Something I don't understand about those opposed to the war..

[Mermaid02]

.. where is the outrage about how Saddam Hussein treats the Iraqi people? Yes there are many countries that live under a dictator but SH isn't called "The Butcher of Baghdad" for nothing. He and his sons are sadistic, murderous madmen. They put people through chipper machines and make their families watch for heaven's sake. We (the United States, UK et al) are going out of our way in order to spare as many civilian lives as we can- and what does Hussein do? He hides his weapons in orphanages or hospitals or daycare centers. Unfortunately, some civilians will be killed during the war.... but how many were routinely killed under Hussein's reign every day??

 

[caitycaity]

where is the outrage about how Saddam Hussein treats the Iraqi people

i'm a little confused as to what you mean by this. i have not personally met anyone who is opposed to the war who thinks saddam is a nice guy.

 

[Mermaid02]

All the signs that say "Innocent Iraqi blood 1.09 a gallon" (saw this one this morning in front of the Federal building here). We aren't SLAUGHTERING the Iraqi people like he has done for over 30 years, we are liberating them from his grip. I don't understand that argument against the war.

 

[caitycaity]

i haven't seen signs like that and of the many people i know against the war, non of them believe that the us is slaughtering innocents, so i guess i can't answer why those people feel the way they do.

i will say that it seems to me like the anti-war people getting the publicity are all the ones who are a little bit more "out there." just b/c that's what you see on tv, it doesn't mean that that is how most people against the war feel.

 

[Robinrs]

I don't feel the need to be "outraged" about anything right now that is outside my four walls, right now.

I am opposed to war, period. It's just my nature. I also don't try to analyze those who are FOR war, either, it's their right.

With the anger, outrage and disgust that is going on against all those who are not of like minds I don't see how we can unite. I see so many Americans mad at other Americans... how can this be productive?

I stay in prayer for the people who are suffering through all this. Outrage plays no part in my life, now, I am suffering enough in my own world.

 

[AllyandJack]

You know...I'm getting a little ticked off at people calling me FOR war simply because I support the President's policy and support the reasoning behind the current war. Nobody is FOR war. Those of us who are in support of the President would love nothing more than to have someone, anyone give us another way to deal with this situation. We don't all sit around saying, "Gee....hope we go to war over this!" The world is not a nice, happy place and war is a sad fact of life. We're all ANTI war, but some of us agree with the President's reasoning behind the action. Some don't. That's fine. But, I am in no way FOR war and I think I can speak for everyone else in saying that they aren't either.

 

[Mermaid02]

I agree Caity.... the more outrageous the signs the more coverage they get. Although I saw this sign with my own eyes and I just couldn't wrap my mind around the thought.... there has been a lot of innocent Iraqi blood spilled under Hussein- more than will be lost during this war I'm sure.

 

[Mermaid02]

Just wanted to add- I'm not Pro-War..... I'm Pro-Freedom.

 

[lisajl]

I agree with that statement allyandjack!

I am not for war, but am standing behind the Pres. and the troops.

I wonder how long we in America would stand a Pres. like Saddam who totes a gun around and shoots bullets in the air?

God Bless our troops and their families.

Lisajl

 

[caitycaity]

i think most people understand that no one is for war. i just don't know how to adequately describe people who are in favor of the current military conflict succinctly.

i, personally, mean no offense to anyone when i say someone is in favor of the war.

if you have a suggestion as to what else i can call people who believe as you do, i'm open.

 

[Robinrs]

Okay, not FOR war, pro whatever you consider you're for.

All people cannot be lumped into one type, there are people who have all kinds of purposes for what they believe in. Why ask why? They must have a reason for it that is their's alone.

Again, why are we always fighting over points and rhetoric. Why so much animosity? I'm just curious.

 

[AllyandJack]

I'm not asking why...people have their reasons, I have mine. I respect anyone's right to not agree with the President's reasoning. I respect anyone is anti-war as a general rule.

I just don't like being called FOR or PRO war, the same way the protesters don't appreciate being called Anit-American or Un-Patriotic. They stand there with their Peace signs like they're the first people every to come up with the concept. Like we're going to look at the sign and think "Wow....never thought of that....I'd really prefer war." I want peace, too, but I believe it's not possible in this case. People disagree with me. Fine. But, I do get a little upset at the implication that I want war. I wouldn't call a protester Anti-American for disagreeing with the President. This is a very sensitive issue and, while there is no animosity on my part toward anyone, I think we should all be a little careful at how we label each other while we have discussions. These kinds of discussions are what make our country great. We have the freedom to disagree and even argue, but I think that, because of the sensitivity of the issue and because people's political views are being discussed, we should just be a little more careful about the labels we attach to the people we disagree with.

