As America marches toward war in Iraq, the citizens are faced with a
choice. Do we sit back and allow our Government to bully other countries
with its superior power? Do we allow George Bush to use the possibility
that Iraq has armed itself, though certainly not in such a devastating
manner as America has armed itself, as an excuse to carry out his own
agenda at the expense, not only of our military but also at the expense
of our own security not to mention the national budget? Bush and his
contemporaries have not presented any evidence that Iraq is a threat,
leaving the citizens to wonder, is this really about oil? Or is it a
personal vendetta?

Who is the greater threat to world peace? Who determines who has the
right to expend the lives of American soldiers in an effort that will
not only turn us into terrorists, but will put our own homeland at risk
of nuclear attack? Our Government has not asked the American people what
we think. Our entire country is being put at risk and no one has asked
us if we are willing to accept this eventuality for such a meaningless
cause.

I do not care if Iraq is armed, every country with any sense is armed. I
don't care if Saddam is a dictator, if his people need help ousting him,
they will ask for it. I don't believe Osama and his buddies are hiding
in Iraq, Bush has such tunnel vision he's not bothering to look. I don't
blame Saddam for being difficult about inspections, since we betrayed
him during the Gulf War by using inspections as an excuse to get inside
his country to decide where we should bomb first, fully intending to
attack whether he cooperated or not. And I don't care about oil. If Bush
were so concerned about our dependence on foreign oil, he would have put
money into alternative fuel research long before now (Yes, I am aware of
the doggy biscuit he threw out in the State of the Union address and I'm
not impressed.). I am not surprised at the counter threats made by Iraq,
I'd make counter threats too. I am not convinced by Powell's immature
display.

I have more opinions, but such language is not suitable for public
boards.

On February 15th, massive protests are planned in cities all over the
world. Not just America, for our brothers and sisters overseas will
stand up WITH the American people AGAINST the American government's
terrorist actions.

I am a patriot. I love my country. I support my military. I fear for my
country and I will stand in the icy winds holding a picket sign in my
numb little fingers on the off chance that someone will listen, in order
to protect it. We need your help, because only immense numbers will make
them listen. Only the loud, collective voice of the people will turn the
heads of those sheltered men and women who seek to decide our fate
without asking. If you disagree with the path President Bush is leading
the American people down, I urge you to join me and other people who
want their voices heard.

If you can get to New York or San Francisco on the weekend of February
15-16 for the big marches and rallies, come -- because the numbers are
vitally important. If you can't make it to either of these locations,
check out www.unitedforpeace.org for rallies, marches and vigils near
you.

The New York March and Rally is on February 15, in solidarity with
marches in capitols all over the world, and is sponsored by United for
Peace and Justice.

The San Francisco March and Rally is on February 16, and begins at
Justin Hermann Plaza, at 11 AM, and marches to the Federal Building.

As for the meets part, if anyone would like to freeze their butts off
with me, I'll meet you on the 15th in Lansing at 12:30 on the grounds of
Michigan State University (you can meet my sister too, won't she be
surprised).

For more details about any of these, go to www.unitedforpeace.org
I'm not affiliated, they've just got a really nifty search engine.

To paraphrase the words of a wise man- I will die for a just cause, but
I will not kill for this cause.

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Ios, in the year 92 MA.