The war hangs heavily over the homeland. We all seem to be going about our business, yet for many of us there is a nagging sense that we should be doing something to help. Most everyone can name someone they know personally, who has gone into harms way. It makes us listen or read or watch the relentless war coverage with a nervous stomach.

Supporters of President Bush are nervous. He has put them all on the line. Their judgment is being held to the fire. But he is not the same man we elected as President. Candidate Bush didn’t seem to have much gravitas. Now he appears Churchillian, a warrior president risen from the ashes of the Twin Towers. Supporters are truly surprised at his commanding presence and resolve.

Non-supporters of President Bush are also nervous. They continue to be suspicious of his strong convictions. They may believe that the war on terrorism does include removing Saddam, but they would be much more comfortable if it was Al Gore instead, who had condemned the axis of evil and acted boldly. Non-supporters still feel cheated by the election, and it is a very difficult pill to swallow. Until they do, they can’t fully support the war effort.

Even the media editorials that are critical of the president and/or the war, or its timing, are almost timid. Assuring us that they support the troops but they just wish we had France’s approval before removing Saddam’s regime. The only local violence and anger we see centers around anti-war protesters. Their vision of reality seems unclear to both sides.

Every community is a microcosm of this discontent. I am surrounded by people, some who support the war, some who have family in Iraq, some who hate the President, some who are pacifists, some who are reasonable, and some who are zealots. I find myself cautious with whom I discuss the war. I’ve conceded that there is not much I could say to change anyone’s mind who disagrees with my view. I have also realized, it doesn’t make any difference what I think. The boulder has already been pushed over the cliff.

So I take the easy way out. I watch, I pray and I hope we win quickly. 

I have sympathy with those who cannot reach this same spot with a clear conscience. They are put in the awful position of having to secretly hope Bush fails, so that their low expectations of him are reinforced. Yet they revile Saddam’s cruelty. So they fret. Because they are no less patriotic than the men and women serving, we all want the same thing...peace.

So here we swim in this murky aquarium we call America, submerged in the political emanations of our fellow fish. And every rock dropped in the water, every opinion expressed, every kindness given, heroic act committed and insult hurled affects the level of the water for everyone else.

For my own discontent, I have taken refuge in quoting Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (and women) to do nothing.