I do not believe war or violence can ever be truly justified. But as far as it can be justified, a war in self-defense is the only just war. A war to fight off invaders, to secure your home for your own people. A war to save your family and friends, a war to preserve your culture and traditions. This is as just a war can get.

The Iraqis are fighting a just war. The “insurgents,” the “terrorists” are now freedom-fighters, trying to defeat a powerful enemy that has invaded their homeland and made war against their people. By invading Iraq, we have justified almost any action they take against us.

The Iraqis don’t have weapons of mass destruction. We do. They weren’t even guilty of anything in the first place - we made the first strike against their country. September 11th was caused by a small group of people unaffiliated with those we now make war against.

Yesterday we had a special Veteran’s Day video at school, interviewing some of the veterans in the staff. One man expressed disappointment in the lack of students’ patriotism. In his day, it was a point of pride to join the military. Today, I am disappointed in our country. We have never been particularly honorable, but I had hoped that a new millennium would end a century of world-wide wars and conflicts. Instead, we elected George Bush Jr. as our president and leader - twice. Are we so willing to give up freedom in exchange for security? Are we so willing to rip away another’s rights in order to live comfortably? I respect those who fight, but not what they fight for.

So it goes. This is just a moment in time, and it will pass. Meanwhile, I am willing to stand up for what I believe in. I will go to jail if need be rather than fight a war of invasion and conquest. All I can do at this time is live my life, focus on school, vote, and learn. Learning, followed by understanding, is the only path to true peace.