Tao Of Foo

I wouldn’t have thought it was possible, but Ben just keeps getting more and more adorable. Amy and I got a few amazing pictures of him with Daisy this weekend. He had his first major trip last night over to my parents house. Other than a little “blowout” he was just perfect.

The war is really starting to depress me and make me realize why I have always hated but been fascinated by politics. I am frustrated by anti-war protests because they trivialize the fact that our troops are risking their lives, yet protesting is a fundamental right that our troops are serving to protect. AGH! Saddam is really an evil man and the Iraqi people (and the world for that matter) would be much better off without him. We are not targeting the Iraqi people with our bombs, we are targeting the Iraqi government!!!

So I’m laying on the couch last night with (a very full and content) Ben falling asleep in my arms. I can’t help but be touched by the incredible love I feel for my 2 week old son. The sense of contentment and relaxation is overwhelming.

At the same moment CNN is broadcasting President Bush giving a 48 hour exhile ultimatium to Saddam Hussein. In 2 days our country may very well go to war.

I’m holding Ben and thinking how much I wish he wouldn’t ever have to go through any of this. Like any parent I don’t want him to have to fight in any wars.

I have this mix of emotions regarding this whole international issue. First and foremost I believe Saddam is a dangerious dictator who has used chemical weapons on and tortured his own people, attacked neighboring countries and made a mockery of the UN for the last 12 years all the while continuing to advance his chemical and biological weapons programs. He needs to be removed from power. The Iraqi people need to be freed of this tyrant. I fully support the use of force to reove him from power.

At the same time I think Bush may be a little anxious not to loose face internationally over the lack of support our allies are showing for the war effort. I think more clear cut and undeniable evidence needs to be made publicly available and our friends will understand the gravity of the situation and will back our calls for military action. I guess I just wish we would explain our actions a little better.

It’s been a while since I wrote, not because I haven’t had stuff to write about but because it’s been a little chaotic lately. Ben was born 1 week ago today. All the preparation and planning didn’t prepare Amy or me for the emotion of his birth. What a sight!