray that our leaders see the light of true Christianity, which is a religion of compassion and mercy. Of helping the poor and healing the sick. Not condemning, conquering and killing. It is painfully obvious that every country has the leadership it deserves. Are we a country of peasants in the middle ages led by a king on a crusade or are we an educated society guided by the highest ideals? If We the People don't let our voices be heard soon, I'm afraid that the oceans around us will rise up to reclaim the land.

This is a crucial moment in history!

The earth needs heroes. Where are you?

Victor C. Forsythe
Boulder, Colo.

This war is wrong for all reasons. It's unconstitutionally wrong. It's morally wrong. It's to allow one man, one who sits in his unelected office to declare at his whim; men, women, children, weapons, death, disease, pain, starvation.... Why? ...cause his daddy was almost killed in the Gulf War??? Weapons of mass destruction are about to be used on a country that has not stepped foot on our soil. People that have had 11 years of sanctions thrust upon them. I believe Bush is no longer able to think as a leader, (actually, my truth is that he never has been a leader) for so strong is his hate, so strong is his desire for war that he pounds the war drums daily. Daily! Is this the mark of a world leader? Does he really expect us to believe this isn't about oil, power, greed? Does he really expect us to believe he is freeing the Iraqi people from a tyrant? The mirror-image of Saadam IS Bush. There is now no difference. "There is nothing worse than a closed mind".

Maya Silliman, Rainier, Wash.

I absolutely oppose a unilateral strike on Iraq.

There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein's regime is among the most brutal that have existed in modern times. But the Bush administration acts as if there is only one way to remedy this situation, and does everything it can to limit the options of the international community. Anyone can see that this approach is destined to fail spectacularly.

It's also an insult to the intelligence of Americans that the administration's case has been based solely on fabrications, half-truths, and innuendoes, as if there is no one among us who would require hard evidence before supporting a war.

Why is it that the voices of a small handful of people -- Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Perle, Wolfowitz, and (sometimes) Powell -- have been allowed to dominate the discussion on Iraq, to the point where no alternative approaches may be considered? This does not make sense, particularly when the rest of the world, and indeed the majority of Americans, want an alternative. When will we have the courage to demand real representation from our leaders -- or demand that they step down?

Tony Perkins, Olympia

My gut feeling has all ready been confirmed in part by the threat of a second war with Korea. Also there will be more terrorism around the World, bringing together Terrorist, that until now have only there hate of America's support for Israel to bind them.

I get the feeling that I am living in Germany back in the 1930s.

Gary C. Wilson, Druid Judge
Tumwater, WA

I absolutely oppose a unilateral strike on Iraq.

There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein's regime is among the most brutal that have existed in modern times. But the Bush administration acts as if there is only one way to remedy this situation, and does everything it can to limit the options of the international community. Anyone can see that this approach is destined to fail spectacularly.

It's also an insult to the intelligence of Americans that the administration's case has been based solely on fabrications, half-truths, and innuendoes, as if there is no one among us who would require hard evidence before supporting a war.

Why is it that the voices of a small handful of people -- Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Perle, Wolfowitz, and (sometimes) Powell -- have been allowed to dominate the discussion on Iraq, to the point where no alternative approaches may be considered? This does not make sense, particularly when the rest of the world, and indeed the majority of Americans, want an alternative. When will we have the courage to demand real representation from our leaders -- or demand that they step down?

Tony Perkins, Olympia

I believe there is no question that Saddam Hussein is an enemy of the United States of America. But if there is enough hard evidence that he has done anything directly to the United States - such as harboring anyone directly connected to the attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. - to merit attacking him? If it exists, the White House is not sharing it with we the citizens at this time. And if it exists, and the United States attacks Iraq, I believe the President better show that evidence or a war on Iraq could turn into another debacle such as the Vietnam War, both on the home front and overseas.

The embargo against Iraq has been a colossal failure which has hurt the Iraqi people but done nothing to weaken Mr. Hussein's regime. And moreover, it has hurt the image of America with the Islamic world. The embargo should have been dropped five years ago.

The United States has, for too long, treated the Middle East like its own gas station, treating the people there as just part of the scenery. We need to work to ensure that democracy flourishes there. We should have pulled our troops out of Saudi Arabia by the mid-Nineties; then, there might not have been the attack of September 11.

