Divided on war,
united for the troops

By Dawn Slade
Mille Lacs County Times
Posted 3/21/03

Though residents in the area are either for the war with Iraq or against it, they are united when it comes to supporting our troops.

And though a few people wouldnít comment on the subject, most who were asked had definite opinions.

Marc Dunker of Gilman said, "I think 100 percent weíre doing the right thing.

"I believe that George Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld - theyíve got to know something we donít know. If Rumsfeld thinks it's time, it must be time!"

Dunker said he hopes that countries like France and Germany, who donít agree with the United States on the issue, wonít stand in our way.

"I wonder if anyone is standing on a soap box yelling at France and Russia and Germany asking, ëAre you sure that youíre saying no for the right reasons?í

"Are you saying no because the people of Iraq arenít worth liberating, worth saving? Or are you saying no because you might be jeopardizing some deal under the table with Iraq?

"I think too many people are anti-American. As soon as thereís talk of war, the Americans get a black eye. Are the French [people] anti-French at anytime?"

Dunker added, "I pray for the men and women who have to fight this thing out on our behalf."

Melodie Dohm of Milaca said, "In general I believe that we need to do something about Saddam Hussein now, before he becomes an even bigger threat. We have the potential to do something now whereas we might not be able to in five years. I believe we would quickly come to regret burying our heads in the sand.

"I think some people have forgotten about Sept. 11 and I see the two as directly related.

"A lot people are saying, we need to support our troops, but more specifically we need to support our president and protect our nation."

Phil Thompson of Milaca said, "I wish the rest of the world was with us. Itís tough to think weíre the only driving force behind it.

"I hope they [troops] all come back in one piece. Make it quick and get our guys and gals home."

Tom Boser of Milaca said, "I think itís the right thing to do. I think they waited too long and now the man has everything in position and his defenses are up. Weíre going to have more casualties because we waited so long.

"We must show our support for our soldiers. A lot of people are criticizing President Bush, but we must still support our troops."

Father James Cashman of Foreston says, "Iím totally against war. But, sometimes it has to happen. I think in some ways itís good to show a strong united stand against Hussein -thatís the only deterrence.

"I think for those who say we should not do anything, thatís like saying to the police in Milaca protect our homes, but donít arrest anybody.

"I think we should take a firm stand."

Fourteen-year-old Caleb Coffee feels the president is doing the right thing and doesnít believe Saddam should have any more time.

"I think what the president is doing is good," Coffee said.

John Cain, 10, agreed saying of the president, "Heís doing the right thing."

And Cainís older brother, Mike, 12, agreed with both and said of giving Saddam more time, "I wouldnít say wait any longer."

Ruth Rankin-Meleen of Milaca does not support war.

"I know itís probably inevitable, but itís hard for me to support it without more international support."

Patty Cronin of Milaca agrees saying, "I think he [President Bush] should wait until more inspections are done.

"When he has so many countries not supporting, then I really worry that heís moving too quickly."

Cronin pointed out that she has young boys and sheís concerned that a war could last for years.

Erik Johnson, 17, said, "I think itís stupid. Iím very much opposed to war with Iraq. I personally think we should see this out before taking any action.

"Thereís millions of people living in Iraq and some of them donít even know whatís going on. One day, Marines could be charging through their village shooting mercilessly and they wonít even know whatís going on."

Eugene Johnson, who spent time in Korea with the Army, said, "We have to do something. Thereís no way around it.

"I heard France has $62 billion invested in Iraq. They would lose it in war. Weíll lose whatever weíve got invested, but if we donít do it now, itís going to cost more.

"No one wants war, but we all want our freedom. I think the majority of people are for it.

"Like Laura Bush said, ëYouíre damned if you do and damned if donít.í"

Doug Larson of Milaca, who had a sign in his yard that said, "Say no to war with Iraq - call your congress people," no longer has the sign in his yard because it was stolen last Friday.

"America and Iraq are different. In America we allow protest and discussion. But, the thieves who stole the sign donít allow protest and neither does Saddam Hussein," Larson said.

Larson talked about his feelings on the war as well.

"I have mixed thoughts about the war and I want Saddam Hussein out of Iraq and the Iraqi people freed. But, I wonder if President Bush, like the king in the Bible who hasnít counted the full cost of the war, will be able to handle the long term implications.

"As he closed his address last night, he said, ëGod bless America.í I wonder if he should have said, ëGod bless our world."

President Bush addressed the nation on Monday, March 17 and told Saddam Hussein, he and his sons have 48 hours to leave Baghdad.