Double-Checking Protests
To the Editor:
Dartmouth students care about the causes against which they protest. I question, however, the "solutions" they provide to solve the problems of the Iraq issue. I hear from students that we must impose sanctions on the Iraqi government, the international equivalent of frowning upon their buildup of chemical and bioligcal agents. I wonder how many students notice that they fill up their cars with Iraqi crude; Shell and Exxon-Mobil import billions of dollars worth of Iraqi oil. Students could purchase gasoline at a local Citgo, contributing nothing to the Iraqi government. Instead, they preach.
They preach with no understanding of war. Many students here have never even fired a weapon, and wouldn't fight if drafted. It is hard for me to take their anti-war campaigns as anything more than the complaints of ignorant academics.These same people state they want the best for military personnel, but nonetheless argue against increased government spending on the military, which would translate into better equipment and training. Protesters could better spend their time supporting these men and women. While pacifism is a pleasant ideal, an ideal is all it will remain. Sadly, the real world is a far different place than many would like. I would remind anti-war advocates that while they may not wish to see the loss of innocent lives, the Iraqi government just doesn't care.
I suggest that before you light your candles and fly your posters, you take a closer look at whom you wish to help -- ironically the same nation that wouldn't hesitate to leave America awash in chemical and biological toxins.