If there is a war in Iraq it will, in fact, be for the wrong reasons: not to get rid of a dictator who oppresses his own people, but to ensure that America maintains the oil it squanders, without any sense of its true cost - in terms of lives in the balance. Such a war will create "paybacks" that I shudder to imagine. God help us all.

Terrence Parkhurst, Seattle

I don't think anything is going to deter Bush from eventually making war on Sadam (not Iraq per se but on the man).

Roger J. Gores, Olympia

We need to spend more time and energy resolving problems here in the US. The economy, protect and tighten up our boarders, rid out all the terrorist cells, bring back our troops from all those so called "Clinton Peace Keeping Missions", reinforce our military with better equipment, provide them with an adequate living, and above all, bring back the draft; why, because most of the young boys today have no respect for anything thing and don't understand the basic concept of freedom, duty, or honor to their country. And you can print this response if you please...

Art Minor, Olympia

In response to Bryant Russell's column "It's okay to speak out against policies of the president," I have a few issues I would like to discuss. I would like to bring it to his attention that the very freedom he holds so dear by being able to express himself in the manner he chooses is under attack and will continue to be under attack if brave Americans do not stand up and fight the evils that want to bring us all down. Obviously, Mr. Russell has a personal vendetta against George Bush and he is allowing this to interfere with common sense. Maybe president Bush is not going to give homosexuals more rights than straight men and women (because this is what Mr. Russell wants) and maybe Bush is not going to spend as much money on HIV/AIDS research as he would like to spend on say cancer (A disease in most cases that we have absolutely no way of knowing how or why it started, when HIV/AIDS is for the most part easy to stay away from) research, but Mr. Russell, your freedom of life and lives of all those you hold dear will eventually be taken away from you, if you and other Americans are unwilling to stand up and fight against the perils of evil.

No sane man would institute a war without just cause, and by calling president Bush an insane man would make the roughly fifty percent of Americans would voted for him insane as well. Bush is going to do what he feels is best for this country and like so many Americans who get free rides each and everyday, Mr. Russell, you are going to get a free ride when hundreds and maybe thousands of Americans give up their lives to defend the very freedoms you claim to hold so dear. So at the very least you should support them in their undertakings.

September 11 changed the world forever and unfortunately Mr. Russell is unwilling to recognize that fact. We can no longer sit back and be passive when our very survival is on the line. September 11 changed the world into a place where it is either kill or be killed. I consider myself a very passive individual and I would never choose a war over peace, but what Mr. Russell fails to understand is the fact that peace is not a choice. The recent bombing in Bali was just the beginning and should prove that September 11th was not the end. If Mr. Russell and countless others want to divide this country further than it has already been divided then they should move to Afghanistan. I want to live in a United States free from war and bombings, but the only way we can be free is to be the agressor.

I recently watched the movie "The Count of Monte Cristo." A very good film if I do say myself. Anyway, the count was faced with two options: Do nothing and live until his death in prison with no hope of changing his circumstances, or he could be the agressor and find a way to escape so he could live a free and fulfilling live. I ask you Mr. Russell, what choice would you make? I believe the answer is quite clear from your column. If you want to live in fear and lose out on freedom, then sit back and bad mouth the president, but if we ever want to experience pure freedom again in our lifetime then we are going to have to stand up for American and fight the evil that wants to end our way of life.

Mark Schreiner, San Diego

This latest endeavor of the Bust Administration is couched in Oil and a personal vendetta against a country that has not directly attacked this country. It would appear to me that his only interest is self gratification. He has done nothing for this country in the way of economic recovery, or for the safe guard of our Social Security and Medicare system.

My only other question is who will be the next target? Saudi Arabia........

Thomas E. Barnes, Rochester

Iraq is buying time. He has done this cat and mouse game for the last 10 years. When it gets down to it, Iraq will not permit weapons inspectors in.

Randy Keene

I join with others in stating NO to war with Iraq or any other member of the 'axis of evil' as defined by the current administration.

I think the real hypocrites are those beating the drums of war the loudest, who found various excuses to avoid serving in the military like Rush Limbauh's stating the cyst on his rear was a valid reason not to serve during the Viet Nam war.

