Burningbird: Already Feeling the Effects

October 07, 2002

Already Feeling the Effects

Today, President Bush will address the nation with his rationale for a pre-emptive strike against Iraq. I would say that if the increase in noise of this issue is anything to go by, I expect to see a strike sooner rather than later. And I still don't understand the frenzy associated with Iraq, and with our having to strike now.

The likely invasion of Iraq is polarizing this country as it hasn't been since the Vietnam war. And along with the moral, civil, and legal implications of our launching a first strike against Hussein, we can now add an economic impact: in my area at least, several major employers have halted hiring at this time, awaiting 'further developments'.

For someone who opposes a hasty first strike against Iraq without UN support, careful thought and pre-planning, and a very real consideration of the lives that will be lost, this situation is disturbing. Being unemployed only makes the situation even more frustrating. If that makes me selfish, I guess there are others who are also selfish -- or is worried the better word?

Posted by Bb at October 07, 2002 08:12 AM

Trackback Count (0)

Comments

May I suggest that you participate in the Open Letters blogburst? Even if it won't convince Congress, it will at least give them a message about how you feel.

Posted by: Ginger on October 7, 2002 09:40 AM

Thanks for the pointer to the posting.

I have already sent letters and emails to all my state's reps and senators (and several outside of the state). And am also participating in any demonstration that I can find about ahead of time.

Posted by: Shelley aka Bb on October 7, 2002 10:06 AM

Hi,

I just stumbled across your blog this evening. I wanted to say I agree with you 100% and I'm also looking for work.

Posted by: Monnica on October 7, 2002 08:41 PM

Just before the Gulf War in 1991 the polling of US citizens indicated that there was 54% support for the war, which is not unsimilar to the support that it gets now. And that was with the benefit of Iraq being belligerent. So we have seen this level of community polarisation a little more recently than the Vietnam War.

Posted by: gilmae on October 7, 2002 11:27 PM

Good-luck, Monnica. I hope you're having better luck than I.

Gilmae, there was an anti-war movement during the Gulf War, but I don't think the emotions were as strong. I do remember that there was concern about our getting into another Vietnam with the Gulf war and protests accordinly. And I remember the yellow ribbons.

Posted by: Shelley aka Bb on October 8, 2002 06:39 AM