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Friday, March 21, 2003 Page: 8A
For months, the Valley has echoed with cries for war, amid protests for
peace. The hawks among us say Saddam Hussein will only understand force while
others say war is never the answer. Some of what has been said:
“France is right; there is an alternative to war.”
– Pat McCormick, Laflin.
“The collective voice in opposition to our military’s recent mission
(includes) the likes of socialist and virulent anti-American, anti-democracy
agitators. … How many more innocent lives, in addition to thousands already
lost, will be required if we delay in finally realizing that the
war-mongering, bloodthirsty regimes in the Middle East, Asia and Africa have
already declared war on everybody who will not bow to their ambitions?”
– Joseph Martin, Berwick
“The fact that we don’t have that support from our friends should raise a
red flag that, hey, maybe more violence isn’t the answer.”
– Jeremy Stoshick, Luzerne.
“I’m definitely torn. … On one hand I want peace for myself, my kids and
everyone else, and on the other hand, I want safety for our troops, who gave
their whole lives for the safety of our country.”
– Mary Anne Quick, Hughestown, whose sister is in the Army Reserves
“I’m sick of wars. … I don’t want my aunt to die. I just want peace.”
– Mary Anne’s 11-year-old daughter Amanda
“Of course we’re being aggressive. We’re the United States. We’re strong.
What else can we be?”
– John Smith of Wilkes-Barre. ”
“I pray that it’s not too late for our president to open his eyes and see.
Addiction to power, hatred, revenge and greed can blind a person, and even a
nation. We are at a pivotal point in world history.”
– Jay Notartomaso, Shavertown
“The European countries acted the same way with Hitler and millions died
because they did not act. The United States must stop this man with the United
Nations or without the United Nations or history will be doomed to repeat
itself.”
– Dennis Ryan, Swoyersville
“The president has made it clear … that, although these (peace) protests
were massive in size and reflected how many others feel throughout the world,
they are irrelevant and he will push on despite them. Regardless of the
disappointing reaction from the Bush administration, the message the
protesters conveyed still speaks volumes: `The world says no to war.’
– Liz Janoski, Dallas
While Saddam is a terrible person who deserves to be replaced, I can’t
believe how this administration has carefully orchestrated this crisis, both
here at home and abroad. I’d say the 60 percent who favor this war have been
successfully whipped into a frenzy by Bush. They probably support it as long
as it’s not their husband, son or daughter, or grandchild who is being put in
harm’s way. I wonder how many family members of these war hawks will be
serving?”
– Bill Eydler, Wilkes-Barre
“I for one don’t believe in loving an enemy that intends to wipe me off
the planet just because I’m Christian or Jew.”
– Chuck Marhelski, Trucksville
“Some critics of our call for letting the inspections work rather than
sending our soldiers to kill and be killed, have dismissed us as peaceniks
ignorant of world history. They put us in bed with Hussein. This is
ridiculous. We are people trying to stop a hugely expensive war that will make
the world a much more dangerous place.”
– Katharine Dodge, Lake Ariel
“Many years of hard work lie ahead, whatever course America follows. Doing
our best to go forward in a united way, with respect for the viewpoints of our
si~ster nations, will best serve those future generations, with prayers for
the Wyoming Valley, America and the world.”
– David Walline, Falls Township