Too many people who have never experienced the horror of war strut around screaming for it. We need to find better alternatives for both our energy needs and for solving problems.

Trudy Springer, Olympia

As a veteran..and currently as a naval reservist.....I remember the last war with Iraq. I remember all the conditions that President Bush spelled out before the U.N. I've watched over the years as Sadam has ignored these conditions and continued to target and shoot at our aircraft.

It's been something like five years since anyone has been in Iraq to verify anything. The oil-for-food deal is still going strong. Since that's going strong but all those children are going w/o food and medicine.....Where do you think all that money is going? Sadam's palaces..maybe-some. Weapons of mass destruction...maybe/probably. To increase his army that's about 1/3 the size it was during the gulf war...yes.

Weapons of mass destruction or not.....Sadam is bad. He tortures his people. Uses chemical weapons on women and children in his country, killed his sons-in-law. He is BAD!!

Add this all up with the President's U.N. speech...the case is there to remove this man form power.

Gerald L. Davison, HM2(FMF)
Seattle

Congress has proven that as a body it has no spine. Thank the gods that at least some of the women and men in that body have the strength to vote their conscience. Still, even they did not vote completely against war, only against giving complete and total warmaking power to Mr. Bush. One thing is crystal clear to me about this push towards war: it is not about peace or justice or freedom in Iraq, it is about the oil that lies under her soil. Regular folks around the world must continue to oppose this war, even if the UN takes its thirty pieces of silver and goes along with Washington's quest for absolute power.

Ron Jacobs, Burlington, VT
Formerly of Olympia

Regarding the current debate in Congress re: The Iraq Resolution:

As we approach Nov. 5 it is difficult not to notice how little coverage there is on the news or in the press about the current administration's domestic failures i.e. rising unemployment, lack of adequate health insurance for the general population, lack of cost containment for prescription drugs for the elderly, lack corporate prosecutions to say nothing of VP Richard Cheney's questionable dealings with Halliburton. One could call this a war of distraction which has less to do with 9/11 and more to do with 11/5, as the congresswoman from Illinois stated yesterday on the House floor.

And then of course there's yesterdays new $24 billion Republican irresponsible tax cut approved by the House Ways and Means Committee which provides for over 5 years in new write-offs for stock market losses which of course benefits mostly the wealthy.

Robert Provasoli, Olympia

The empire just removed it's mask.

Lanny Carpenter, Olympia

I think Bush makes enough miscalculations, uses enough bad judgment, and operates so much on ideology rather than analysis that he can not be trusted with a sweeping authorization to conduct war when and where he sees fit.

Andrew B. Carey, Olympia

We grew up with the phrase: “We the People.” Well, I am one of the ‘people’ and I say not in my name will America wage endless war, not in my name will America invade countries, bomb civilians, kill more children. I visited school children in Ramallah, Palestine in March. Almost every child had lost a relative or friend in recent years to violence from American-financed helicopters, F-16s, and tanks used by the occupying army of Israel. I also grieve for the lack of peace the Israelis face daily even though their nation is armed with weapons of mass destruction. I do not condone suicide bombing of innocent people as a political or religious act.

I have no doubt that America can easily decimate Iraq again. But then what? More death, more hatred, more enemies wanting vengeance. How many others would finally find new ways, perhaps biological, to hit us back. And meanwhile we would live in constant fear of that day, just like the Israelis do today! Having superior military might has not brought one night’s peace in Jerusalem. I doubt that preemptive strikes will secure peace for any Olympian, either.

Years from now I don’t want my grandchildren to ask me, “Grandpa, why didn’t you do something to stop the war with Iraq?” Contact our President and let him know that we do not want to see our government wound and kill innocent people, especially children “in our name.”

