Student replies to letter against war
This letter is in regards to Rev. Werner Lange’s Feb. 18 letter. In your letter, you explained the seven criteria needed to be met in order to obtain a “just war.” I believe that your criteria are very understandable and reasonable. You seem to lack a strong understanding of exactly what is happening in Iraq. First, you say that there is more to U.S. government than our president and his defense team. In fact, we the people elected Bill Clinton as president. Therefore, he is authorized to make decisions like this. In the United States, we operate under a representative democracy, that means that we elect officials to make decisions for the people. In your second part, you say that this conflict is not of just cause. Do you consider chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons a danger? I do, and strongly believe that most people do. This is not a battle about oil or hatred, the United Nations only wants full access to Saddam’s arsenal. Do you feel safe knowing that these sorts of mass killing devices are being produced, and could possibly be used?Third, you say intentions are not there. Our intentions are to end the production of these weapons, particularly biological (ex: nerve gas). These weapons’ sole purpose is for killing. War is not a wonderful thing, or something that we want, but if necessary, we must do it. In war people die. These people die in order to save their country, other countries, and even the entire world. I realize that this is not a nice thing to think about, but it is reality. The United Nations has tried to give Saddam numerous chances to end this standoff, in every chance he has turned them down. Do you suggest that we ignore Saddam Hussein, let him continue to build his deadly arsenal and eventually use these weapons? I am sure you remember another particular leader that we ignored for too long – Hitler. I am not comparing the two leaders in any way, but I am concerned about the negative aspects of not giving him our full attention. He will use his weapons. In fact, he already has several times. I suggest that we stop threatening Iraq and begin to act. Hussein will continue to build these weapons unless severe action is taken. I feel that you, Rev. Werner Lange, should not criticize our government, but thank them for trying to make the world a better and safer place to live. Rev. Werner Lange, we need to realize that God would want peace, and by ignoring Saddam we are doing Him wrong. God cannot stop Saddam Hussein, but we, the United States of America, can.
Clint LautenschlegerFreshman
