Remmick-Hubert Special Page - Lodi Union High School, Class of 1960-Newsletter
Vol.10: 29 May 2003
Questions:
In a message dated 5/18/03 9:04:03 AM, Remmick writes:
>>Because the war in Iraq was/is such a huge historical event, some of us should go on record about our thoughts on this event.
1. How did the War in Iraq affect you personally?
2. Were you in favor of the war?
3. Were you against the war?
4. Did you back Pres. Bush once the decision was made? Why or why not.
5. Do you think because of the religious leaders hold on the Iraq people it will ever be a democracy? Or do you think there is another kind of problem that would prevent democracy in Iraq?
On a lighter side for those who do not wish to talk about war on such a beautiful May day, let me give you the following questions:
6. How many of you have seen the new movie "A MIGHTY WIND" which is a spoof on our music based on Folk Singers by the same person who did the "DOG SHOW". What memories rushed into your head as you saw it?
For those who haven't seen the movie, you need a question, too. Hmmmmmm.
7. Tell us something funny that occurred while on a vacations [No time set. Can be any time from first summer after High School to yesterday.]
Have a photo of one of our classmates you'd care to share with all of us? Old or recent?
In a message dated 5/19/03 12:48:12 PM, Judebon writes:
<< How did the War in Iraq affect you personally? >>
Since everyone is entitled to my opinion, I am not a political scientist but several things come to mind: It kept me glued to my television, it taught me some geography on which I was extremely rusty, I learned a good deal about political climate, loyalties, priorities, and so on, my faith in our military was restored, I thanked God my children are too old to be called up. Yes, I supported the need to keep us safe but am now wondering what the follow up has to be in other countries of the Middle East, and if we have not bitten off more than we can chew. I am more than a little concerned about terrorism on our own soil. I am skeptical that Iraq can ever have a democracy but I feel that they can embrace something in the form of government that is a big improvement over the oppression they have experienced. I am not sure about how much of a role we should have in developing such a thing. I have turned toward interest now in pressing issues for our own people--the drain from illegal immigrants and how it is out of control, and what in Sam Hill is going to happen with our economy while we continue to play Santa Claus all over the world. We need to turn our attention to homeland issues. I guess it is not so easily accomplished, but can't we pull back all this $$ foreign aide for every little country that designs a flag? Or Just Say No? Hear that, President Bush? Judy Bouska Bonfilio >>
In a message dated 5/22/03 12:18:49 PM, FrenchyRock writes:
Hi Judy - Here is my answers to questions I can answer:
Question #1-How did war in Iraq qffect you personally?
It gave me mixed feelings (bittersweet). I guess I was concerned that we were doing the right thing over there. And I was also feeling like we were doing the right thing to rid a tyrant. I guess personally I was thinking we finally have a president who was making an effort to do something about the situation over in Iraq.
I watched all the live coveage of the war for the duration of the war to keep updated.
Question #2-Were you in favor of the war?
Yes I was if the motives were justified. Yes if we were ridding the country of a tyrant and helping to give democracy a chance. Yes if we were curbing a future threat to our country and the world.
Question #3-Were you against the war?
Only if our motives were other than I stated in question 2. If we were there to take their oil for our benefit. But I don't think we are. We have plenty of other sources for oil from allies, our reserves and future, rich oil fields yet to be tapped.
And secondly if we did not have any proof or documentaion to Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. I believe they do and did a good job of hiding them in two (or more) wishey washey countries such as Syria and Pakistan (maybe Iran also).
Question #4-Did you back Pres. Bush once the decision was made? Why or why not?
Yes I did.
Question #5- Do you think because of the religious leaders hold on the Iraq people it will ever be a democracy? Or do you think there is another kind of problem that would prevent democracy in Iraq?
I believe that because of the religious leaders and their so-called religion, their concept of things and their hatred of the west or Christians that democracy does not have a chance. Unless democracy is sustained by force by us and or others. And maybe not even then.
Also the terrorists and the many different opposing religions there will always fight against anything that is good (and not evil) and that goes against their die hard,bred in evil doctrines, fanatical religious beliefs or personal goals.
