Barbara writes: Americans fighting the terrorist is an act of peace because in the long run it will save lives and give quality of life to thousands. I think the Peaceniks, like Amber, are focusing on the trees when they should be focusing on the forest. I don't think they are as interested in the lives of others as they are in bringing attention to themselves. I hope I'm wrong about their motives; but one would have to be pretty naive to think that no response is going to bring anyone to justice.
Amber:
It is interesting to me that folks assume that I want no action to be taken in response to 9/11. Let me assure you, I want something done, but what is being done now is not the path toward peace and justice.
You said you think I am focusing on the trees when I should be focusing on the forest. I disagree. I think focusing on the root causes of terrorism is focusing on the forest and that focusing on bin Laden and individual terrorists is like focusing on the trees.
I don't understand why you think I don't care about others. Have you read my writings? Do you know that I worry every hour of every day about our nation, our soldiers, our children, and our world? Do you really think I enjoy being in the position I am in? Do you think it is easy to be a voice for U.S. soldiers who can't speak out against the actions of their Commander-in-Chief? Do you think it is easy for me to be accused of being anti-military, the very institution my husband chose to be a part of? Do you think it is easy to be aware of the personal pain that people have endured all over the world due to violent conflict? I feel the same pain that many women all over the world have experienced. Terrorism kills innocent people. I hate terrorism.
I am concerned about our reliance on a military solution because I really believe that U.S. politicians are making decisions that may put our soldiers up against a battle that could go on for decades. Notice that I said politicians are making the decisions, not U.S. soldiers. I am not angry with Craig's fellow soldiers for being in the Armed Forces. I am thankful for the men and women in the military who make sacrifices everyday to protect our nation. I am proud of Craig for enlisting in the Army. I know that if he survived, he too may be in another country fighting in the "war on terrorism." I believe that the U.S. Armed Forces can be a peace-making institution, but unfortunately they are sometimes pawns in a political mess.
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