There have been groups of people peacefully protesting the use of military force in response to the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and potentially the White House or the U.S. Capitol. The protesters believe military force is not the answer to worldwide terrorism, but rather, economic sanctions and diplomatic initiatives are more appropriate measures.

While I do not agree with this view, I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support the right of American citizens to peacefully protest any action of the U.S. government. The fact that we can express our disagreement with our government is the essence of American democracy as we know it and that is the example that we set for the rest f the world.

I disagree with those who protest at this time because I believe the two situations are not at all analogous. Our involvement in the Vietnam War was a mistake from the beginning and it had no clear purpose. Further, our homeland was not attacked. On Sept. 11, our homeland was indeed attacked, and thousands of innocent citizens and visitors to our country were killed. The World Trade Center attack was an attack on our chief financial district and the attack on the Pentagon was an attack on our national defense. These vicious assaults were intended to diminish our strength and to send a message that no place is safe.

The result has been the opposite – we are stronger and united in a manner that this generation has never seen.

I would ask those who disagree with a military response to re-think their position; however, I would not ask them to stop protesting if their position is unchanged. They are exercising their right as Americans and their voices should be heard because that is what makes our country strong, and our unique form of democracy is what will be remembered in history.

Mark D. Roth

Bangor