Letters and Emails

War on Iraq spurs contemplation, action for peace

WE WRITE THIS letter to express our opposition to the proposed war on Iraq, to explain why we feel that opposition, and to encourage others to express their own sentiments about the war.

The United Nations charter, to which the United States is a party, states that "[a]ll members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means" and "shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."

An attack on Iraq without United Nations authorization would be a violation of international law, and that attack would neither guarantee the security of the United States nor that of our allies in the Middle East. As Thomas Friedman said in his speech at our university, the best way to ensure our security is to be "the best global citizens we can be." The U.S. would not be acting as a good global citizen if we act without the consent of the United Nations. Saddam Hussein is homicidal, but he does not seem suicidal. As George Tenet, the CIA director, said, he is not likely to attack again without provocation because he is aware that such an attack would ensure his demise. He may attack, though, if he feels his demise would be otherwise unavoidable, as he will feel if we follow through on our threats of invasion.

Violently eliminating Hussein will not ensure our security, and it may aggravate the situation as more people around the world become fed up with the disregard America shows for its neighbors.

Call your representatives in congress and tell them what you think; whatever they end up doing, they will be doing in our names. Find out who they are and how to reach them by going to www.congress.gov.

Casey O'Connor, political science, '03

Megan Sabo, English, '06

President urges students to vote in upcoming election

FROM ITS BEGINNING in the 16th century, the aim of Jesuit education has been to prepare responsible citizens who know that their quality of life depends upon being part of a humane and just society. Jesuit education recognizes that the talents and blessings we receive from God are to be used not merely for our own good but the good of the community.

This calls us to be engaged citizens. Engaged citizenship means understanding the principles of democracy and democratic decision-making, of constitutional and civil rights. It means studying and debating the issues, keeping up with the news, taking the time to inform ourselves of how our democracy is working. For our democracy to work well, each of us should exercise our constitutional right to vote and to vote wisely. Voting is the key expression of civic engagement.

Associated Students is currently sponsoring a voter registration drive. By being a registered voter in Santa Clara you can influence the outcome of the upcoming City of Santa Clara, state, and national elections. I urge you to register to vote if you have not already done so and then vote on election day in November.

You can make a difference by your vote.

Thank you.

Paul L. Locatelli, S.J.

President