What Are We Fighting For?

By Kevin Robinson in News on Mar 20, 2007 4:30PM

Today is the fourth anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. We are left asking many of the same questions we did four years ago: what are we fighting for? Freedom? Is this why the US military has been arresting Iraqi labor leaders? Peace and justice? Is that why Iraq is devolving into a sectarian civil war? To rebuild a nation devastated by years of totalitarianism and profiteering?

We here at Chicagoist have been asking ourselves these questions, and many more, since the war began. As this war drags on, many families in Illinois — and around the US — are wondering why their children are being sent off to war, and when the suffering will end. Although we realize that the administration in Washington is hellbent on digging in at any cost, we also recognize that there are others that have different ideas about what peace and justice in Iraq could mean. We worry that there are too many questions, and not enough answers.

It can seem daunting to try to make your voice heard when leaders in Washington have made it clear that they won't listen. But this year is different. We have a new congress, in both houses, and many people aspiring to the presidency. Only by holding their feet to the fire of their rhetoric, only by creating a political climate here at home, can we be sure that our voices will be heard in the next election and beyond. Tonight, at 6 p.m., there will be a demonstration against the war in Iraq, part of a coordinated effort not only in the US, but around the world. Assembly for the march begins at 24 E. Walton, and goes on to the Daley Center, ending on the plaza at 7:30 p.m. To our knowledge, there are no counter-rallies planned. We hope that you will take this opportunity to make your voice heard, and use that most precious of freedoms: expression.

Image via me, my life + infrastructure.