Not Your Sweetie

> TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIAL
> January 20, 2003
> A Stirring in the Nation
>
> A largely missing ingredient in the nascent debate about
> invading Iraq showed up on the streets of major cities
> over the weekend as crowds of peaceable protesters marched
> in a demand to be heard. They represented what appears to
> be a large segment of the American public that remains
> unconvinced that the Iraqi threat warrants the use of
> military force at this juncture.
>
> Denouncing the war plan as an administration idée fixe
> that will undermine America's standing in the world, stir
> unrest in the Mideast and damage the American economy, the
> protesters in Washington massed on Saturday for what
> police described as the largest antiwar rally at the
> Capitol since the Vietnam era. It was impressive for the
> obvious mainstream roots of the marchers -- from young
> college students to grayheads with vivid protest memories
> of the 60's. They gathered from near and far by the tens
> of thousands, galvanized by the possibility that President
> Bush will soon order American forces to attack Iraq even
> without the approval of the United Nations Security
> Council.
>
> Mr. Bush and his war cabinet would be wise to see the
> demonstrators as a clear sign that noticeable numbers of
> Americans no longer feel obliged to salute the
> administration's plans because of the shock of Sept. 11
> and that many harbor serious doubts about his march toward
> war. The protesters are raising some nuanced questions in
> the name of patriotism about the premises, cost and
> aftermath of the war the president is contemplating.
> Millions of Americans who did not march share the concerns
> and have yet to hear Mr. Bush make a persuasive case that
> combat operations are the only way to respond to Saddam
> Hussein.
>