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Waiting for war is agonizing for everyone

The waiting is agonizing.
I remember when the Gulf War started. I was shopping at Kingersí Market in Rush City. Over the loud speaker came the words, ìthe war has begun.î
It was so incredibly bizarre. For weeks and days beforehand we waited for a war to begin, realizing it would be extreme violence that would mean death and injury and destruction. People got video tapes ready so they could record it in their homes for posterity.
It was difficult believing that war could be so planned, so predicted that we would wait for it, and then begin day-by-day replays of the events like it was a national celebration. That kind of publicity belongs to the Olympics.
Well, itís happening again.
We have been prepared by a president that insists war is necessary. We have apparently not been told everything about why this action is necessary, and many donít and canít understand it.
Some say ìblow ëem up,î others say ìremember the humanity.î I am personally torn, but I would desperately like to think that a solution could be reached in a peaceful way.
I see pictures of a country that is bleak and bare. I do not see any signs of the 21st century where the ordinary people are living.
Dirt, sand and rock prevail. I see poor medical and educational facilities. I donít see fancy cars, snowmobiles, four-wheelers, kids on bikes, skateboards, swing sets, lush green parks or split-level homes with three-car garages. What have they got that we should take away?
I understand that they live like this because Saddam Hussein keeps the wealth to himself. I understand there are many things about Iraq that need to be changed.
I donít know if maiming, killing and blasting away at what little they have will accomplish this. And I donít think we have enough technological skills to hit only specific targets without affecting the ordinary people of the country. Besides, these poor souls may very well be used as shields by the ruling regime.
Here at home we are split on our views, and that makes if difficult to be a patriotic American. Our military people could suffer disdain such as was present during the Vietnam war. Todayís soldiers are people who have willingly come forward to defend our country and all for which it stands. They deserve our encouragement, support and prayers.
Today we have mothers, fathers, sons and daughters on call to defend us. They leave behind babies, fiancees, sick family members, spouses and children that need comfort and support.
Whatever we do, we cannot put the blame on our military personnel for doing their duty. We must be there for them as they leave, while theyíre away and when they return.
If you think itís agonizing sitting in a comfortable home in East Central Minnesota waiting for the ìwarîto begin, imagine how it must be for our soldiers stationed across the sea.

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