Speaking Of War

 

It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.

––Mark Twain

It seems we are less prudent than people were in Mark Twain’s time, because everywhere we go people seem to be speaking their conscience on the topic of this country’s war with Iraq. That war was just getting under way as The Bee went to press this week, and the debate about its merits is likely to continue in the perilous days and weeks ahead. We have always been champions of vigorous debate, believing that the best solutions to many of our problems precipitate from air that is thick with competing ideas. But when vigor turns to rancor, as happens so often when people are feeling angry and frustrated, the debate can turn destructive.

We realize that people of good will are divided in their opinions of this war. People we know right here in Newtown have taken differing views. They have been so concerned about the fate of our country and the world that they have spoken out publicly, written letters to The Bee, and otherwise put themselves on the record, knowing full well that their beliefs and ideas are likely to be challenged and criticized. We like that. We respect that.

What we do not like or respect are some of the derogatory, disparaging, and contemptuous reactions piled not just on the opinions expressed, but on the people expressing them. Those voicing sincere doubts about the wisdom of this war have been accused of aiding and abetting the enemy, of being anti-American, or worse, of being traitors. Those who do not think it wise to allow a dangerous and duplicitous regime in Iraq to stay in power through deceit and broken promises have been accused of being arrogant warmongers intent on ruining America’s reputation around the world. They do not deserve such abuse for simply speaking their minds.

If we are dedicated to defending and promoting democracy around the world either through diplomacy or, when necessary, by projecting force, we should be equally dedicated to living with the results of democracy at home. Let us disagree wholeheartedly, but let us do so with the underlying assumption that the opposition is loyal opposition interested, as we all are, in a better America and a better world.

Finally, we would like to take special notice of a class of citizens who have voluntarily put aside their rights to independent thought and action for the good of the country. These are the men and women of the military who have committed themselves to following orders and doing what they are told, even at great personal risk and sacrifice. Representative as they are of the general population, not all of them may agree with the politics that have led us to war, but they are fulfilling their commitment to serve when called upon to serve. Regardless of what one thinks of this war with Iraq, these men and women deserve our unanimous support and thanks.