The war against Iraq in recent weeks has triggered widespread reactions from the American public ranging from unequivocal support of President Bush’s decisions and tactics to equally unequivocal dissent. We as citizens have been able to express our views however we deem appropriate, from organizing pro-peace rallies, informally shouting our beliefs into megaphones at street corners, or spreading our “propaganda” around our city and campus (I would just like to digress here for a moment and point out that spray-painting “No more oil war” on city sidewalks or chalking the walls of SMG are poor methods of exercising the First Amendment right to freedom of speech-vandalism, graffiti, and defacing public property are not only illegal, but cowardly and desperate acts for attention). My point is that we’ve become so wrapped up in spouting our beliefs that we tend to lose sight of the very fact that we ARE able to actively demonstrate our personal opinions about our government, our president, and the decisions that they’ve made that affect the lives of millions not only here, but around the world. I’m writing this letter to ask you to keep two important things in mind during this difficult and unstable time. First of all, before formulating and then propagating any personal opinions, please be informed of the facts. I realize how easy it is to get wrapped up in the collegiate bubble; however, people that are not aware of the MANY facets of the situation should not be making snap judgments. Since I have limited space I am not going to begin enumerating examples that would offer support for either side; needless to say, our present international quandary is a result of decades of events and decisions that have finally been brought to the forefront, and I don’t see how there could be any easy resolution either by peaceful or military means. Secondly, no matter what your position is on our present crisis, remember that there are some 300,000 troops over there (many of whom probably feel the same way you do) that are fighting for us-the citizens of the United States. I have a tremendous amount of respect for them and their efforts, and I think more than anything we need to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. It is also essential to keep in mind that the people over there fighting are not the people in the administration making the decisions, but many are our peers. I am completely astounded by the story of Jessica Lynch; she is nineteen years old-my age-and she’s already fought for our country and survived being taken as a POW, thanks to the dramatic rescue efforts of our soldiers. What have I done that remotely compares to that heroic courage? Nothing. So please, be well-informed citizens, and even if you don’t support our government’s decisions-which is certainly your prerogative-keep our soldiers in your thoughts and prayers, and hope for an imminent resolution. Kara Coffey CAS ’05 (201) 317-1639