And thirdly there will never be peace in the middle east and those countries that are not democracies and are not Christians. The Bible says so. It will never happen. All we and other peace loving free countries can do is try to prolong the inevitable. We as a free country and others who believe as we do will do all they can to share this with countries who want it. And those who don't and pose a threat to the free world will have it forced on them (good or bad as that may be). Whew, boy did I have a lot to unload!
I don't have anything to offer for question 6 or 7. But would like to share a couple of pics that my wife and I shot with my first digital camera while a Pismo Beach celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary at the end of April.
Robert Rocque
JARH's NOTE: See Letters for Rocque's 40th wedding anniversary photos.
In a message dated 5/23/03 1:12:11 PM, Rmcoult writes:
<< Hi Judy ...
Thanks for the extension ... here are my thoughts ....
I was in favor of the war in Iraq. It seems to me that we must eliminate regimes such as that of Saddam Hussein if we are to be safe and free here at home. The world has gotten much smaller and we saw on 9-11 as well as in instances like the USS Cole, how terrorist can severely impact our way of life. We can no longer sit back and take an isolationist point of view. We must take preemptive action, as we did, before we are victims again.
While we have not turned up yet the smoking gun of "weapons of mass destruction", we have seen and found enough to say that we did the right thing. The war was prosecuted masterfully and we can see how technology can help to limit collateral damage.
I respect the right of folks here at home to disagree with the war. That debate was lively and full of deep conviction. BUT, once the President commits us to war, we MUST SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. I was disappointed to see so many not supporting the brave young men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. It just wrong! It brought back painful memories for me of when I returned home after a year in Viet Nam only to be jeered and spit upon by protesters in the airport. Never a thank you from anyone. No soldier should ever have to have those experiences.
The Iraqi people are reacting in a typical way after years of oppression. They are running amok and taking anything that they can get their hands on. This is not unlike previous wars where oppressed people have been liberated. My hope is that some responsible civilian leaders can be found to allow Iraq to form a responsible, non-theocratic, government. There is also the problem with the Kurds in Northern Iraq who may not be cooperative. It's going to be hard, but with help it may be possible. Time will tell.
Rich Coutler
In a message dated 5/25/03 1:50:30 AM, jfgrins@hotmail.com writes:
<< Hi Judy,
I'm just too swamped to answer at this time; maybe next month.
End of the school year, moving, decisions, etc...
Am in Sasebo right now; came for the 3-day weekend. Feels great to be out of town for awhile.
I remember your question was about the war in Iraq; well beings I live on a marine base I'm VERY close to the people who have gone there and still going there. One of my students who just moved to my room from Atsugi lost a friend's father in the war. . . . and by friendly fire. He was one of the pilots shot down. I think he last name was White. So sad. Was married to a Japanese lady and they had 3 darling children.
Must go for now.
Hope your had great sailings.....
Marsha>>
In a message dated 5/27/03 4:23:28 PM, erik790@attbi.com writes:
<< Judy, sorry to be so late - was on vacation. We had a great trip to the Indian Country in New Mexico, Arizona, etc. Saw Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Canyon and Monument Valley! Anyway, on to your questions:
1. Didn't personally know anyone who was sent or went, but was affected to the extent that it was constantly on my mind, worrying over those who were there. I think the media made it very personal for each of us that way.
2. Not in favor of the war.
3. Yes.
4. Did not back Pres. Bush - backed our people - to bring them home as soon as possible. I really never made up my mind before it all happened. I kept trying to decide what the right thing to do was. There were so many pros and so many cons - I could see both sides very well. After we were there in the middle of it all it just came to me that I was against it - I never really decided - it was just very clear all of a sudden.
5. I don't know that democracy is the best thing for everyone - many cultures do very well without our concepts of democracy.
6. Haven't seen "A Mighty Wind".
7. Wasn't really on vacation but - after my wedding we left for honeymoon - when we arrived, realized we'd forgotten to bring our luggage - so, no toothbrushes, no change of clothes (we left in our wedding outfits), nothing! Wasn't so funny at the time, but now, 40 years later, it was pretty funny.
Hope you get lots of good answers for the newsletter....
Madeline (Terrell) Maddox >>
Newsletter - Vol. 10: 22 May
2003
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