Avoiding name calling

As this is written, our country is not at war, though it appears to be days away. Is this war necessary? Our President, the prime minister of Britain and leaders of several countries say it is, even though millions of their citizens express doubt.

But, as it was once put: "Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, a parliament or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."

By the way, the speaker was Hermann Goering, Nazi Reichsmarshal and Luftwaffe chief, at the Nuremberg trials.

That is not to say Pres. Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair or anyone else who believes we must attack Iraq is a Nazi. But neither is anyone who doubts the necessity of war unpatriotic.

May God bless and save us all.