A peace-loving kindergarten teacher supports the U.S. decision to go to war against terrorism.

by Cami Rothenberg Murace ’94

I live a 40-minute train ride away from Manhattan. My town is filled with people who commute to New York City; about 60 local residents were killed in the World Trade Center attacks. I attended a memorial service for my coworker’s husband; my sister-in-law attended one for her friend, the father of five children under the age of 10; my friend mourned with the family of a man who left his wife, their one-year-old, and a baby on the way. My friend couldn’t get over how upsetting it was to see his widow in a long, black maternity dress. I could go on and on, but I know I don’t need to. I’m sure we have all heard enough horror stories about that day to last us a lifetime.

While I know that nothing the United States does will ever bring these people back, I do believe that those responsible must face consequences. I would love to think that these people could be peacefully brought to justice, but I don’t believe it’s possible. The Taliban, as well as the terrorists that they are harboring, have proven that they are not peaceful or reasonable people.

I have never been a fan of war. Up until September 11 I would never have thought that I would be supporting our government in military action, but I am. I realize that there are many innocent people in Afghanistan who have been victimized more than enough already. I pray that our government will go after only the people in power and not hurt any civilians in the process (which, by the way, is something that the terrorists never considered). I also pray that Muslims in our country and around the world are not discriminated against or hurt because of the terrible actions of a small group of fanatics. I know that I will probably be told that I am being naive or idealistic, but that is what I hope for.

I realize that by attacking the Taliban, we are facing many threats --- of retaliation by further terrorist acts in our country and of a long, drawn-out war. I do not wish for these things. I have a two-year-old son and am pregnant with my second child. I hate to think that my children will be brought up in a world at war. I am also a kindergarten teacher, and I dread going to work and seeing the frightened faces of innocent children who should not have to worry about horrible things like war.

However, I also believe that our government has not been given much of a choice. I think you can make a comparison between the terrorists and the Nazis in the way that they systematically hurt innocent people. It wouldn’t be right for our government to sit back and do nothing --- especially since the innocent people this time were our own citizens.

I am pretty confident that nobody in Washington (Republican or Democrat) ever wanted to have to make this decision. I did not vote for George W. Bush; last fall I was vocal in my opposition to him. However, I believe he and the rest of our country’s leaders have been doing a good job in a very difficult situation. I will support him and our government in the actions they will take. I will also focus my attention on doing what I can to help the victims and rescue workers involved in the September 11 attacks instead of attacking our government or accusing them of bringing this upon us.

Cami Rothenberg Murace lives with her husband, Vincent, and son, Ryan, in Stamford, Connecticut.

Photo by Mike Segar -- UPI Photo Service