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Let’s unite to end this war
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Posted on Jul 18 2004
I was very moved by Evelyn Sablan’s letter (July 18) about her feelings on her two brothers’ deployment to Iraq. The constant fear, sadness, anger and hurt she and so many others personally affected by deployment feel must be almost unbearable. It must be even more heartbreaking when this is a war with which she has never agreed.
Like Ms. Sablan, I have been against this war. I participated in numerous peaceful anti-war marches and prayer services before moving to Saipan. Millions in the U.S and many other countries marched against starting and then against continuing the war. To no avail. The administration seemed intent on pre-emptive war in spite of no known link between Iraq and the September 11th attacks on the U.S. Intent on a war for which our government has changed its reason many times.
It must be almost unbearable to dread each knock of the door, fearing it is bad news. Helpless. Yet, can we allow ourselves to be driven to feeling there is nothing we can do about a war with which we strongly disagree? While hundreds of soldiers from the U.S. and the few countries that joined in the pre-emptive attack have died? While thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians have also died?
Don’t we who oppose this war have a patriotic responsibility to question it and try to bring it to an end? Perhaps we should have acted before now. The CNMI already has many sons and daughters sent to this war whose parents dread knocks on their door.
We mustn’t give up and feel hopeless. Can we begin weekly candlelight vigils of support for peace and bringing home our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters? Inter-faith prayer services for peace? Or, are there other ways to let our soldiers know we want them home? Shouldn’t we try to join together in strength? And, maybe, hopefully, photos of our glowing candles or other joint action will help make some difference in ending this terrible war.
Millie Carroll
Capitol Hill
