Your Thoughts on Iraq |
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The
Thought for the Day published a comment from Jonathan's
daughter, Minnie. Many readers responded. Below is
a 'snapshot' of some the emails received since then.
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Dear Jonathan,
I have a brother currently serving with the Royal
Marine Commandos out in the Gulf. I took no part in
the protest marches because I disapproved with what
they had to say. But I will defend their right to
say it. Why? Because, ultimately, we all want the
same thing. Peace. Tell your daughter that - like
my brother - she has a role to play. Her message has
been seen and heard. She may see her efforts as a
failure in the short term but people like her will
carry these messages forward into the future. And
please - spare a thought for those, like me, who desperately
need their loved ones home safe and well. Thank you.
Jackie
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Re: Iraq - With regard to Minnie's comment.
I would say to Minnie. Yes it was important to go on
the March if it was important to her. She demonstrated
her democratic right to be heard in what is still a
democratic country. It may not seem to have made a difference
but I am sure that the voices of the people demonstrating
have been heard and considered - that is how it should
be in a democratic country. I have to say at this point
that I would not have been on the March because I believe
that the Prime Minister made a very difficult decision
to engage in War with Iraq based on information that
we do not have access to. However, I do not wish to
try to persuade you to believe as I do nor do I wish
to be persuaded to believe as you do. This is democracy
and this is what is being fought so hard for. When I
went to Tilly Sur Seule in France to visit my brother
in-law's Uncle George's grave, only 21 years old in
1944, I was struck by a phrase in the visitor's book.
"Freedom is taken for granted by those who inherit it
never by those who fought for it". Perhaps, having lived
in a free world since Uncle George gave his life so
that we could do so, we need to acknowledge that the
men and women fighting in Iraq today are fighting and
giving their lives so that you and I can continue to
enjoy that freedom and that those in Iraq will finally
have a taste of what freedom is. Let Minnie and others
continue to voice their views whether we agree or not
but let there never be a time when Minnie cannot say
what she wants because of fear.
Pam
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Dear Jonathan,
First of all, I would like to mention here, that I like
reading your horoscope predictions, as u make it very
entertaining and add good humour 2 it. I always read
your horoscope @ the end of the day, 2 c what u have
said generally for a particular star sign, relates in
any manner to the events that have taken place for me
through out the day. I have to say most of the time
you are quite accurate.
Coming down to your query, if your readers have any
suggestions to the very practical question your daughter
asked. I have 2 say, she is very analytical for a child.
The peace marches globally, quite frankly, will have
no effect @ all. The US has already started its war
campaign against Iraq and will not stop, till its objective
is not achieved.
As a victim of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, I am one of
the few people who support the ouster of Saddam Hussein
and his regime. The people who march against the war,
have not experienced the torture of the Iraqi army,
nor have their livelihood been effected because of the
invasion. When i saw, Baghdad govt bldgs being bombed,
I finally felt Justice is being served. I saw students
marching against the war, saying we are doing this it,
for the students in Iraq. Those protestors of war, have
just seen reports on news media channel and have formed
an opinion. It is not fair to people who have suffered
in the hands of Saddam Hussein's regime.
So, back to your daughter's very intelligent question,
how does one really answer that question explaining
and justifying every person's point of view. I am not
married and hence no children, but if I had a child
who asked me a question like that, I guess I would also
take time to think on my answer, but would reply, "As
citizens of the world, and as people with a conscience,
we have to do our part, we have to make our effort to
stand up for what we truly believe in. So, if we truly
believe that a peace march will help stop a war, then
we have to go for a march, whether it has an effect
or not. @ the end of the day, we have to be TRUE to
ourselves and our beliefs.
I hope in some way, my answer, helps you think of a
right answer to give a growing mind, trying to understand
the ways of the world, the future generation of the
world, who might have some part, even though small or
maybe big, in shaping future politics and our world.
Thanking you,
Regards,
Rajeev C. Hinduja. Ceo, RCH International.
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Dear Jonathan
Someone at work said the exact same thing to me yesterday
and she looked totally defeated. I said "Are you kidding??"
The world has never more united - or vocal - about anything.
This unity in itself is not a waste - since nothing
like it has been seen before, it's potential is exciting!
OK, we haven't avoided violence completely but things
can only be seen from a relative point of view. We are
in a better position than if no-one had raised an eyebrow
of concern at all - surely! The reasonable people of
the world have created an energy - and it is quite force.
As long as people DON"T get defeated and back down,
I truly believe it will achieve amazing, worldspread
effects. I also want to take the opportunity to say
what a daily inspiration this site is to me. Thankyou.
Suzanne (Capricorn)
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