Jan. 24, 2003

Dad's letter to the Editor, Dayton Daily News

For months I have been reluctant to read or watch the news, much less attend to the shouting heads on TV. President Bush has continued to focus almost exclusively on Iraq and its dictator. He repeats the campaign slogans of "regime change," "weapons of massive destruction," etc.

He insists that Saddam Hussein will be removed and has sent a massive military force from the U.S. to do the job. He says it will be done with or without allies, with or without the blessing of the United Nations. He has shed more heat than light on a complex issue and a complicated region of the world.

With few exceptions, the Congress (Democrats & Republicans) have responded with glazed acquiesce. The media has been little better than a conduit for what is said to be a "possible war." We have known for months that this President Bush will have his way, he will have his war.

Among the few voices of reason in this cold wintry wilderness is your featured New York columnist, Thomas Friedman. Friedman reminds me of the late Walter Lippman whose columns were read and respected by many -- including the leaders of this country and others.

Friedman agrees that a "regime change" is needed in Iraq. He does not disapprove of the use of force to accomplish this, if need be. But he has important cautions. He chided President Bush for not following his father's example in pursuing a patient, sustained discussion with leaders in the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Bush senior knew that diplomacy conducted well in the daily lime light of TV cameras and public rhetoric. Friedman wonders why this president has not asked us to consider sacrifices to support the war. We are asked to "support the troops" and told that any criticism is an attack on them. Does support then mean that one either remains silent or joins the chorus like one-root for the old football team?

Does support mean we ignore true conservative voices like that of Alan Greenspan? There was a time when Republicans were ardent in demanding that the federal budget be in balance. It is going through the roof- even before more of the Bush tax cuts for the rich go into play. Paul Krugman's commentary in today's paper tells us that the president's budget has no money for reconstruction once the war has been won. He promised "nation building" but Afghanistan is still waiting for the aid to rebuild that sorry land.

Immediately after 9/11, President Bush was inspiring and reassuring to a nation in shock. He was calm and seemed realistic and caring for

Americans --Christians, Jews, Muslims. Sadly, he took up the single instrument of a drum beat for war. One sees now the angry responses to any who protest war. Saddest is the anger of family members who see protest as an attack on their kin who have been sent to fight the war.

Soon any of who dare to speak out will be cursed as unpatriotic or worse.

Once unleashed, the dogs of war will wreak havoc in this country. It may be many years before the wounds are healed.

Thomas A.Diederich

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