I Oppose the War in Iraq
[ My Opposition to the War ] [ Links for Peace ] [ I Lay Down My Sword ]
My Opposition to the War
When I went to the peace rally in San Francisco in February, I ended up feeling like I wasn't accomplishing much. I do think it's important to speak out, when you have a strong feeling about something that affects a lot of people, so I'm glad I went, and I support and appreciate other protesters here and around the world; but as I've learned from picketing Scientology offices, I may be able to get my message out to more people via the web ... and I can certainly say what I have to say more clearly and offer links to more information.
At the protest in February, my sign read,
I OPPOSE THE WAR
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Other slogans I've thought about include
I SUPPORT
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I BELIEVE IN
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As I understand the U.S. Constitution, only the Congress can declare war. Although the Congress passed a resolution supporting the President and the troops, as of this writing, I have not seen an official, legal declaration of war.
It troubles me greatly that our allies, and the world community to which we belong, are opposed to this war, and yet we attacked anyway. I don't believe a unilateral act of aggression is likely to increase our prospects for peace. I fear that initiating this war will endanger Americans, as well as citizens of other countries, in the long run.
A member of my family is in the service, in the Middle East. I want him to come home safe and in one piece. I am not convinced that there is a threat to U.S. safety that justifies his presence there, that justifies putting him in danger.
I do believe Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden have done horrible, violent things. I do not believe the U.S. attack is likely to decrease violence in the Middle East or reduce the probability of terrorist attacks against the U.S.
I believe in waging peace. I think there are many, many ways the U.S. can do that.
Links for Peace
Please visit some of these links. If you want to see the U.S. move toward peace, please take action (peaceful, non-violent action) and contribute in some way.
Move On (moveon.org), Democracy in Action
American Friends Service Committee
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War
A Song: I Lay Down My Sword
This song was inspired by the first U.S. war against Iraq.
I don't always feel this way, but I do aspire to feel this way.
I Lay Down My Sword
This is not surrender This is not a dare I have found a place between here and there I have found it futile Fighting war with war So I will sing and play, but fight no more This is my resistance, this is my defense I have no enemies if I declare them friends I am through with conflict, I will seek accord On this day, I lay down my sword I've thrown out the models And the metaphors I will free my words and thoughts of wars I will learn to listen I will heal my hate I will walk halfway to meet my fate I won't even argue Or try to change your mind I will leave my fighting words behind But if your fists will open I will take your hands Work to weave your steps into my dance I will lay distractions all along your way You can't wage a battle when you're hard at play I will take the path that's been too long ignored On this day, I lay down my sword I will not be absent I won't disappear I will feel the loss and feel the fear But I won't fight to help you Nor to make you cease I will try my best to live in peace This is my decision - one woman's choice If no one will hear, I still will raise my voice I will dream a day when partnership's restored But on this day, I lay down my sword
I can imagine some responding to the line "I have no enemies if I declare them friends" by saying "But they attacked us first!"
To that, I would say two things:
First of all, there is no evidence that I know of linking Saddam Hussein to the September 11 attacks on the U.S.
Second, while I do believe in the right to self-defense, I am also aware of the futility - and long-term total destructiveness - of back-and-forth retaliatory violence.
I am inspired by the reactions of people who have lived through devastating, terrorizing violence, and come out with an unshakeable belief in the power of non-violence. The people who have inspired me most recently are Dr. Martin Luther King; Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan, who together won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work to make peace in Ireland; and John Hume and David Trimble, who also jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work to make peace in Ireland.
I was raised in a Christian tradition that taught me to love my enemy as myself. I try to imagine how I would feel if Saddam Hussein or Osama bin Laden (or the president of North Korea or the unknown leader of some small terrorist group) were my brother. How do you respond to someone you know, and love, who is loved by others you love ... who may also be trying to kill you? I don't know the answer to that question, but I think it's an important question to consider.
I want to be safe from violence, and I want others to be safe from violence. I don't think the U.S. attack on Iraq will make more people safe from violence.
Dr. Martin Luther King at the Nobel Museum
Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan at the Nobel Museum
John Hume and David Trimble at the Nobel Museum
This page was last updated on March 3, 2004 by Kristi Wachter.