I am proud of my country. I am sad for what is about to come. My immigrant grandparents came to this country with the hope of a better life and love of what America stood for. As part of a generation that was torn apart over Vietnam, I am faced with a war that has long lasting consequences for my daughter's generation.

Just for the record, I do not make apologies for my country's economic and military leadership. We are a great nation, strengthened by our diversity and pursuit of our national destiny of personal, religious and economic freedom.

President Bush came into office promising to be "a uniter not a divider," and he kept his word. He has united France, Germany, Russia and China (hardly historical friends) against us. He has demanded the leader of a nation to leave his country within 48 hours or face the consequences of war.

I am not delusional about Saddam Hussein — he is evil. The doctrine of "first strike" under these circumstances will echo for generations. I respect and admire our military. No one demonstrates a more basic love of our country then these outstanding men and women. However, I grieve at the prospect of the price they will pay.

Our new doctrine of "first strike" is reasonable only if there is no alternative. Our president has failed the American ideal by pushing us into a conflict that we will win in the short term, but I fear history will judge us most harshly.

Joseph A. Cari, Jr.

class of '74

chairman of the Kroc Insitute advisory board

March 19

• War focus has led to neglect of domestic concerns
  
• Concern for effects of war
  
• Forgive and forget or forget forgiving?
  
• Look at history before making change
  
• Defending Velasquez and Azteca Foods