| Bush
Should Think About Consequences |
|
To the editor:
|
| President Bush: Slow down. |
| I must seriously question the path that President Bush
and his administration are taking regarding Iraq. They seem
determined to go to war and rather carelessly discount the
opinions of our allies and the United Nations. Why not provide
more funding and support for Iraqi opposition groups? We will
need them later if we must go to war. |
| Our country faces serious and unique challenges from abroad
and within, but I would suggest that we need not go to war
at this time. Indeed, many of our top military leaders are
urging restraint§including the former military commander for
the Middle East, retired Marine General Anthony C. Zinni.
|
| The need for war must be clear and overwhelming, the objectives
defined, and the duration and likely costs explained in detail
to the American people. I hope President Bush's headlong rush
to play the war card isn't about oil or politics, but I have
my doubts. If called upon, our military personnel will perform
their duties with professionalism. |
| However, presidential arrogance will get many of them killed
needlessly. He doesn't seem to realize it's not a game. We
need to be methodical and consider all options. War should
be the last resort. |
| I would advise President Bush to make a visit to Arlington
National Cemetery or any of the countless veteran cemeteries
here or across Europe and gaze upon the millions of headstones.
Or, watch the members of The Old Guard perform their solemn
march at the Tomb of the Unknowns. |
| Then and only then, think about going to war. Think long
and hard. It's a decision that should be hard to make. |
| Bruce Hill |
| Herndon |
