LABJ FORUM: War Torn

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LABJ FORUM: War Torn

The start of hostilities in Iraq has done little to heal the divisions at home and abroad over the whether the action is justified or not. But with American forces now under fire, many wonder whether voicing continued opposition is proper. So the Business Journal asks:

Do you think it is appropriate to demonstrate against the war now that U.S. troops are engaged in combat?

Susan Painter

Human Factors Planning Specialist

AC Martin Partners Inc.

It’s possible to be against the war without being against the people who are there fighting. It’s important to continue to demonstrate against the war because this is a country predicated on the principle that everyone can speak their opinions, and this war should not be happening. It’s tricky for the people fighting the war. It’s important to avoid a repetition of what happened when the soldiers were blamed for Vietnam.

Michael Levine

Founder

Levine Communications Office

There are all kinds of demonstrations. Ones that are done with civility bring honor to the concept of democracy. It’s quite consistent with the democratic underpinnings of our nation. Ones that resemble Michael Moore’s episode at the Oscars are vulgar, ineffective, insensitive and obnoxious in the extreme.

Bill Garcia

Vice President of Business Development

M Squared Inc.

I was in the military at the end of the Vietnam War, from ’74 to ’77 in the 3rd Infantry Division, in personnel. Had I been in the war, I would not have wanted demonstrations taking place against the war. I wouldn’t want pro-war demonstrations either. What the soldiers need is our support and patriotism. Once you’re in a war you want victory and you want to come back safely. It’s a free country and you can voice your opinions in a fashion acceptable by law. But once the battle has started, I think it’s inappropriate.

Janice Hahn

15th District City Councilwoman

City of Los Angeles

One of the things our troops are fighting for is for is for the Iraqis to one day be able to demonstrate against their government. Now that we’re at war, everyone should be supportive, but I think it would un-American if we were not able to demonstrate peacefully. I certainly think you can do both. I was one of the council members who signed the resolution hoping for a diplomatic solution. But when the war started, I introduced the motion to continue paying the men and women employed with the City of L.A. to make up the difference between their city salary and their military pay, including benefits.

Paul H. Irving

Chief Executive and Managing Partner

Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP

Dissent and the exercise of the right of free speech are great American traditions that are appropriate in times of war or peace. With that said, and remembering the lessons of Vietnam, where considerations of the challenges faced by our troops were sometimes forgotten during protest, I do think it is appropriate. I would hope that dissent is exercised in such a way as to consider the feelings and interests of members of our armed forces who carry out policy but didn’t establish it.

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