Peace for the Fourth

Glenda in the Land of Oz has thrown out a challenge to other bloggers who are against the "war" in Iraq to collectively post their thoughts on the issue on Independence Day. While I have not been an activist in the local peace effort here in Fort Wayne, like Robert Rouse and Dave Lambert, I am definately firmly entrenched in the camp that beleives this "ego-driven endeavor" was one of the worst transgressions ever committed by any US administration in our nation's history. And so, my thoughts:

The facts on WMD: Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction, unless sand and camel dung are considered lethal these days. The small stockpiles of chemical weapons that have been discovered were leftovers from earlier times, were impotent due to their age, and posed no threat to anyone.

The facts on Hussein: He was a cruel tyrant who was responsible for genocide and war deaths in Iraq and Iran. However, he was a contained tyrant. He was boxed in, financially cut off from the world, and under the constant eye of the world. He had no links to Al Quaida; it's a fact that most of the Arab world detested him.

The facts on "The Big Sell": Bush sold a bill of goods to a public that was still reeling from the 9/11 attacks. Attacks committed by Saudi Al Quaida members based in Afghanistan. He was correct to attack Afghanistan and the Taliban leadership there who supported these terrorists. If only he had allowed our troops to finish that mission, rather than attacking a sovereign nation that had absolutely no connection to the 9/11 attacks on America. Note that as of last week, the Taliban now control nearly one third of Afghanistan again. They are gradually reasserting their control and increasing their attacks against Karzai's regime. Where are our troops? Fighting for a lie a few countries away to the west.

The facts on America's reputation: Our great democracy, once the envy of much of the world, has been relegated to the role of "world thug", militarily imposing our will upon others at our whim and damned be the cost to ourselves or others. On 09/12/01, the entire planet was made up of Americans; today we are despised and/or feared by most of the planet. And why not? What country will we attack without provocation next? What hidden agenda will America's leader spring upon them next? George W. Bush has destroyed two centuries worth of confidence and trust of America by the world with his aggressions.

Anyone involved with an agenda that involves attacking America can most likely commit that act today. Our resources, including countless lives (American and otherwise) have been wasted for a personal agenda by a "leader" who was protected from service to his country in his youth. Rather than protect our sons and daughters, this so-called president has sent thousands to die in a foreign land. Not for our ideals, not for our security, but for his own personal agenda, and to finish "Daddy's War". At least "Daddy" was smart enough to not invade clear to Baghdad; must be Barbara's genes at work. . .