Back to Exponent Menu Printer Friendly Page   LOCAL FEATURES Friday, September 13, 2002 War with Iraq? Expo readers opposed by 81-19% Readers of the Catholic Exponent inundated our mailbox, e-mail and fax machine with responses to a Page 1 survey in the Aug. 30 issue on “War with Iraq…yes or no?” The overwhelming majority – 81 percent — opposed taking on Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein, some because they do not yet see proof that the war is needed, and others without qualification. Only 14 readers backed the Bush Administration in its developing plans for a war in Iraq aimed at toppling the dictator there. Many others were vocal in their opposition, including veterans of World War II and Vietnam. “Yes” votes in favor of taking on the Iraqi regime at this time came from several readers who expressed reluctance that a war would be necessary. “I must reluctantly agree with the Bush administration’s position on Iraq,” wrote Al McCallin (no city given). “A regime change is justified, even if military force is required. “The 9-11 attack was made possible through nations that harbor terrorists, fund them and provide them the means to perpetrate their murderous deeds. I assume the Bush administration has information linking Iraq to sponsorship of terror groups and in all likelihood the 9-11 attack…” “I am in favor of President Bush doing whatever is necessary in regards to Iraq,” wrote Margaret A. Witt of North Canton. “Saddam Hussein would have no qualms about destroying our country if he had the chance to do so.” “This coming war isn’t justified but it is necessary,” wrote Richard A. Davenport of Warren. “Look what the radicals of religion did to New York and Washington. The Bible says ‘an eye for an eye.’ They cast the first stone, now it’s our turn. My only regret is that American soldiers might die, when atomic bombs could defeat them.” Other comments:  “I am in favor of U.S. intervening in Iraq, before they use a bomb or have weapons of mass destruction, the U.S. should take action first against Iraq.” – Mrs. E. Costantino, Warren  “Prior to World War II, the Church never stood up against Hitler, and they knew about the treatment of the Jews. You hid your head in the sand. I am for the removal of Saddam and freedom for the Iraqi people. We must stand up for what is right for the people of the Mideast…” – Don and Teresa Wolfe, Canton But 73 other Exponent readers foresee nothing except negative consequences if the United States chooses to invade Iraq. “I am absolutely opposed to the war in Iraq,” wrote Sister Marian Durkin. “There is no proof that Saddam is a real threat; the loss of lives; the expense – the funds should be put to use fixing the healthcare system and housing the homeless, etc. No war no more!” “Absolutely not!” agreed Bob Osthoff, quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ellsworth. “How can a threat from Iraq be greater than it was in 1991 when our military brought Iraq to its knees? As a Vietnam veteran (a survivor) I can attest first-hand to the folly and travesty of sending troops in harm’s way with nebulous objectives, ill-defined threats and a warped sense of victory….” “We should concentrate on our own problems,” agreed Mary Fladung of Canton. “We should go over and finish Saddam if and only if Iraq should attack our country.” Joseph J. Hosa of Youngstown said he is “strongly opposed to a war with Iraq…the United States cannot police the whole world. We have already alienated ourselves from the Arab world. Most of our allies do not want this war. I am a veteran of World War II, and I don’t want our young men and women to end their lives in a provoked war.” “I am very strongly opposed to getting involved with Iraq,” wrote James H. Lauer of Conneaut. “I think Mr. Bush is not using good judgment if he declares war against Saddam Hussein and Iraq. Why is it every Republican president gets us into war?...I think Congress should put more pressure on Mr. Bush to keep us out of war.” Sister Eileen Keating of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine in Richfield asked Congress and the president to “not declare war on Iraq or any other nation; be a leader; lead all of us to a better way of life for all peoples.” Dorothy M. Tierney of Struthers voted with those who oppose intervention. “Once started, other mideastern countries who are unfriendly toward us would support Iraq. The loss of life…would be tremendous. We don’t need World War III.” “We are definitely not in favor of a war with Iraq,” stressed Carol and Bill Heidrich, Jr., of Ashtabula. “No other country in the