Agree or not, it is our duty to support

It's with a heavy heart, that I sit down to try to write an entertaining (bit of) column.

The experts predict war in Iraq is fewer than 24 hours away.

With some 300,000 troops at the ready in the Iraqi neighborhood, and President Bush's ultimatum passed without heed, I know war will soon begin.

I don't have any family members in the service today. They've been there in the past, but it doesn't make it any easier. I know a few people moving from Kuwait to Iraq, but it doesn't matter.

No matter who. Not matter what side. People will lose their sons, daughters, husbands, uncles and wives. Someone's heart will break and thousands will need to find ways to go on.

I'm no studied scholar of terrorism, the crimes of Saddam Hussein or the United Nations. This may be why I can't help feeling undecided about this war. I do not question our military and refuse to take a stand against our leader. I can't say he's wrong and for all the money in the world I would not want to make this call.

If it costs one life, and I'm sure it has by the time you read this, I would not do well with that on my conscience. I would rather suit up and fight it out than make the call.

To be fair, I would not want to be the one who could -- but didn't -- make the call. The what ifs are too many, too terrible to imagine. Deployment of troops and bombing raids is sure to cause loss, but the loss possible from dirty bombs, biological weapons and weapons of mass destruction is unimaginable.

I agree that we could not wait. Since Sept. 11, 2001, taking a chance is no longer an option.

We can only hope the war is swift, the losses few. Our hearts and prayers should be with the 300,000 men and women on the front lines, those in the air and sea who have agreed to follow our president's orders and fight for freedom: not only ours but freedom from terrorism world wide.

It's a tough call made by President Bush and one not unilaterally supported and that is how it should be.

If we became so powerful the nations worldwide followed us without question what a neighborhood bully we'd become. We are already rich and powerful, we need not also be believable.

Disagreement with the United States will and should be the call of the free world. If they could not disagree would they be free?

It is easy to disagree with those who disagree with you. Harder to find a common ground. But it is the struggle for a common ground that makes us free. And ultimately the ability to act without unilateral support that keeps us free.

We must remember though, that disagreement and nonsupport are different from aiding the enemy. Those who disagree on principle may disagree. To fund terrorist efforts, to squirrel away fugitives or attack is deserving of retaliation: unrestrained, unnegotiated retaliation.

As bombs begin dropping in Iraq, as our homeland security is ratcheted up and our lives affected, we must remember to support those who have risked life and family. It is our duty.

Kelli Du Fresne is features editor for the Nevada Appeal.