All Americans have an excellent opportunity during wartime to engage in activities that allow their voices to be heard. But everyone still needs to maintain a life aside from the bombs being dropped on Iraq.

When President Bush told the world Wednesday night that America was at war with Iraq, students, professors and community members all had different reactions to the situation at hand. While some people agreed with the war and praised the actions of Bush, others sat in silence wondering what the repercussions of the military action would be.

Americans do not necessarily need to stand up and support the president of the United States because the war has begun, but if people have a view aside from that of Bush they need to be informed enough to support what they have to say.

College is a good time to be active in either the support of the war or the protest against it, but it is not the only time to have the reason to speak out.

There is no specific time to react to the events of the world but college is a good place to start. With many student groups, scheduled protests and forums are different options for those in the MSU community to get involved in a way they feel comfortable.

Bottom line: People need to talk.

They should talk about the war and the events of the world to remember what is important but people also need to focus on the lighter things in life that make them happy.

With March Madness taking over college basketball fans everywhere, sports fanatics should not feel guilty for enjoying a good game. And other people should not feel bad for flipping through the channels on their televisions to find something on other than basketball and war coverage.

The war should not be the only thing on the minds of Americans. People need to be informed but not obsessed with the actions of the U.S. military.

So, enjoy basketball and enjoy life, but don't forget to place the focus of war where it is most warranted.