I only just realized there were people who had recently commented to my site. So um, yes, my apologies for not noticing sooner.
Emily: You asked, How is that you have family in the military but you don't agree with the war on terrorisim? First, let's clear some things up. I didn't say I don't agree with the war on the terrorists. I said I didn't agree with the war on Iraq. I don't think they're the same thing at all. Additionally, to get into semantics, I don't agree with the war on terror. You can't make war on an abstract noun. But going after the people responsible for 9/11 seems reasonable to me. I'm not happy about it, but I acknowledge the necessity.
Secondly, I don't see why having family in the military means I should support any war. I respect the decision my relatives made in choosing a military career, but I would never choose that. My brother-in-law & my cousin went to Iraq and returned safely, and for that I am thankful. I hope soon all the soldiers will come home, although I have my doubts & fears about how soon.
Thirdly, I define a terrorist as a person who has committed acts of terrorism and allies him or herself with terrorist organizations. I know that's a little bit circular. Perhaps it will help to know that I don't define a terrorist as a person of Middle Eastern descent, or a person we are holding under suspicion of terrorist alliances. Also, I do not think every enemy combatant is a terrorist. Some of them are just soldiers. I apply this specifically to Iraq, which we invaded unnecessarily, in my opinion.
Evan: There are, of course, limits to compassionate action. Your analogy about the murderer killing an entire family is a little off, however, in the sense that I don't feel terribly sorry for this hypothetial murderer. But I wouldn't sentence him to death, either. I'd just lock him up. That's as far as I think Christians should go in dealing out justice. I'm totally against the death penalty. I don't think that sort of justice is within our hands.
Amber! Hi! Yes, it's nice to talk to people again... even, as you say, in the midst of dramatic debate. We should have tea sometime. Matt & I are good, although as you can see the 'boys' are in the midst of it.
Eric -- guh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you'd posted as a comment too. So I responded on your journal. If you want to respond, you can certainly do so here.
Geez, people. This is all your fault for making Xanga a stimulating conversation field again. ;) Despite the fact that I still hate the format. But I suppose I'll just have to put up with it. | 
