War in Iraq: Marion County citizens respond
By ERIC CLARK
Staff writer
While the nation waits and watches the United States' military efforts in the war against Iraq, many in the Marion County area continue to contemplate the effects of the war on community life.
According to some local citizens, the nation's involvement in the war is a necessary evil.
Marion resident and retired banker Matthew Classen said that "everyday life" continues to "press-on," despite the war and a growing concern for the soldiers in combat.
"I got my coffee like I always do," Classen said. "We just aren't touched by (the war) around here. These wars are so quick anymore that, one way or another, it probably won't last very long."
Taking a mid-morning stroll while walking her son's two dogs, Hillsboro's Jean Krebs shares the same sentiment as Classen about day-to-day life amidst the war and her continued support for President George W. Bush.
"War hasn't really changed our routine," Krebs said. "I'm behind our president 100 percent and I'm very proud to be an American. Overall, I think people are very much against this war. The problem is that none of us really know exactly what is going on over there."
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein fuels the growing conflict in the Middle East war that already had claimed the lives of five Americans as of Friday afternoon. According to Classen and others in the county, he is unquestionably the central figure in the war against terrorism.
"It's unfortunate that it had to come to war, but I think there needs to be a change in Iraq," Classen said. "There's a chance that (Saddam Hussein) is a real threat to the world."
Warren Slocombe of Peabody said he believes Hussein is a "brutal leader," and that something needs to be done.
"Someone needs to stop the brutality that he is inflicting on his people, and prevent the future possibility of terrorism in our country," Slocombe said. "Several of our Peabody-area citizens have been called up in this war. I'd definitely say that our community is affected by (the war)."
Meanwhile, anti-war protesters have taken to the streets in large numbers across the world in opposition of the U.S. involvement in the war. However, Krebs is convinced that protesters in the U.S. are missing the point, sighting political motivations for their actions.
"I don't think anti-war protesters are protesting against the war," Krebs said. "I think their protests are more anti-Bush than anything else. I know a lot of people who are praying for peace. We all hope that the war will be resolved quickly, and I hope we can all unite as Americans during this time.
Marion residents Jim and Violet Richmond know first-hand the effects of war. Jim served in the military during the Korean War.
"Some of them (anti-war protesters) have short memories," Jim said. "They need to realize that something has to be done."
"We are behind the United States completely," Violet added. "But it's (the war) definitely taken its toll on us."