Dennis W. Mills, Olympia

My gut reaction to the events unfolding is absolute horror. I cannot believe the lows George Bush has stooped to. On the surface, in simplistic terms, it appears to me he wishes to distract the American public from the mess at home, and the fact that he could not catch Osama bin Laden. But something far deeper is at work. This man is obsessed, by all I can see he is NOT a level headed leader at this time, the kind America needs. He seems to be highly unconcerned with the long-term consequences of his actions, and disturbingly unconcerned with the increasingly worrisome state of affairs at home. It amazes me the absolute delusion it must take to be frothing at the mouth as he practically is, hardly able to contain his obsession to send Americans to their death in Iraq because he's decided to play President God, King of Earth, with a childishly personal vendetta against Hussein("he tried to kill my dad"). And Hussein, as we all know, is monstrous, one of many monstrous leaders. Something about this whole thing smells BAD. There is hardly any support for this insanity in the outside world. At home, I see almost nothing but disgusting displays of power lust: congressmen and senators falling all over themselves for political gain. It really frightens me. I cannot help but see my own President growing a bit more montrous each day, with his obsession to strike, as he seems to have no mercy in his soul for the needless suffering that OUR innocent Americans will endure, possibley for years to come, and the innocent families and people of Iraq that will suffer terribly, more than they already have, if he carries out his ridiculus "plans", terribly reckless and incredibley destructive actions.

S. Fraser, Olympia

Twenty years ago I was active in our community supporting a bilateral, verifiable nuclear weapons freeze involving both the United States and the Soviet Union. That word "verifiable" was very important. I have no illusion that Saddam Hussein can be taken at his word, and I support a strong international push for verifiable inspections and elimination of Iraqi stockpiles of chemical and biological agents, which I am convinced do exist. I also support elimination of Iraq's means to develop nuclear weapons - on the same basis. I do believe that the harder edge on US diplomacy, concerning unannounced inspections, is warranted, and I believe it is making headway. However, I do not support preemptive, unilateral military action by the United States based on the evidence of immediate military threat that I have heard. The threats of attack on the United States using weapons now in the Iraqi arsenal revolve more around terrorist infiltration than use of the organized military forces of Iraq. Terrorist threats are not deterred by US attacks that inflame militant Islamic fundamentalists; nor are they dependent on weapons found only in Iraq. I believe that the vigorous and increasingly cooperative international prosecution of terrorists is long overdue and is a more important response. Incidentally, I hope we do not shy away from expecting the same degree of vigor in pursuing non-Islamic terrorists. To offer one handy example - I have wondered whether past efforts to dry up US citizens' financial contributions to the IRA, at times that the IRA was an active terrorist organization, would have met the standard we are now setting internationally.

Dan Rubin, Olympia

Unilateral action will, according to the CIA, push Hussein to react and possibly arm terrorists with his weapons. Giving the President sweeping powers to wage war does not protect our country, it undermines the foundations of our Constitution. My gut feeling is this debate is a distraction from the important domestic agenda. Hussein is no more a threat today than in the years since the inspectors were thrown out. The US needs to back the UN and insist on inspectors having access to Iraq.

Zena Hartung, Olympia

As I read some of the responses to this question from other readers I came to the conclusions that Olympia is haven to fools. Of course oil is at the heart of the matter. Natural resources and economics have been the prime motivator in almost every war. So what? The same people that have written to say that we're such terrible people for going to war over oil are the same people who drive their car to work that runs on that oil. So why don't you walk to work? Or ride your bicycle? But don't ride your bike or walk on the road or sidewalks as they contain petroleum products. And bye the way, how did you answer this question for the newspaper? On the computer that is made from plastic which contains, you guessed it, petroleum products. The telephone wires that carried the message are covered with plastic, made from, come on, say it together, oil. And the men who put up the wires and maintain them drive trucks that run on? That's right, oil. I could keep going but you get the point. Maybe if those of you that were educated at Evergreen and other liberal colleges and universities would stop and think, I said THINK, for a minute, you might realize you're fools and hypocrites, being led around by your pierced tongues by other fools.

Jim Carnahan, Shelton

War should be the absolutely LAST alternative. We are in trouble when our "leaders" advocate violence as a first option.

By taking matters into our own hands and bypassing the UN, we are creating isolation rather than cohesion.

Why should our agenda override that of the UN?

Who put us in charge?

We are a powerful nation and I am ashamed that we are using our power in such a destructive manner.

R. Scott, Olympia

I think the President fell off the wall on this one and all the President's men can not put him together again.

Gary C. Wilson, Tumwater

No preemptive strike against Iraq. Cooperate to the fullest extent with the United Nations. Bush should not be given the total power to strike out on his own without the people's input. This entire government seems to be on an unprecedented "witch hunt" about the terrorist situation. Reminds me of the days of the McCarthy hearings only that was about communists/socialists. Many lives were ruined on suspicion only.

