Home > Opinion > Pro-War? Anti-War? Doesn’t matter, just be respectful
Pro-War? Anti-War? Doesn’t matter, just be respectful
As of Wednesday, March 26, it has been five years since President Bush announced the invasion into Iraq. Since that time, a lot has changed in the U.S., including a growing tension between pro-war advocates and supporters, peace advocates and, even, soldiers and veterans related to the Iraq War. Most of us don’t know where the United States foreign relations are right now or how we’re criticized abroad, but we are fully aware of the problems we’re facing domestically with growing voices of change.
As students at a state university, we’re exposed to many different feelings toward the war and are often confronted with conflict and opposing arguments when the subject is presented. For better or worse, the subject is inevitably going to be debated, especially in an institution of higher education, because of its importance and the level of impact it may or will have on the future of our nation.
Lately there has been a noticeable tension growing between those who oppose the war and those who support or have to participate in the war. Along with those growing tensions, there has also been a lot of confusion with different groups and organizations as well as citizens and soldiers speaking out against or for such efforts. Even at our own campus, we’ve had several people speak out against the war, consisting of both student organizations and veterans themselves.
So how do we know who to believe? What should we speak out against or what should we tell the soldiers that attend our school and pass through the hallways as proud students of a SHARED university? Simply because you have a belief doesn’t mean you need to voice it to another person who you know may react in an negative manner. As students, we share the hallways and university with a diverse population of students, and it’s a great atmosphere because of it.
Where can we find a common ground, a place where both civilian students and soldiers can find a mutual respect for one another? While it is important to voice your opinion when you feel it is important, and it is certainly your right, it is also important to take into consideration the circumstances of the person next to you, who may be a person who has been overseas and served a tour. It’s important to recognize each other as students of the same university and, at times, set aside our differences and respect each other simultaneously.
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