County citizens have mixed feelings on war

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 20, 2003

With the U.S. war with Iraq now in its early stages, people from around the nation continue to express varying views on the subject of whether or not the U.S. should indeed be fighting.

Television stations around the world continue to show scenes of people with signs protesting, and even the Hollywood celebrity circuit has not been shy about letting its anti-war feelings known.

Country music group The Dixie Chicks have even found themselves in the midst of a controversy due to the recent statement made by lead singer Natalie Maines that the group was ashamed of the fact that President Bush is from Texas.

Surveys around the nation have garnered varied results, with those surveyed on the west and east coasts predominantly in opposition to the war, while those in areas such as the midwest and south are voicing more support toward Bush and the nation's war effort.

Several people were interviewed in Andalusia about the subject Thursday, and for the most part, those interviewed seem to be in favor of the current war in the Middle East.

"I think it is going to be a short war, at least I hope it is," said Charity Maddox. "I think that going to war was the only option we had right now."

Andrae Leslie, who recently had a brother, Martin J. Leslie, deployed to serve in the war, had different feelings, however.

"I think it is going to be a short war, but I wish we didn't have a war," said Leslie. "War doesn't accomplish anything, and I wish (the U.S.) could have found some way to avoid going to war."

Mikalene Smith said she is very much in support of her nation's war effort.

"I think it is going to be a quick war, and I think it just has to be done," said Smith. "I would like to see the Iraqi people free, with the least amount of casualties possible.

Smith said she also feels support of President Bush and faith are integral items during this period of war.

"I think it is time to support the president and I think we all need to be in prayer right now," said Smith. "In times like this I really think we need to get back to the basics.

Elizabeth Barnes said she was unsure about how the war will play out, although Bush himself said the war could be a sustained one during his address to the American people Wednesday night, but said she feels the war is probably the best thing to happen right now.

"I don't really know if the war will be a quick one or a long one, but I hope it's really quick," said Barnes. "I really don't like having to go to war, but if this is what it takes (to accomplish many of the objectives set by Bush) then I guess that is what we have to do."