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By KALEN CHURCHER kchurcher@leader.net
Monday, March 17, 2003 Page: 1A
It bothers Pam Remphrey when she hears extreme anti-war sentiments.
No one ever wants war, but what she wants is more support for troops who
are set to protect the United States and its people.
“It’s hard to hear people say things like that when there’s so many people
over there who want to get (Saddam Hussein).”
Her husband, John Remphrey II, left Thursday for Kuwait from Fort Dix, N.J.
A CBS News Poll taken earlier this month indicates 88 percent of the United
States believes Iraq is a threat, though that figure is split as to how big of
a threat it may be. The nation also remains divided as to whether the United
States should attack without United Nations backing.
But locally, residents seem to support President Bush and his militant
stance of ousting Saddam Hussein.
“If it’s for the right cause, we need to do it,” said Kevin Proctor of
Hanover Township. “If it’s to stop terrorist attacks, then I (support it). If
it’s politically connected I don’t agree.”
Proctor, like nearly two dozen local people polled during the weekend,
firmly believes Hussein is a threat.
“Absolutely,” he said. “(Hussein) murders his own people. If he did that
to them, what is he capable of doing to us?”
Overall, individuals questioned believe the United States has no other
choice than to take an aggressive approach because history dictates the United
States is the world’s watchdog. War against Iraq is not simply for the benefit
of the United States, explained Don Salter of Elmira, N.Y., but for the world.
“Do you think his neighbors are safe?” he questioned.
“I wish we had the backing (of the United Nations), but the reality of it
is, this is a tyrant.”
T.J. Mucett of Endicott, N.Y., said backing down now is not – and should
not be – an option. The United States could look like “a tease.”
The United States has been aggressive throughout history, he continued.
It’s expected because of “who we are.” The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,
2001, knocked citizens out of the comfort zones, forcing everyone to put up
their guard. Pushing to end potential threats in the future “isn’t looking
for trouble, it’s preventing it,” Mucett said.
Leaving Bruno’s Market in Pittston, Frank Luks said he’s “on the fence”
as to if the United States should go to war, but he is sure the public must
back whatever the president decides. Asked if the president is being too
aggressive, Luks said years ago he might have thought yes, but Sept. 11
changed how people see things.
“Of course we’re being aggressive,” said John Smith of Wilkes-Barre.
“We’re the United States. We’re strong. What else can we be?”
Smith said he would like approval from nations the United States has helped
in the past, but he sees no problem in attacking without full support.
Neither did two groups of students – one each from King’s College and
Wilkes University. Only five of 13 King’s College students thought the United
States was trying to bully other nations by insinuating it might withdraw aid
or deny future assistance. Of the four Wilkes University students polled, none
thought the use of force was excessive.
John Remphrey, Pam Remphrey’s father-in-law, said more than enough time has
been given for Iraqi compliance.
“I think (Bush) should go ahead and get it over with,” the Sweet Valley
resident said. “(Those who disagree) better have their heads examined and
start backing the troops.”
Several individuals approached for opinions declined to offer their
thoughts, saying they try not to think about things they can’t control. Others
said their beliefs were private and didn’t feel comfortable sharing.
“What I say isn’t going to be the right answer, so why should I say
anything,” asked a woman leaving Bruno’s Market. “Why should I say anything
so someone can go and find fault with it?”
Cheryl Evans hesitantly admitted she doesn’t support war or how Bush is
handling things now. However, the Wilkes-Barre resident said she supports
“our boys.”
Tom, a Dallas resident who declined to give his last name, said those who
don’t support immediate action against Iraq are afraid. He said what they have
to remember is what could happen if the United States doesn’t go to war.
Besides almost encouraging future terroristic attacks with an I-don’t-care
approach, Tom said the United States would risk its reputation as a world
leader if it didn’t act with conviction.
Though Justine Pouravelis is nervous about the situation, she feels
confident in the individuals who are making the decisions. Pouravelis,
visiting from Maine for an NCAA Division III women’s basketball tournament,
says the United States went about things too aggressively in the beginning,
and now is left with little option.
“At this point, I don’t think it’s feasible that we’ll get everyone’s
support,” the freshman Bowdoin College student said. “This will definitely
hurt international relations for some time after.”
Kalen Churcher, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7329.
Justine Pouravelis, Maine
Don Salter, Elmira, N.Y.
Pam Remphrey, Wilkes-Barre
John Remphrey, Sweet Valley