The Spectrum

Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: News

Media Credit: AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo

Media Credit: AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin

President Bush's recent decision to send 21,500 additional troops to Iraq has stirred emotions on- and off-campus adding to the existing controversy surrounding the war and its motives.

Overall, many of the students and staff had pessimistic views on the President's choice. Many feel it is "pointless" to send 21,500 troops to Iraq.

"[President Bush] is just trying to make one last move before he leaves the White House because that, in Bush's opinion, is what will save his name but he is already doomed because he has made so many mistakes," said Brian Germain, sophomore, Wallingford.

Other students were more hopeful, though still doubtful.

"It is an interesting idea, but it probably will not work," said Alonzo Meek, senior, Wayne, N.J.

According to MSNBC's article, "Admitting strategy error, Bush adds Iraq troops," President Bush said that "to step back now would force a collapse of the Iraqi government, tear that country apart and result in mass killings on an unimaginable scale."

On the other hand, Dr. Pilar Munday, a Spanish professor at Sacred Heart University, said that going into Iraq in the first place was a major mistake and that to deploy 21,500 more troops to Iraq would only be "making a very bad idea worse."

Sophomore Courtney Weaver, Queensbury, N.Y. continues to stand by Presidnet Bush. She said she disagreed that sending troops to Iraq was a mistake.

Weaver said she feels sending troops into Iraq was a necessity America had to undergo, and that, by doing so, the United States took a powerful dictator out of authority that would have targeted nuclear weapons at the United States.

The controversy over the war and its motives continues.

Dr. Munday said the idea of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction was a "lie."

Weaver, however, said that if President Bush had not deployed troops in the past or continues to deploy them, the United States "will become vulnerable."

"This vulnerability would give power to Korea and Iran, countries with weapons of nuclear destruction," said Weaver. "If President Bush does not send more troops overseas, Americans are subject to new terrorist attacks because not protecting the Iraqi people will put Americans in danger."

Carol-Anne Dabek, office manager of Campus Ministry, said the war is costing the Pentagon about 3.9 billion dollars - "We need to focus on the safety of America and need to be financially prepared for future terrorist attacks."

As for a military draft, many students feel it is not a possibility.

"There are enough people volunteering," said Weaver.

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