TCU Daily Skiff Friday, April 2, 2004
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Protesters do nothing to promote peace

Ashley Earnest is a junior accounting major from Houston.

Along with the anniversary of the war in Iraq over Spring Break came the war protests. I think the biggest problem with people who hold peace protests is their naivety. As humans, we all desire peace, but in some cases, it is not the way to approach a situation. I commend these idealistic people who want there to be peace — but that is just not practical in these times.

The Middle East is not an area based upon peace. Since biblical times, it has been inhabited by hostile, warlike people. It is an area that this country must approach with much care and guard.

Anti-war protesters have great ideals, and it is their right as Americans to demonstrate, but I don’t think it is appropriate right now. The people we are trying to defeat hate us more than we will ever know. People who desire peace think they are doing well by claiming that our American bombs only cause problems. The truth is, they helped deliver Iraq from a tyrant and using force has helped disable terrorist organizations.

I think a lot of people believe they are doing the world good by carrying signs around that claim peace. The fact is, many people in these countries would throw a bomb right in their face. What good is a sign when there is so much hatred? There is a time for peace, and there is a time for war.

Protesters also claim that they are pro-soldier, and they very well may intend to be. But in reality, they are mocking the work and sacrifice of the men and women of the armed forces. They are thrusting a bad name on the ideals our soldiers are fighting for every day. What do you think it does to a soldier’s morale when he hears of his own countrymen disparaging his efforts to make a better world? Although it may sound good to bring all our soldiers home, without them fighting overseas, we might not have a safe place to call home.

The bottom line is, you don’t act canny and wait with hope of peace when dealing with terrorists. Our country found this out too late. A very pro-active approach should be taken, because it makes no sense to wait until more innocent people are killed. People disagree with the war in Iraq, but Saddam Hussein posed a great threat. We tried to take the peaceful approach for 12 years while waiting for him to comply with Resolution 1441.
We have gone over there with goals, and have done a good job in bringing democracy. There very well may be others that rise up to hit us again, but at least we are taking an active role in fighting them.

Peace talks are not going to do the trick because the terrorists we have been trying to rid the world of are not rational people. They would laugh at an American who wanted to shake hands and make peace. The sooner people figure that out, the better.
 
 
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