It is and should be our decision. Our democracy is on trial.

The case has not been made, because it cannot be made. We are told that Iraq has or might get weapons of mass destruction and they might use them. So do we. So do most of the major countries of the world. Some have nuclear. Most have or could have biological or chemical weapons they can use. Where does it stop? The more countries we offend the more dangerous it will be to be an American both at home and abroad.

The administration's negative response to Iraq's agreement to give the inspectors unfettered access creates even more doubt. The world is increasingly suspicious of our motives. Oil and power--revenge and reelections--greed and profits are the questions in everybody's minds, that few dare to speak.

We are told frequently how rich and powerful we are. How much are we willing to risk to become even richer and more powerful? We are like Aesop's Fable's dog. Standing on a bridge with a huge bone in his mouth, the dog sees his reflection in the water and thinks that dog has a bigger bone. He opens his mouth to get the bigger bone and loses what he has.

No matter how many laser satellites or nuclear weapons we build, no matter how many countries we bribe and intimidate or threaten, the world will not long tolerate one country dominating it. Power and pride have seduced many leaders, but sooner or later they all fall. The rest of the world has the same inherent desire for self determination that we have. Throughout the centuries leaders who try to deny the aspirations of the people have suffered defeat.

We have only one real chance for long term security for ourselves and for those who follow us. While we are still in ascendancy, we can help build a world so fair and just that none feel threatened. We can work so obviously for the good of all that none will want to attack us. We saw the difference in the world's response between the way we treated our defeated enemies after World War One and World War Two.

Once the causes and consequences of the war become apparent, I have little doubt that the American people will turn against the war and that President Bush will meet the same fate as Lyndon Johnson.

Despite the reticence we all feel towards expressing our differences with those in power, most Americans are either questioning or already against our going to war. Most Americans think we already have too many problems. We cannot afford another war.

There is a major disconnect between the American people and their government. As American citizens, it would be far better for us to tell the President what we think. Now is the time, while we have a chance to avoid all the pain and suffering. It will be hard to back track at this stage, but we still have a chance. We can accept Iraq's compliance with the UN about inspectors. We can ratchet down our rhetoric. It is always easier to avoid a war than to stop one.

The call to war is mistakenly sold as patriotism, but it is because we love our country that we seek to guide it away from tragedy.

Our country has led the world for decades in creating a world of good will and concern for each other. We have helped create the United Nations and other organizations and treaties to solve world problems, prevent wars and meet the needs of this planet. Are you willing to let all that be lost by an administration that has turned its back on world opinion and the rights of others to govern themselves?

If not, what are you going to do about it? Call or write your elected officials and tell them. Be sure that you vote. Elections are our chance to select the path our country will take. The future is in your hands.

Midge Miller
213 DuRose Terrace
Madison, WI 53705