War, Past & Present

Posted in Tidbits on December 7, 2001

Today marks two war-related anniversaries — the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the 2 month anniversary of the United States’ war on Afghanistan. Click the “Read More…” link for some things to discuss.

The latest: The last Taliban stronghold, Kandahar, has fallen. The new Afghan government has gotten off to a shaky start. And Attorney General Ashcroft continues to defend his actions, despite growing concern that he has overstepped his boundaries.

I can’t help but wonder what people will say about this war, 60 years from now. It doesn’t appear much has changed. Someone hit us, so we’re hitting back — harder. Ashcroft is rounding up men of Middle Eastern descent — not unlike the Japanese-American internment. Which makes me wonder: should I feel better about this war, or worse about that one?

I support fighting terrorism, but I’m not sure about some of the decisions being made. Considering the things at stake (people’s lives, freedom, security), it would be nice to see some sign that the decision-makers are really thinking these things through. What do you think? What about this war do you support, and what about it makes your stomach churn?