|
Support wanes Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/war_opposition021014.htmlhttp://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/war_opposition021014.html
http://commondreams.org/headlines02/1015-07.htm
War Worries
Support for Attacking Iraq Begins to Wane Across the U.S.
By Bill Redeker
"America speaks with one voice," says President Bush.
In Washington, Bush, having been empowered by both houses of Congress to use force, seems to face very little opposition on Iraq.
On the streets of America, nothing could be further from the truth.
Across the nation, in city after city, ABCNEWS found voices of opposition, and many of them were from military towns.
"I am not convinced President Bush has yet made the case," said Miles Harvey, a San Diego retiree. San Diego is home port to the Navy's Pacific Fleet, which directly employs more than 100,000 people.
"We have to be convinced that there is a credible threat from Iraq and that's what I haven't seen," said Harvey.
Algene Miller, a Vietnam War veteran, said he was worried about potential casualties.
"You can't have a war without them," he said. "I know, I've been there."
On the other side of the country, in Charleston, S.C. Ñ home to The Citadel military college and Charleston Air Force Base Ñ there is also opposition, especially from those who remember U.S. forces becoming bogged down in Vietnam while losing support back home.
"If the president could show a clear and present danger I would support action against Iraq, but I don't support it without any evidence, " said Robert Rhame, a retired businessman who served in Vietnam.
"To me, our economy is far more important than removing Saddam Hussein from power," he said.
Skepticism Over PresidentÕs Motives
In the Central Plains states, there is concern about the prospect of the United Staets going to war alone.
At a coffee shop in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood, homemaker Christa Rogers said unilateral action would be a mistake. "I think we have to go with other people, other countries, I don't think we can take this on, on our own," she said.
Her friend Cathy Roper agreed. "It all seems too fast," Roper added. "We need to do something, but it seems like it's really being shoved onto everybody, it seems too fast."
In addition to concern over timing and unilateral pre-emptive action, people question the president's motives. Many people told ABCNEWS they thought it was a "diversion from the faltering economy."
Debra Cassens, a businesswoman from San Diego, said it was about revenge.
"Bush is trying to settle a score that began with his father," she said referring to the failed Iraqi assassination attempt on the president's father following the Persian Gulf War.
John Schneider, also from San Diego, said, "I think the president wants to take action to enhance his own position.
"The war powers resolution was timed to benefit those running for election this November," Schneider said.
Although organized demonstrations have yet to produce large crowds, there have been several protests. In Los Angeles, 3,000 people gathered outside the federal building this month and chanted "no war," while a group of American Indians staged a peace dance nearby.
In Portland, Ore., approximately 6,000 people recently crowded the narrow streets to march and be heard while about 10,000 people gathered in New York City's Central Park to oppose war plans.
"What concerns me," said Rhame, the retired Vietnam War vet, "is what we do over there could bring more terror to the United States."
Denver resident Cassens agreed. "We need to build some bridges with the Muslim world, not make things worse," she said.
Contrary to what the president says, when it comes to war, Americans do not speak with one voice. A national day of protest has been scheduled for Oct. 26.
Copyright © 2002 ABC News Internet Ventures.
Click here for Press Information, Terms of Use & Privacy Policy & Internet Safety Information applicable to the site.
|
|