world agrees with our position…war does not settle anything…Desert Storm was a mistake. So was Vietnam. They didn’t accomplish anything except a lot of body bags. Why can’t we be neutral, like Switzerland?...Bush had better listen to cooler, brighter minds than his, or it will be his downfall.” Other comments of those “opposed”:  “Is this controversy about fighting terrorism, or is it about the receding economy, or is it about oil and money? War is not the answer. – Paul R. Klingaman Sr., Canton  “I am opposed to U.S. intervention in Iraq. First finish up what they are doing in Afghanistan before taking on a new group of people.” – James Watrous, Kingsville  “The only reason [President] Bush is pushing for war is because Saddam thumbed his nose at the senior Bush, and more so to protect the oil people in this country, including his family and his vice president’s interests…” Donald Flitcraft, Alliance  “Opposed. We can all get on our knees and pray to God for his aid and intercession. Look what we did [by] saying the rosary for communist Russia.” Mildred Young, Louisville  “Vehemently opposed…the world is desperately crying for peace. How will God judge us?” Margaret V. Mendlein, Massillon  “I am very much opposed to attacking Iraq. We have already caused the deaths of thousands of their people, especially children, since ‘Desert Storm.’ I totally agree with everything our saintly pope says, including ‘violence begets violence.’” Marilyn E. Horning, Hartville  “We do not believe in war. If [President] Bush and his buddy [Dick] Cheney get us into war, there will be a lot of innocent people killed.” The Dillon Family, Canton  “When has war ever solved anything? Suspicion leads me to believe those in favor have greed as their motive. There is much money to be made in war. Also, perhaps they are trying to shift us off of the corporate greed issue and our own problems here at home.” Catherine A. Demas, Girard  “I am opposed to a war with Iraq or any country unless they attack the United States or one of our allies (Israel).” Barbara Wittenauer, Hubbard “I am strongly opposed to U.S. intervention in Iraq. The ultimate concern and outcome has to be the stability of the Middle East and peace between Palestinians and Israel, plus the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction. Unless there is international support and agreement of any [United States] action, and according to international norms and law, those goals – in the long run – are not likely to be achieved. Vigilante justice implemented by the U.S. may, in the short run, rid the world of Saddam Hussein. But will it secure peace in the region and put an end to the use of weapons of mass destruction? The likelihood seems way too risky.” —Father David W. Rhodes, pastor, Youngstown St. Christine Church “War with Iraq, si o no? No! Aside from the fact that a war with Iraq makes no sense, the Natural Law forbids all wars of aggression, which a pre-emptive, undeclared strike on Iraq would be. And why our religious leaders have been so reluctant to say so is indeed curious. Where are the voices of their eminences and their excellencies on one of the most important moral questions of our time? We should be hearing vociferous condemnation of a U.S. invasion of Iraq from every pulpit in the nation, before the subject becomes moot.” Henry Miller, Youngstown Attorney James J. Crisen of Warren, who also opposed intervention, had a viewpoint that differed from that of any other reader who responded. “I am incredulous,” he wrote, “that we have somehow reached a point where the idea of invading another country because we don’t like its leader is something that is even seriously considered. The use by President Bush of the innocuous term ‘regime change’ to describe the overthrow of another sovereign nation’s government is both frightening and despicable. Name me another war fought by the United States in which we unilaterally invaded another country which had not provoked the action itself by attacking another? Has this President decided that we are now an aggressor nation? Isn’t this classic imperialism at its worst?”…. “I believe in the 10 Commandments,” summed up intervention opponent Julie R. Fansler of McDonald. “No war!’   