War as a Statement
We are going to war in Iraq for many reasons, but there is one big reason that people don’t talk about: to send a message to the world that this is what happens to the enemies of the United States.
It’s not something Colin Powell can say to the UN, or that W can tell us on TV. But it’s the underlying truth that puts all other truths in play.
This war is an atavistic response to the terror attacks launched against us. It may not be fair or rational to punish Iraq for 9/11, but at some very deep level our government and a great many citizens need a demonstration of our power and will to use it. Osama (if we got him) and the Taliban aren’t big enough trophies.
That’s not to say Saddam isn’t in material breach—he is, as we knew he would be when we set that as the standard for forcibly disarming him. It doesn’t mean that disarming him won’t be a good thing. And it doesn’t mean we don’t have designs on the oil, or that W doesn’t have Daddy issues.
But enabling all of those agendas is the fact that after 9/11, somebody had to go down, hard. Iraq was already on our shitlist, and it helps that it’s an Arab Muslim country. Down they go.
Don’t Panic. Yet
After Sunday’s home loss to Wake, UNC’s tourney hopes are looking dimmer. The Heels have to win their home games against Florida State, UVA, State, and GA Tech, and win at Clemson, to get seven wins in the ACC. The eighth win—the one that would get them in the tourney for sure—will have to come tomorrow night at Duke, at Wake, or at home against Duke. A tall order. Sean May, hurry back.
7:06:37 PM 
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