i am just stunned at how simplistically dubya sees the world.

does he think that by dropping bombs on iraq, that will solve anything? does he understand that a madman like sadaam may use this opportunity to nail the poor kurds, or the israelis? and of course, the israelis, known for taking shit from no one, would probably not hesitate to retaliate. that, in turn, would likely give many arab nations the provocation to go after israel. those nations may have told dubya that they are in a coalition with him, but many have such a tenuous grasp on their populations that they would perhaps rather go after israel than stay the proverbial course with america.

does he think that by removing sadaam hussein and his sons from the country that he will quickly fix the country's problems? as if he will fill the vacuum with something better? let's take a look at afganistan, shall we? they may have have a peaceful person in power there (compared to the religious freaks who reigned for so long), but there are still warlords who disagree and bicker and plot mayhem over land and power. it will be years before the place is peaceful, if ever. you cannot simply remove a leader from a country and expect peace and democracy, especially in places where peace and democracy have been strangers for eons.

i fear terrorists. i live in the epicenter of the free world, and i always pray each day that my children will grow up safely and happily. moments like this make me very, very sad. and it is frustrating to me that we have a president whom i did not vote for who leads this country in ways in which i do not agree. and i feel powerless. i can't believe i am the only one who feels this way. but all the peace rallies in the world will not make any changes with this man.

at this time, all i can think of is a song by sting. though it was written in the 1980s during the cold war, its lyrics still resonate, albeit with different nations and different leaders.

“Russians” -Sting

In Europe and America, there's a growing feeling of hysteria
Conditioned to respond to all the threats
In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets
Mr. Krushchev said we will bury you
I don't subscribe to this point of view
It would be such an ignorant thing to do
If the Russians love their children too

How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy
There is no monopoly in common sense
On either side of the political fence
We share the same biology
Regardless of ideology
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children too

There is no historical precedent
To put the words in the mouth of the President
There's no such thing as a winnable war
It's a lie that we don't believe anymore
Mr. Reagan says we will protect you
I don't subscribe to this point of view
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children too

We share the same biology
Regardless of ideology
What might save us, me, and you
Is that the Russians love their children too