Jerry Thompson, I read your diatribe “A pox on ‘cheerleaders'” in the Feb. 4, Northern Star. I would like to point out I am an anti-war protester, yet do not fit into any of the categories of protester you so callously denouce.

It is obvious you are speaking in ignorance of the thoughts and beliefs of myself and many of my fellow peace activists. I’m appalled.

I in no way support Saddam Hussein. It is clear he is ruthless and dictatorial. I certanly would not elect him as my leader.

But, let’s look at Mr. Bush: he’s the guy who invades his neighbors in Panama, defies the United Nations when they condemn his “allies” and leads an army bent on killing as many Iraqi troops as he can. Is this the man I am to support?

I believe in the principles laid down in our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. I am fulfilling my duty as a patriotic American by voicing my concern that the current leaders of my nation are not acting in my best interest.

You speak repeatedly of the dangers posed by the peace activists; consider the dangers of a populace that fails to question the actions of their leadership.

If the goal of the United States is truly peace, a more direct route would be to discontinue the use of war to force this “New World Order” upon the rest of the world.

The United States would gain more respect from the world if we were willing to provide global leadership in seeking non-military solutions to regional conflicts.

Instead, it is clear Bush’s “New World Order” will be established not by diplomacy, negotiation, or international law, but by military prowess.

This is not the America I was raised to believe in and I will not support this subjugation of America to the will of the oil companies and the military industrial/complex.

I ask you to inform yourself about those you condemn.

Come to the rallies and meetings, see for yourself that the true spirit of America lies not in the symbols of our nation, nor in the overflowing arsenals, but in the hearts and minds of those Americans who seek to fulfill the promises of our great land by exercising their freedom to speak openly and question the motives of our leaders.

Dave Okar

Graduate Student

Chemistry