TANGENTS: Because war stinks, that’s why

Tangents by John Saccenti: Considering the consequences of invading Iraq

By: John Saccenti
   War stinks. People die. Usually a lot of them. I know it seems obvious, and I’m guessing that’s why most people don’t like it.
   On second thought, maybe it’s not as obvious as I think, considering that many people are having a hard time understanding that point of view.
   Listening to representatives of the Bush administration and anyone else who supports war with Iraq, I am struck by one thing — the disdain and contempt they seem to have for people who think differently.
   "How could you not support war with Iraq?" they might ask. "He clearly has weapons of mass destruction. He clearly is a tyrant and he clearly has killed his own people. He needs to be removed."
   This is usually said with a tone that seems to say, "What exactly is it that’s wrong with you?"
   I think it’s obvious. People die in wars. People we know. And people need a strong, convincing argument before letting that happen. We need something stronger than, "Well, it should be quick. Iraq doesn’t stand a chance."
   Talk of invading Iraq has been like a commercial for a bad movie. I’ve seen the commercial so many times that I’m convinced the only way it will go away is if I see it. It has been crammed down our throats so often that any argument against war is beginning to seem illogical even to myself.
   That’s not to say invading Iraq is a bad idea, or even that more debate is needed. Saddam Hussein is an evil man. He has killed his own people. His hatred for the United States is just as strong and unhealthy as our hatred is for him.
   But unless there is a Sept. 11, or Pearl Harbor, it is tough to say "yes, let’s start killing," and shouting down the people who think that way does a disservice to everyone.
   Personally, the only bit of violence I’ve ever felt comfortable supporting is that of a well-timed punch to the nose. The kind you might give to someone in elementary school. Or, a nice smack in the head to someone I know well who does something dumb.
   Unfortunately, making a decision for or against invading Iraq isn’t that simple, and people at least need to be able to question the merits of such an action.
   War stinks. People die. If its supporters could get that through their heads, we might actually have an intelligent discussion on the matter.
   But that’s not very likely, not with all the shouting.
John Saccenti is news editor of The South Brunswick Post. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]