SPEECH REACTION

SPEECH REACTION
News Contacts
The Vindicator asked its hundreds of News Contacts for their thoughts about President Bush's speech Monday night on Iraq:
"President Bush is going to war one way or the other, and playing the preparation out in the media and in public is about the most asinine plan I have ever heard of. If the objective is to topple Saddam, assassinating him would be the quickest and cheapest way to go, instead of starting a war. Perhaps, however, the hope is a war would get the economy going again.
Alene Wilkins
Boardman
"Nothing that President Bush said convinces me that we should go to war with Iraq at this point, and unilaterally. I vividly remember the Cuban missile crisis. Now that was a clear and imminent danger to the world. If President Bush thought quoting Kennedy would strengthen his cause, I think he was wrong."
Kelly Gialousis
Campbell
"I wish President Bush would focus more on the economy; I'm more worried about all the massive layoffs and shutdowns than the possible start of another long-term war (and I believe it will be a LONG one; can we really wipe out every single terrorist?).
Pat Jacobs
Youngstown
"I am concerned about who the President thinks would fill the leadership role in Iraq. There may be one worse than Saddam waiting in the wings."
Gloria Rendt
Poland Township
"President Bush is appealing to the emotions of the American people in view of what happened on 9/11. Iraq has not declared war on the U.S. It would be foolish for U.S to attack Iraq. Also, since U.S is a member of the United Nations, if Bush cannot get their approval, then diplomacy should be the other alternative. War has never brought about peace in the world. Bush should be devoting more attention to the economic situation in our country."
The Rev. Lonnie Simon
Campbell
If you have an e-mail address and would like to become a Vindicator News Contact, let us know. Periodically we send e-mails asking our contacts for their views on news and issues. Please type "Contact" into the subject line and send us your e-mail address, name, the town where you live and a daytime telephone number for verification purposes to newscontacts@vindy.com.