Why is that although the news says Americans support Bush and America's aggressive war dance, nobody I've spoken to here thinks this coming war is a good idea. Except maybe my father, who is cryptic about military things in general.
There have been anti-war protests and demonstrations but I think they are ineffective. We can complain all we like, but generals, advisors and others in power are not influenced directly by thousands of rallying citizens. The masses are too easily dismissed, even when they have a good point. If you don't agree, think for a minute of how you disdain groups you don't belong to--football fans, country music listeners, Republicans, cat lovers, customers at the store where you work, clueless computer users...
So what can we do? Think ahead and act now before it's too late. How do we prevent a future conflict? Change attitudes--our own, our friends, and most importantly, those of the people in power. Become the people in power.
The only way to change attitudes is to think carefully and form new opinions. So here is a question to start with: Is "the American way of life" better than the lifestyle in a country you've never been to and only know though media reports? Why? Should "American values" be globally adopted? Do we have the right to impose our lifestyle on others?
Discuss this over dinner with your friends tonight. See what happens.
Kristen,
The polls I've read show an increasing unease with the idea of going to war against Iraq. And more oppose a war than support it if we're doing it alone.
Mass demonstrations *are* effective. It's not the generals who make these decisions, but the president and the congress. They pay attention to the size of crowds, and perhaps more importantly, who is in the crowd. In the Vietnam era, the antiwar demonstrations ended the war. When mainstream Americans started turning out in large numbers, policy makers changed direction. The reason? People who march also *vote*.
Is this about whether "American values" should be adopted around the world? Is anyone proposing to force our lifestyle on others? I certainly hope not, because that is the "clash of civilizations" that we've so far avoided post 9/11.
I think the question is, can we disarm Iraq peacefully? Blix and el Baradei and others believe we can, Bush seems to disagree.
Michael
An interesting thing about the protests is that they are happening now, before the war starts. The protests about Vietnam didn't start until the war was well under way.
Judging from the Bush administration's determination to wage war as soon as possible, these protests may be in vain, but the public sentiment behind them is not. It is particularly important for those people who oppose the war to vote in the next presidential election--and to encourage others to do so as well. There is no way the powers that be can ignore being voted out of office!
Kristen,
For an alternative to mass marching to stop the war, have a look at http://bodyandsoul.blogspot.com/2003_02_01_bodyandsoul_archive.html#88441890.
Kristen,
I think that mass demonstrations do actually work. The problem here is that the majority of the people are behind the president on this issue. My situation is the opposite of yours - the only person of my acquaintance that is opposed to war (and indeed opposed to all forms of violence) is my Mother. Most of the people I know are in favor of forcibly disarming Saddam. The issue of unilateralism is moot....the majority of Europe is with us as well as key allies in the middle east.
I am all for thinking ahead and considering the long-term consequences of our actions. However, you can't always avoid a fight...sometimes the fight finds you.
As far as globally adopting the "American way of life", that is not a simple yes or no answer. For example, I think the people of Iraq could certainly do better with a government elected by the people and with a constitution that codifies basic human rights, but the more vulgar aspects of American life (excessive media influence, fast food, et al), they could certainly do without.
Just my two cents.
Bob
Do the American people support the impending war? Well, yes and no.
In all the polls, we say 'yes' to the question, Do you support a war to disarm Iraq? The support seems to be in the 57-67% range.
But (except for the Washington Post / ABC New poll), only about 1/3 say yes to that if the UN does not support it, and strong majorities favor giving the inspectors more time.
Bush's speech does seem to have strengthened his support, but widespread skepticism remains.
A good summary of recent polls is at http://www.pollingreport.com/iraq.htm and the details of the Post poll are posted at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/vault/stories/data020203.htm.