Dear Editor,
In response to the various pieces written about the war-protesting clowns, I have to say that this is not an issue that is easily resolved in the pages of the Daily News.
It is not a black and white issue in which you can say "I'm a Democrat" or "I'm a Republican" and let that title speak for how you feel about the war. I'd like to ask a question or two about "the war".
First of all, what war are we talking about? The broad, vague war on terror? The (neglected) campaign in Afghanistan? The war started over Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq? Our troops are in harm's way in a lot of regions in the world. To play devil's advocate, is the war in Iraq really making us safer here in America? In an NBC/Journal poll, washingtonpost.com, 57 percent of Americans believe that winning the larger war on terror has nothing to do with success in Iraq.
So, if a lot of Americans feel that way, and that's what they/we want, then shouldn't our leaders pay attention at the least? Protest is just one simple way to show disapproval for policies the people feel do not represent them or what they want. We're moving from a republic to a dictatorial government. And while we still can, I know that we should support, and even encourage a questioning of the decisions that the leaders of our country make. Some of those who posit that we should mix God and politics because that's how our founders intended our country to be are quick to forget that our country is also founded on the principle of checks and balances. I think many of us have forgotten that the president works for us. His cabinet works for us and for our safety, and not to question their decisions would truly be the unpatriotic act. So, yes, we should support troops in their endeavors, and in their attempts - some feel misguided attempts by the administration - to fight the broader war on terror. And we should also support the clowns, identity known or not, who have a right, nay, an obligation to take to the streets, and make us all think twice about this important issue.
Kristopher B. Owens
Graduate Student
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