Back to Exponent Menu Printer Friendly Page   Other Articles of 2002   Christmas letter from El Salvador missions thanks diocesan Catholics   Bishop shares views, discussion with Central students   ETC slates Christmas specials throughout the season   My Favorite Christmas Memories   Guidelines on religious ed homeschooling are issued   Local Catholic radio station targets Feb. 1 date   HMs end 98-years of service to Salem St. Paul Parish   Learn ‘language’ of young, youth meet speaker urges   Bishop Tobin: Meeting in D.C. on norms was ‘anxious, tense, difficult’   Priests must ask one another the tough questions, speaker says   Catholic death and funeral rites   Deacons mark 25th with Mass, dinner, memories   Diocesan Ministry Convocation Speaker: Global solidarity, not globalization, should be aim   Jusseaume inaugurated as sixth Walsh president   Diaconate marks 25th anniversary with Oct. 27 fete   New norms sent to priests, deacons on Communion under both kinds   Ashtabula parishes are ‘one Catholic community’   Jusseaume to become Walsh’s sixth president   Charismatic speaker: ‘Church being tested in faithfulness’   Lutheran/Catholic covenant event draws 140 to Walsh   Canton St. Joseph Parish observes centennial celebration   HMHP CEO Michael Rowan   Stewardship speaker: It’s about gratitude and thanking God first   Imagination is key to resolving crisis, priests told   War with Iraq? Expo readers opposed by 81-19%   Newspaper columns didn’t give complete story, official says   Diocesan Ministry Convocation set Oct. 26 at YSU’s Kilcawley   New year brings new faculty, changes at diocesan high schools   Mont St. Michel, Avignon’s papal palace are treasures   Preparing for the priesthood   Entering well-earned retirement, Sr. Marcella’s not slowing down   Warren St. Mary observes 100th year for church building   Lay Ministry Formation program attracting new audience   The cathedrals of France: Monuments of faith in stone   Executive summary of the ad hoc commission on athletics in diocesan high schools   ‘No widespread abuse’ found   Milburn leaving pro-life post to pursue grad studies   Return to France yields history, memories, surprises   Two new members appointed for Diocesan Finance Council   Former SS. C&M school razed, but memories remain   Pastor, 80, keeps busy with ‘lots of interests’   Ravenna IC boasts 5 high school valedictorians for ‘02   Humility Sister Sandy Pedone to profess perpetual vows July 21   NRLC convention filled with good news   ‘Capture the Romance’ is theme for NFP Week   Question of moral evil discussed at Walsh symposium   Notre Dame Sisters will celebrate jubilees July 14   ‘A great lady’ retires   Statement of Bishop Tobin on the meeting of the U. S. Conference   Haladej, Celuch ordained to priesthood, diaconate in Slovakia   Bishop plans implementation of norms on sexual abuse   Kevin McCaffrey, Robert Miller are newest priests   Theologian: ‘Behave toward others as though God were there’   Fr. Bonnot: Use good judgment for TV, movie viewing   MOMS: ‘A place to claim yourself’   Storm ‘changed lives forever’ for Jackson Twp. family   Bishop will ordain Miller, McCaffrey at May 25 ceremony   Update on child abuse   Vicar general addresses issue of not giving priest names to media   New Middletown St. Paul youth — called to be ‘witnesses’ for Christ   New Ursuline Sisters leadership team elected to 6-year term   Two receive first pastorates; two pastors change parishes   Abuse coverage   Walsh University dedicates new ‘David’ campus center   Sisters’ HIV/AIDS ministry critical, heartbreaking   Bishop visits St. Peter’s as rebuilding process begins   Chrism Mass theme: Priests can’t afford discouragement   Bishop’s Appeal stresses meeting needs, funding ministries   Diocese OKs closing Conneaut St. Frances Cabrini K-8; preschool stays   St. Stan’s marks 100th year   Canton St. Joseph choir enjoys ‘incredible trip’   New schools superintendent   Four journeys of faith among hundreds marked here   DPC considers direction, importance of youth ministry   Richard Jusseaume named as Walsh University’s sixth president   Pro-life dinner heralds new beginning in Stark County   Kids at church   Religious day studies resurrection amid culture of violence   Richard Jusseaume named as Walsh University’s sixth president   Keynoter: Eucharist should change us   Speaker: ‘Truth’ key concept in Gospel of John   Parishes offer Lenten missions for spiritual enrichment   Parishes offer Lenten missions, speakers series   Working in Medjugorje   TV anchorman finds faith not incompatible with journalism   Action alert on cloning set in diocese for Feb. 2-3   Austintown parishioner finds fulfillment in El Salvador   ‘Where Faith and Knowledge Meet’   Resisting TEMPTATION: It’s worth the effort, teens say   4th annual Diocesan Pro-life Mass set Jan. 26   Catholic/Lutheran dialogue, death of Walsh president top news   Diocese helping Afghanistan relief   Past Articles From 2001