 

[Saffron]

I think the most outrageous protestors are getting what they want -- attention. I think those of us who are against this conflict, for whatever reason, can not be lumped into one group. Just as all of those who are for the conflict can't be lumped into the "level the land, who cares who dies, let's take over the country and let's do it to every country that gets in our way" group. There are extremes on either side.

Personally I think SH is a dispicable, low life human being that should not be the leader of anything. I wish he had been taken out during the Gulf War.

 

[Keli]

I think there is so much fighting over rhetoric and terms because people's emotions are running high right now. I'm sure a lot of it will calm down when the war ends.

 

[TwinMom7]

Did anyone see the priest interviewed on Fox? I admit that I didn't see it, but my son-in-law told me that this priest started out by saying that he went to Iraq with every intention of being a human shield - putting himself between the women and children and our troops. He stated that he was a war protestor and was staunchly against this war. After being in Iraq for a few days and interviewing Iraqi families, he now states that he was an "idiot", and that anyone who opposes this war is an "idiot". (Please don't flame me....it's his quote, not mine).

He stated that Iraqi families told him that they prayed for the American soldiers to come. Several families told him that they were contemplating suicide if the Americans didn't come to help. He also said that things there are a thousand times worse than any of us can comprehend.

I don't want my son in Iraq right now - I wish he was right here at home in Indiana....but the "Butcher of Baghdad" HAS to go, and we're the only hope those people have right now.

 

[AllyandJack]

I think we'd all agree that Saddam is a horrible dictator. We just disagree on the best method to handle him. Some of us think he's had enough time and we're left with no other option. Others think he should be given more time and war is never an option. That's fine. I just wonder when enough is enough. Maybe for some people it is never enough. Maybe enough is enough when the UN agrees. Whatever the case may be.....we're not going to change each other's minds, we can just share ideas and agree to disagree and try to support each other in these tough times.

However, I have to say that I take HUGE offense to one incident that happened in Boston. During a protest, the leader was carrying the Iraqi flag. I mean, really....just leave. What's that saying.....it is the soldier that stands under the flag, it is the soldier who salutes the flag, it is the soldier whose coffin is draped by the flag that gives the protesters the right to burn the flag. You can be against war or be against THIS war, but have some respect. Yep...this incident definitely got some animosity out of me! As the granddaughter of a Navy Admiral, the daughter of an Air Force pilot and the wife of a former Infantry Sergeant...heck, simply as an American.....this crossed the line. It's people like THAT that give the protesters a bad name.

 

[Pete's Mom]

Originally posted by Mermaid02
.. where is the outrage about how Saddam Hussein treats the Iraqi people? Yes there are many countries that live under a dictator but SH isn't called "The Butcher of Baghdad" for nothing. He and his sons are sadistic, murderous madmen. They put people through chipper machines and make their families watch for heaven's sake. We (the United States, UK et al) are going out of our way in order to spare as many civilian lives as we can- and what does Hussein do? He hides his weapons in orphanages or hospitals or daycare centers. Unfortunately, some civilians will be killed during the war.... but how many were routinely killed under Hussein's reign every day??

I agree. I am not saying all people against the war are like this, but I feel that if they protested the war and Saddam Hussein in the same breath, it would take some of the bite out of their argument. I have seen a lot of protestors asked, "if war is not the answer, than what is?" to which a lot reply, "Well, I don't know, but it is not war!". Again, before I get flamed, not all opposed to war are this way.

I want to see Iraq liberated and sadly agree with many that SH will only be removed by force. Why? Because if he is unwilling to cooperate with inspectors and the UN, why would he step down?

 

[caitycaity]

I just don't like being called FOR or PRO war, the same way the protesters don't appreciate being called Anit-American or Un-Patriotic.

i repeat -- what should i call people who are in favor of the war in iraq then?

can someone help me out here???

 

[TwinMom7]

Well said ALLYANDJACK - I applaud you!!!

 

[AllyandJack]

We can be called "people who support the war." We all support the troops, so I guess that's really the only distinction we have. We generally all support the President, just not in this particular decision. So, I guess the big difference is some of us are in support of the war effort and some aren't.

When you think of it, we all have things about the government we disagree on - whether it be taxes or spending or the people in office. Yet, we all somehow manage to get by without much incident in our day to day lives. It's amazing. We have a great country filled with (mostly) great people.