Letter: Bush leading us into world filled with horror

Friday, Sept. 27, 2002 | 6:06 a.m.

Bush's refusal to negotiate with Iraq is arrogant and shortsighted. Before bombs fall, it's his moral obligation to negotiate until he's blue in the face and dry in the throat. Saddam wants the sanctions removed and we want the weapons removed. This is a good basis for negotiations and deal-making.

When it was in our self-interest, we dealt with Iraq. We rooted for them, shared intelligence with them and looked the other way when the chemicals we gave them were used against Iranians and Kurds. Once again, in our self-interest, Bush owes it to the country to deal with Iraq.

Bush has stifled any chance for honest, meaningful debate on Iraq. Anyone who dares to think, dares to challenge or disagree with him is dismissed as irrelevant. Worse, they're called an appeaser and unpatriotic. Bush's idea of changing the tone in Washington is to accuse Democrats of not caring about national security. It's Bush who's using un-American tactics and name calling to get his way.

Americans seem eager to follow Bush and his doctrines over the cliff into a new era of preemptive and unprovoked wars. This dangerous precedent will set in motion a world where nations will happily follow our lead. They will initiate wars with nations they claim are a threat and we'll no longer have the moral authority to stop them.

Bush's policies will result in worldwide instability and chaos that make the horrors of 9-11 look like a garden party.

JOYCE SEGAL