This country should adhere to some of standards we have always been proud of including civil rights and not being a war aggressor nation.

Margaret M. Hale, Olympia

I am among the two thirds of Americans who think Saddam is a brutal dictator, but believe that unilaterally declaring war on Iraq is the wrong thing to do. I believe it is being pushed now for political gain for the Republicans and that sacrificing civilian and military personnel for this gain is an incredibly evil action.

Paula Connelley, Olympia

I can't even turn my TV on to the nightly news anymore. For one thing, I don't want my granddaughter to see the shocking violence we are engaging in in the name of "protection" and "annihilation of evil". Her eyes get large with fear as she asks, "If America does that to other people, will somebody do that to America?" For another thing, I find our own terror-imbued actions every bit as depressing as the terrorism our leaders are wanting to war against outside the boundaries of our country. I wouldn't dream of using destructive strategies to solve the problems within my own family, and values we live by are, after all, learned at home. Peace begins within the heart of the individual and cannot be propagated by violent measures, especially by violent measures entered into with calculated deliberation. When we are at peace with ourselves, I find we are able to problem-solve in peaceable ways. It may seem like putting our heads in the sand, but I insist on using my matriarchal position in my family to help establish and defend peace from the position of a quiet and gently confident spirit--a spiritual one that places our lives and society in the hands of our "Higher Power", whom our family calls God and who follows His standards of "whatsoever you sow, that shall you also reap." Global murder is not one of those standards. "Life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness" does not begin and end with bombs or war. Only faith and the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of our neighbor, at home or abroad, will ever lead us to a world-wide lifestyle of sharing and innocent, safe interaction. I support that 100%.

Susan Stone, Olympia

The corporate media has done an excellent job of marginalizing disssent concerning a war on Iraq. They have done the same concerning opposition to other on-going US sponsored terrorism as well - such as the School of Americas in Georgia, such as the multitude of corporations who are in kahoots with our government to commit terror against people and the land all over the world in the name of 'profit', 'economic growth' and 'freedom'.

Lisa Drummer, Olympia

As a patriotic and peace loving American I strongly oppose US military intervention in Iraq for the following reasons:

1) Iraq has been under US sanction for the past decade, crippling the nation and causing massive suffering on the part of Iraqi civilians (hunger, lack of access to potable water and medical care). Saddam is a brutal dictator, there is little question about that, however, it is the people of Iraq who will suffer from another war waged on them. What happened last time? Saddam stayed and the people of Iraq experienced destruction, death, and countless other suffering.

2) Where is the proof that Saddam poses a clear and present danger to the US?

3) We are unsupported by key nations.

4) The US has built enough resentment up in the middle east. We can only become less safe by continuing our current middle east policies

5) Singling out Iraq is absolute hypocrisy. Where is the call to wage war on Saudi Arabia or Egypt, our friends and allies who also have brutal and corrupt governments and have unquestionably harbored alleged terrorist?

Nichole Ossa, Olympia

How can we be concerned with a war on the other side of ther world when we are scared to walk our own streets? The war on terrorism should start at home. The amount of money it would cost us to conduct this war could cure a lot of our social problems. I fear for my son going to public school and being killed. It is almost too painful to think about my raising and protecting him here to then send him off to another country to possibly be killed for something like oil, or to make a people safe that hate us and our ways. Let us use the 1 1/2 billion a month that it would cost us to be at war in Iraq to give our kids and families the skills they need to stop terrorism here. With that amount of money we could pay for more police and larger prisons to STOP TERRORISM AT HOME.

Carlene Berglund, Shelton

I oppose the invasion of Iraq. Our sanctions have virtually destroyed the country and I do not feel that Bush has given us any reason to further damage it.

Sharon Thomas, Olympia

My gut feeling regarding an all out war with Iraq is a cover-up for something else that is happening and if the public knew what is going on, heads would roll. If one were to reason it, there is not a majority support for war by the American people. Our economy is sinking and with so many people out of work, where are the tax dollars coming from to support the war? Not only that, we have a President who wants to eliminate disability payments for veterans. Duh! What kind of a message is he sending to our military? Yes, go over and fight for us with the possibility you may be killed. However, if you get disabled, we won't pay for that. It is insane. I want to know the real motive for going to war. We do not have the support of the world either.

