Pete's Views
Pete Barkelew is the owner / developer of Inspire21.com and publisher of the eNewsletter "Inspiring Words."

INTRODUCTION::::: By Pete Barkelew

"IT'S ABOUT FREEDOM... The War In Iraq"
-- By Pete Barkelew  (Installed April 2, 2003)


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INTRODUCTION::::: The Reasons I Feel This Way

First, let me say that I am a Christian who loves his savior, Jesus Christ, and who believes there is no place on "God's Earth" for murder or killing of any kind (except where it can prevent maniacal killing such as that in Iraq, by insane dictators like Saddam Hussein and his sons). I am also a patriotic American who believes we are the only country with the compassion and capability to resolve the oppression caused by this Regime and bring democracy to that land. I also hope that this example, in time, will help us 'reach' other tyrannical societies and encourage them to follow our formula for freedom and democracy.

When I was asked recently what I thought about the loss of innocent Iraqi lives caused by accidental misfirings or collateral damage, I issued this response: Saddam Hussein's henchmen threaten Iraqi people with death EITHER WAY... they either fight the coalition (and ultimately die trying), or act as human shields, or they will be killed by these butchers for disobedience. That does not give them much choice... EITHER WAY THEY WILL DIE (The reply to this was: "What about those who surrender as POWs?" - To which I answer: Only those who are lucky enough to get out of the sight of Regime Guards. If they're seen surrendering, I'm sure they would get shot as well). The only way out for these peole, as I see it, is to pray the coalition forces win (ASAP), set them all free, and help them build a democracy to elect their own leaders. Sure, some lives will be lost in this conflict, on both sides, but that number will pale by comparison to those should Saddam's regime be allowed to survive.

The other part of this equation is the unbelieveable surgical precision by which our military is attacking the Iraqi forces. Again, there may be collateral damage and loss of life. But, can anyone argue the efforts of our forces to do this as carefully as possible. After all, in a regular war, without concern for citizenry, we could level their entire cities to achieve our objective. Not only would it remove Republican Guard and other military, but probably take out Saddam himself, as well as spare many lives of our own military (who are jeopardizing their safety to manage the objective with 'urban warfare' vs air strikes exclusively) by utilizing air attacks to sysmatically achieve victory for independence.

This is what I think of the plans for freedom in Iraq and of those who oppose this war.




"IT'S ABOUT FREEDOM... The War In Iraq"
-- By Pete Barkelew


As you know, I am the owner of Inspire21.com and "Inspiring Words," the biweekly newsletter for the site. I've been told, more than once, that these forums should be relegated to uplifting, inspirational content and not used for political or controversial messages. I agree and disagree.

This past week (the first full week of the war in Iraq) I have spent a great deal of time watching the news about the war, while working on content for the site. Although, prior to this event, I felt informed about the atrocities famous for the Hussein Regime, I have become even more educated to the propensity, severity and expectations via news on CNN and MSNBC networks.

As American Gen. Tommy Franks stated in his briefings, "This is about truth, not propaganda." The truth be known, our side has a compassionate, Christian leader, who has prayed about his country's involvement in the liberation of a oppressed and terrorized society, and the opposition is lead by a maniacal, self-absorbed tyrant. President Bush knew of the Iraqi's cries for help and the fear for their lives, and knew our country was the only force capable of delivering this aid. His patience was astounding in lieu of the historical experience of dealing with Saddam Hussein.

While I also watched war protestors, in our country and abroad, I wondered if these people took the time to review the evidence our military leaders offered prior to the launch of attacks and since. Or were they too busy making their colorful signs? Did they not listen to the interviews of those who were fortunate enough to escape Iraq? Did they hear the former military leaders and athletes who sought asylum in America? I heard confessions of mass murders, up to 200,000, using chemical agents; torturing anyone who so much as spoke against Hussein - tongue mutilations to the shocking and raping of young girls, not to mention the imprisonment and torture of entire families related to the offenders; and the "plastics shredder" - where innocent citizens and dissidents were thrown through alive!

Let's look at the facts: The world gave Saddam Hussein ample time to disarm and remove weapons of mass destruction, contrary to what many believed. It wasn't a 48 hour warning, nor two months or two years, but almost 12 years since the Persian Gulf War... the UN, as well as the entire world knows this. So, unlike many politicians, in this country and others, as well as the many war protestors, President Bush KNEW Hussein was lying and procrastinating about his agreements with the United Nations to comply.

Now it is obvious that Hussein and his regime are pathological liars in every sense of the word, including: Saddam's pre-recorded messages to 'his people,' reporting on conditions of the war (ie. we are winning, not the alliance); Iraq has no weapons (but we've seen them used in this war - I fear the worst for our soldiers and Iraqi citizens living in Bagdad, where I think Saddam will release the chemicals and cause massive loss of lives as a last resort); no matter the casualties inflicted by his armies, he lies about the results (not one chopper down, but two); in fact, every associate of Saddam is a liar - from his current military leaders to his ambassadors and reporting news agents. Virtually every word delivered via his two TV networks is a lie and blatant propaganda. You realize this, don't you?

