Politics and war …

Christian Century, Feb 22, 2003

IN "TASTE for revenge" (Dec. 4-17), James wall expresses disappointment that liberals have not pointed out that we should not use patriotism as an excuse for excesses, especially acts of aggression against Iraq.

If you think about it, though, Democrats had the most to lose by taking a stance against Bush's programs, and so were in more jeopardy had they attempted to counter the trend. A war against Iraq should be seen as high and immoral folly by people regardless of their party affiliation. I'm disappointed that those of other political persuasions have not stood up in opposition. A Republican voice of reason at the time would not have sounded like "just liberal posturing."

Jim Durand
Anchorage, Alaska

I am truly disappointed to see the CENTURY not speak out boldly about the immorality, destructiveness and waste of war. In addition to the waste, this program of war will surely bankrupt our world's and nation's resources and morality and do extreme harm to all of society.

I believe that the Christian way requires men and women to show the intelligence, concern and unselfishness to confront the evil, and I cannot understand the unwillingness of most religious professionals to be shouting NO as strongly as possible.

William H. Whiting
Anna, Ill.