Aggressive tactics may be attempt to force change

To the editor:

Recently yet another former military heavyweight -- Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf -- publicly expressed his concern about the administration's haste to commit our troops to a war with Iraq. Many other U.S. citizens also view President Bush's apparent impatience to attack Iraq with disbelief, and for good reason. Killing and maiming innocent citizens is how we define terrorism, and defeating Iraq by force would destroy thousands of innocent lives. This unnecessary (and, therefore, immoral) behavior is the basis for the growing international and domestic resistance to the administration's pursuit of war.

Although the evidence strongly suggests that Bush is acting out of greed for Iraqi oil, maybe he is more patient and compassionate than we realize. Perhaps the mobilization of troops and threatening rhetoric are his strategy to create and maintain enough pressure to ensure that the United Nations continues to aggressively pursue the inspection process. Perhaps the United Nations will continue to improve its ability to locate and neutralize any remaining weapons of mass destruction while concurrently addressing the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. Perhaps the Iraqi people, strengthened by the goodwill of the international community, will eventually find a way to deal with their infamous dictator. By initiating these changes without directly attacking Iraq, the United States would regain international respect, and President Bush would reap the benefits of a citizenry that again overwhelmingly embraces him as a leader rather than one who is being led by special interests. Let's speak up and pray for patience and compassion.

JIM MAGINEL

Cape Girardeau