Let's look at America's mission in this war.

We are not there to take over land, oil fields, or a democratic government. We are there to liberate a oppressed people. People who have been terrorized into NOT thinking about, talking about or acting out any possible wishes for a peaceful existence. People who are used as guinea pigs for germ warfare, as human shields for a cowardly army, as a potentially injured pawn to promote public outcry against the war. Even with the Geneva Convention, the Iraqi army killed American POWs on the spot and subjected others to televised humiliation, unlike the 3,000 plus POWs the alliance has taken. Are we not caring for these prisoners properly, not to mention letting many go to return to their homes? Think about this, and compare!

Just this moment, as I write this, I heard a speech made by Hussein (although it remains to be seen if it was taped before the war or this fifth day), where he stated to 'his' people, "God has ordered you to cut their throats..." Is this a Godly person? There is certainly no compassion or concern for human dignity here.

On the other hand, we are led by a self-confessed Christian, GWB, who I am certain prayed devoutly for guidance and direction. His plan is documented - to spare as many lives as possible, of civilians and soldiers alike; dropping leaflets explaining how to surrender and survive this war (28 million to date); precision air strikes where ONLY military and palatial buildings are to be destroyed (obviously precision is preordered, but perfection is preferred - there will be accidental misses and casualties in some cases); and, restraint from firing into civilians used as human shields (which is what has held the marines at bay and slowed progress the past 24 hours). Note: Gen. Tommy Franks just stated, "It is a criminal offense to use non-combatants as human shields."

Although I believe that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may have suggested that we turn a cheek, or forgive those who trespass against us and, especially, thou shall not kill, I solemnly believe He would understand the actions taken by President Bush. It is written that even Jesus got extremely angry once... and He physically threw out evil money-changers from a Temple. We need to throw out the evil leaders in Iraq.

America is the world's only hope for peace. We are a compassionate, helpful (monetarily and militarily) nation. We want no harm or loss for anyone, or any country, unlike many terrorist-hosting countries, only peace and prosperity for all. After all, did we not help numerous countries in their wars - not only in protecting their property and freedom, but helping them rebuild, particularly those countries we fought and defeated. We have plans for the same when this is over ($80 Billion to fight, and untold billions to rebuild, much at American taxpayers' expense). Thanks to the alliance of Great Britain, Australia, and any other country's aid, we will work together to make this happen. But, honestly, how much compassion can you display (guarding against loss of civilian lives and buildings) and still win a war on tyranny, oppression and terrorism?

What in the world are war protestors thinking?

Although it is their right to do so, given to them by "freedom fighters," do the war protestors honestly believe the Iraqi regime will disarm or go away? Do they believe these 'butchers' will change their ways some day and become more compassionate toward their own? History states otherwise. Like a child getting what he/she wants and then expects more, or someone who 'gets away with murder,' the murders and lies from Iraq would probably grow worse with time - without intervention. And waiting for a pansy nation or even the UN to take action against these otrocities (after about 12 years) is like waiting for hell to freeze over.

America is not looking for oil to steal, nor political advancement. I don't even feel it's about retaliation for 9/11 (although I'm gratified to know we busted up an terrorist camp in Northern Iraq mountains while we were there - looks like Saddam did have ties to terrorists). It's about justice for innocent people who are simply trying to survive, let alone succeed financially as many do in other free countries. It's about removing an evil monster from power, before this man can destroy millions of lives for his own supremacy. He wields an incredible reign of terror over his land, and promotes the same of his people over other lands. If WE - American and coalition forces - do not to stop it at some point, then who, and when? It's about prevention versus cure. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair told the British Parliament today that "the war objectives would lead to humanitarian help for Iraq's 'brutalized' people and a peaceful future."

The American Armed Forces and military coalition is in Iraq to SPARE lives, not take them; to repel an evil dictator into exile, not kill him (although he rejected this option, preferring the outcome); to ultimately bring peace to Iraq (and, hopefully, the rest of the world), not the destruction of war. But, as any educated person knows today, force can only be beaten by a greater force and, although there will be losses, righteousness will always win.

In closing, I believe it is my American right to state my thoughts, and it is my web site which allows me this forum. If you do not agree with my feelings, and I may be wrong as I have been in the past, I invite you to hold your opinions dear, as is your right (in most countries). And, finally, I will pray to our Almighty God to bless us all in our endeavors to serve Him and His will, and glorify Him for his grace; to save the lives of as many American and allied soldiers as possible; and, to grant us all peace in His world... which is smaller than we think.


"Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth."
-- Luke 2:14

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P.S. I will strive to avoid debates of war and politics in future issues of my ezine, but I simply could not stand by and let protesters bash the purpose of this conflict. I am truly sorry lives have been and will be lost for this cause, but the line had to be drawn somewhere, and President Bush and America did just that.

P.P.S. Special thanks to Great Britain, Australian and other military men and women around the world for joining America in this coalition to end oppression in the Middle East.


Thank you for your interest.