Even
when far away, war hits home
As I write this editorial, the U.S. has been waging war
in Iraq for a week. After months after speculation and an
international tug-of-war staged at the United States, President
Bush made his move to oust Saddam Hussein. Now a nation--and
world--watches and waits. We do also in the Delta as we
have several Delta residents serving over there in this
war.
Innocents will be killed and we will lose some of our troops,
as we have already. We must take some cognizance of that
fact, however, that these brave souls were prepared to give
their lives for their country going into the service. We
grieve for their families and we appreciate and remember
their courage and sacrifice.
Personally, I support President Bush and this country's
efforts to oust a madman, a despotic tyrant, who brutally
kills his own people and poses a threat to the civilized
world. Something had to be done and if not now, when? If
not the U.S., who? The U.N.? The legitimacy--and purpose--of
that organization will now surely be scrutinized more than
ever. In light of what our troops are discovering in the
deserts of Iraq, it should be so scrutinized.
While protesters never complained about the U.S. military's
"police action" in Bosnia and Somalia under President
Clinton, now, all of a sudden, the actions of the current
president to take out a renowned killer and sadist is met
with ridicule. The 60's are over, I'd like to remind the
majority of these protesters, most of whom looked like they
just came from Woodstock. I'd also like to remind them of
9/11 and the Middle East's complicity--Hussein's complicity--in
the worst and most violent attack ever on American soil.
How soon some forgot. Or don't want to be reminded.
Members of my generation were fortunate in that we never
had to experience a long drawn-out war like the world wars,
or Vietnam. Many members of my generation did, however see
action in the Gulf War over a decade ago. Our prayers, thoughts
and support are with these young brave Americans, and it
is our hope that they return home safely.
So, we watch, hope and wait with baited breath for a quick
victory in Iraq. And, we should give a "thank you"
to those in the military who still believe in fighting for
our way of life. A special "thank you" should
also go to those allies like Prime Minister Tony Blair of
Great Britain who has stood by this country through thick
and thin, even at the possible expense of his own political
life.
As always, we welcome your comments and opinions. DBJ
Scott
Coopwood
Publisher
