At Southern, Passionate Comments After Bush Speech

But as soon as the March 17 live telecast ended, a heated discussion erupted over Bush's decision to give Iraqi President Saddam Hussein the option to flee his country or face armed conflict.

Photo by Gabrielle A. Maple Senior Psychology Major Kimberly Mitchell listens to panelists' commentaries on Bush's speech to the nation.

"I’m very disappointed in the president’s response," said Jay Settoon, a representative from the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge. "Bush has not shown just cause for this war. It is simply not legitimate."

More than 200 students, faculty members and community leaders from Southern and Louisiana State universities spoke at the public forum, "Bush’s War: Just or Unjust?" sponsored by the Southern University Senate Faculty.

Panelists ranging from political scientists to religious leaders discussed U.N. Resolution 1441, Congress’ position on Bush’s decision, the moral implications of war, and the impact war would have on the economy.

"How do you all feel, knowing that Bush didn’t care enough to fight for his own country, yet he is still sending over people to fight in this war everyday?" asked Caitlyn Grabrek, a senior anthropology major from LSU. "My cousin’s father can’t get him out of fighting this war." (Bush was a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam era.)

Students also weighed in on questions about Bush’s character and his role as a leader.

Posted March 21, 2003

Gabrielle Maple and Janene Tate are students at Southern University who write for The Southern Digest.