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3-14-03 Stuart James THIRTY SECONDS FROM MIDNIGHT Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, on
NBC last week, was asked: Is this country is going to war? He
replied, “We are thrity seconds from midnight.” The United States spent the last few months
building troops in the Middle East. By recent reports, we have 200,000,
or more, troops in the Middle East. Our troops are waiting for the clock
to strike twelve. Secretary Cohen, during his interview, stated we
are at the point of “no return.” Secretary Cohen believes the
massive buildup is a strong indicator of the President’s decision: We
are going to war. The military stands ready, the President stands
ready; but the world, and many Americans, do not stand
ready—particularly if we act alone. Polls show the majority of Americans oppose
going to war without world support. Many in Europe are conducting
massive peace demonstrations opposing the war. Great Britain’s Prime
Minister, Tony Blair, faces great opposition regarding his support of
our war. Regardless of what our President wishes to
do--military action in Iraq faces serious opposition, and doubt.
Presidents, however, must make controversial, and difficult, decisions.
If Secretary Cohen is right, this President made the most controversial,
and difficult, decision of his career. History will judge whether the
decision is wise. Regardless of the “wisdom” of the
President’s decision, our soldiers, and innocent civilians, will lose
their lives. Moreover, the “nation building” aspect of this war
could cost billions. Our troops could be in Iraq for months, if not
years. The consequences of this war are unknown. No matter how we feel about this war, one thing
is for certain—our troops deserve our support, our thoughts, and our
prayers. When the clock strikes twelve, there is no turning back.
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