Q: Do you think Operation: Iraqi Freedom is necessary?
A: Absolutely. The reason it is needed is because the Iraqis have not fully disarmed. They were told that if they did not comply with the UNSC 1441, severe consequences would result. Usually that means military action. Because of their lack of compliance, it is time to take action.
Q: If you were in the president’s shoes, what would you be doing differently?
A: I may not have used so light a force. I would use five weeks of bombing like we did in Desert Storm. The president figures if we capture Baghdad the rest is promising.
Q: What do you think is the underlying reason we are at war?
A: Unfinished business from the Gulf War of 1991. It was a huge mistake not to remove Saddam then, but mainly it is because of September 11. The Czech Intelligence Service shows there might be some ties with Saddam and September 11. We have become more conscious. We worry about weapons of mass destruction getting into the hands of terrorists. September 11 was just crashing planes. What if someone had a vile of anthrax or VX; a dot of that liquid on your skin could destroy you in seconds. Things could be worse and make September 11 look mild.
Q: If you had been drafted, could you see yourself defending the country?
A: Absolutely! I did what was required of me at the time. The day after I turned 18 I registered for Selective Service. The only reason I did not do it on my birthday is because it was a Sunday and I could not get to the post office for a stamp. I maintained registration until I was 26, which is what the law required. Even when I changed addresses I let the government know, in case they needed me.
Q: Do you think protests accomplish anything during wartime?
A: No. I think there is a time and a place for everything. Saying ‘do not go to war’ is kind of late right now. Anti-war protestors have a right, but I would like to see them muted and less frequently. I saw a poll that said 79 percent of Americans are for war. The best thing to do is to get behind the troops. We can bring them home once the war is over.
Q: Do you believe America is supporting its troops enough?
A: By and large, yes. Protestors are very few. It is always someone from the group who reports how many people there are. They are just exaggerating to make themselves look bigger. People have been organizing care packages. I have even seen anti-Iraq bumper stickers. There is also an effort to e-mail the troops. I am glad to see the president has the vast support of the American people. I am gratified we have a president like Bush who wants to do the right thing, even if it is not popular.
Q: Do you think there will be more terrorist attacks in the United States?
A: Absolutely. Unfortunately, I think terrorism is going to become a way of life. The FBI and the CIA have gotten better. After September 11 they stopped over 100 attacks. It is not so much that terrorists have stopped trying, but we have gotten better.
Q: What are your feelings on the media’s coverage of the war?
A: I have been satisfied with FOX, MSNBC, the Washington Times and local papers. I am disappointed in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Washington Post and CNN. I do not know if anybody watches CNN. The New York Times and CNN have been against the war months ago. They are being less than supportive and putting a negative spin on things.
Q: What do civilians need to prepare themselves for?
A: the casualties they will see on TV every night and possible reprisal attacks. This area is target rich. New Orleans is too because it attracts tourists.
Q: What do you think about the duck tape situation?
A: That was ridiculous. Most people do not know what to do; they are just getting hysterical. With September 11, people accused Bush of knowing what was going to occur. Now to avoid that from happening again he is giving too much advice. In order to keep the gas out of your house, you have to keep air out. Keeping the air out will make you suffocate. It is needless worry. I do not hesitate to criticize when I think the president says something dumb.
Q: How do you think the war will result?
A: We are definitely going to win. However, it will take longer because we are trying to be politically correct. We are trying not to kill civilians to appease international opinions. We are playing by the rules because we are not shooting mosques. Only a few civilians have been killed. We could go to Baghdad and flatten them, but we do not want to do that. We want to liberate them. It is probably going to take two to three months.
