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"Do you support the NATO strikes against Yugoslavia?"
(asked at the Kirkland Library on 03-25-99; published in the EJ on 03-28-99)

Ellen Lamb, Librarian, Bellevue

"No, I don't. I just really don't think that it's our own battle. And I'm a bit perplexed about who is carrying these strikes out -- is it U.S. warplanes? Are those owned by NATO? Flown by a group of international pilots? ... I read a daily paper and I don't know the answers. I somehow feel that we're being hornswoggled here."

Jeremy Bergevin, Lay missionary, Kirkland

"I think it's NATO's responsibility to protect us from tyranny -- like Hitler. On the same page, though, I think one reason we go into things is political motivation... We just saw Saving Private Ryan again and I feel like if war can be avoided -- if losing tons of American lives could be avoided by this sort of action -- then, yes, I think it will be worthwhile."

Jeanne Malinosky, College senior, Kirkland

"I'm not really up to date on the current situation but if NATO going into Yugoslavia is going to prevent more war, then I think it's a good idea."

John Catanzaro, Tech support, Mountlake Terrace

"No, I don't. We're doing a police action where we shouldn't be. Also, I feel they're not going to end up following through now that they've started. Now we're going to have to continue purging the resistance, and then it's military rule. Or it's Viet Nam and we just have to back out."

Herbert Borbe, Free lance writer, Redmond

"I do not support the NATO strikes against Yugoslavia. I believe it's a mistake for the U.S. to be the world's policeman... I think we're most effective at spreading our values, culture and institutions simply by setting an example. The thing about winning is that you have to do something after you win... The Army and Air Force are very good at winning wars. Once we've won the war, how are the Army and Air Force going to create a stable democratic government and a prosperous market economy?"

Emily Goddard, Educational travel consultant, Kirkland

"I really haven't thought that much about it. But I'm not really sure why we're there. I mean, it's their war. I don't see why we're interfering."

© 1999 by the Bellevue, WA-based Eastside Journal newspaper.

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