Power of expression

Recent developments in U.S. foreign relations prove the truth of the old saying: Be careful what you ask [pray] for because you just might get it.

Weeks ago, Pres. George W. Bush began making statements about the need to launch a military attack against Iraq because, he said, of the danger it posed to the United States.

There was an immediate outcry of support and opposition. Both opponents of an attack and the undecided asked "Why?", "Why now?", "What then?" and "How will it affect the Arab world?" Obviously, these and many other questions needed answers. And the media referred to it as "the possibility of war against Iraq."

Weeks later, even though the questions remain unanswered, now the issue is framed as "when we attack Iraq" rather than "if we attack Iraq."

Part of the reason for the change is that both houses of Congress voted to support the President's plans. But an even bigger reason for the switch appears to be the repeated insistence of the Bush administration that war against Iraq is necessary, no other proof required. Don't ever doubt the power of words.