Bettye Johnson, Rainier

Gut Feeling? NO!

Drew Moore, Olympia

I feel that a war with Iraq is very unnecessary because there isn't enough information on what Iraq is doing. OIL seems to be the big PROJECT HERE. Why should the United States be the aggressor in a situation that would only profit a few and kill many!!! Our own service people included.

Elsie Franklin, McCleary

I do not support unilateral preemptive military action by our country against Iran. I doubt if we would be successful in removing Saddam but we would increase the hatred for the US and the threat of terrorism.

Anne Gernhardt, Olympia

No - to war with Iraq. No to the trade for blood for oil . No to war in the name of politics. Mr. Bush needs to get on with the issues he should be handling, like the failing economy and the many other domestic problems, that he has put on the back burner.

Marietta Nygren, Olympia

I think we should get back to chasing bin Laden! How did we get side-tracked to Iraq, anyway?

George Jensen

Bush has screwed up economy

I am very strongly against war against Iraq. I think if they do have weapons of mass destruction war would be an excuse to use those weapons. So The Bush administration must know that they do not have them or they wouldn't declare war. I think they want control of their oil and they want the American people to not think about how horribly Bush has screwed up the economy, but most of all the corrupt way he came into office.

Sincerely,
Helen Y. Plaja

My gut feeling is that a war with Iraq is deeply wrong. It is counterintuitive for the United States to spend money, energy, and resources to inflict violence on another group of humans.

Locally, we build connections to our neighbors, families and coworkers, in order to better our lives. Instead of applying this simple practice to our relationships with peoples across the world, the government (and most conspicuously, George W. Bush) have capitalized on a tragic event (Sept. 11), excavated some latent racism, and led us into a mindset of fear and isolation. He did this in order to increase his political power (or illusion of power) AND the United States' access to natural resources, land and super-exploited labor -- all of which, I feel that we are not entitled to.

This new war is not about improving our security, for truly, George W. Bush (and those in the government who agree with him) are creating a world where the United States' place is a precarious and threatened one. Think about this on a smaller scale: If you were to kill or brutalize half of the people on your block, then steal their possessions; don't you think that the other half of the people on your block would try to kill you if they had the chance?

Sincerely,
Abel Zimmerman,Olympia

McDermott will be remembered as one of the few sane voices in the crowd of war-mongers. The consequences of going to war will be far worse for our nation than the consequences of waiting for the UN inspection teams to do their work. This President is using our fear of terrorism to distract the American people from important domestic issues.

Zena Hartung, Olympia

The actions of Bush and Cheney in their business dealings show they look only to their initial gain, letting the fallout from their actions fall on others. This is clearly demonstrated by Bush in his dealings with Harken and Arbusto and Cheney with Halliburton. They took their money and ran letting the fraud they set up rain on others below them. This is how they are steering war in the middle east: get in long enough to set up oil interests for their portfolios and that of their friends and family; let the Carlyle group rake in huge profits for weapons of death and destruction, then let others do the dying and crying.

You need only look to Afghanistan for evidence of this pattern: set up an oil friendly leader and the contracts for pipeline deals are already in place.

To spend billions of dollars on weapons and war to gain control of fossil fuels in Iraq is the same short sighted, self-serving thinking that has characterized Bush and Cheney's lives.

Bush and Cheney do not reflect the integrity and honesty of most Americans. Just as their business transactions left the companies they ran bleeding and dying, so will their schemes for world dominance fill their pockets while leaving millions bleeding and dying.

It is not rational to go to war in the Middle East to control fossil fuels. The only rational course is to put the dollars slated for killing into alternative energy.

Money needs to be made available so the average person in America can move over to alternative energy resources like cars, heating, housing, building. Many alternative energy options currently available are expensive initially, with the savings coming in low costs over time.

Investment today to subsidize the front end cost of these "almost, but not quite affordable" technologies would get them into visible use and allow people to educate each other, first hand, about how they work. Making alternative energy options buyable, by providing money to subsidize consumer's purchases, would begin a revolution that could shift the capitol of power from the fossil fuel industry to alternative energy generating industries. A bloodless coup.

Sincerely,
Anne Flynn, Olympia