Hayden Abroad

Dispatches from Somewhere in the World

Monday, May 28, 2007

The War Goes On. Stop It Now.

Everyday I find myself thinking about it at some point. But today is Memorial Day 2007, and it seems appropriate to write something.

The war in Iraq is in its fourth year and President Bush has noted, stubbornly and repeatedly, that he will not end it. More American soldiers and Iraqis are dying, and the situation has only worsened over time. Too much suffering has occurred needlessly, and it´s an illusion to believe that the situation will somehow it will magically ameliorate itself in the future. The American people have turned against this war, and the Iraqi people certainly don´t want us there. Yet we are still sending soldiers to die.

I´ve been fortunate to spend the last four years of my life studying, working, and traveling, meeting people and seeking to understand this world in diverse ways. It makes me sad that so many young American men and women in the military, just my age, have not had the same chance. They are fighting and dying for lies, and that is a tragedy and a crime.

Looking forward, one thing is clear: This war won't end unless the American people demand that it end.

It´s time -- past time, in fact -- to stop this war now.