UT students are showing mixed emotions about President Bush’s plans to attack Iraq.
Although students stay busy with school activities and class work, they still find time to keep up with politics. However, most students admit that they don’t know as much as they should about Bush’s foreign policies.
“I haven’t really had time to keep up with the events and what (the President) has to say,” said Carolyn Quinn, a senior in finance. “I do think that he knows more than we do, and I trust him to do the right thing.”
Students in favor of going to war with Iraq show their support with their strong opinions.
“I totally agree with Bush,” said Lori Greene, a junior in human services. “I know it sounds bad, but I just want the whole area to be blown up.”
Another supporter, Elaina Davenport, a junior in public relations, said that she feels the country’s leaders should plan things out instead of going in spur of the moment.
Although Kevin Hyphontis, a sophomore in business, supports the issue, he feels sorry for the innocent lives that will be put at risk.
“I am definitely for it,” Hyphontis said. “However, I think that it’s unfortunate that Hussein has put hospitals around obvious targets such as factories. This puts innocent lives at risk.
“In the end, we are going to look like the bad guys for attacking innocent people.”
On the other hand, a large portion of the student population disapproves of Bush and his plans for attack.
“They are just trying to scare people into going along with the idea,” said Stacey Diamond, the secretary for the UT College Democrats of America.
“Bush is trying to connect Iraq with al-Quaeda when there are al-Quaeda connections all over the world. Most of the former presidents are advising him against it for good reason.”
Students who oppose the attacks also feel as if it can wait until after the war with Afghanistan.
“There is absolutely no reason to time it with the elections,” said Will Reylands, a junior in political science.
“There is no reason it can’t be done later, like three months from now. This just helps people get their minds on war and off of the Bush administration. We need to finish the war in Afghanistan before starting another.”
