Response to Political Cartoon – by Nancy Sliwa

I find it interesting that the recent cartoon of GW Bush with his ears covered with duct tape, implying his deafness to anti-war protests, should appear on the Viewpoint page at the same time there were two strongly-worded letters in support of war. Perhaps Bush has his ears wide open. Perhaps he is hearing the voices of the majority of Americans who, like me, support this administration’s efforts to protect the citizens of this country through every diplomatic measure, including force if necessary. I believe most who support these efforts are like me, who very rarely if ever write letters to newspapers, who attend no “pro-war” rallies, who don’t use Hollywood movie stars as role models, and who are therefore frequently the silent majority.

I respect those who sincerely believe that all war is wrong, that there is no such thing as a just war. However, I sincerely believe they are wrong; our world does not exist in that Utopia yet, and turning our back on terrorism will result in our extinction, not our exaltation.

I believe we are already at war, which started with 9/11. I, like others, pray there can be a peaceful solution to the specific Iraqi problem. However, I am prepared to support my country in any way possible in an armed conflict against Hussein as I did against the Taliban. President Bush hears me loud and clear.

Nancy Sliwa

White Salmon, Wash.