Without the support of allies such as Germany and France, Warden said he believes it isn't the right time for the United States to wage war.
"We shouldn't attack them at all because the U.N. isn't behind us," said Warden, who gathered among 20 students in the North Case Hall lounge to watch the president's address. "I'm sorry, but I don't think Liechtenstein is going to lend us their tanks."
The beeps of the deep fryer at Wendy's in the Union didn't distract Jason Schmitz from listening to Bush declare plans for war with Iraq.
The president was direct in relaying his message, the psychology senior said.
But Schmitz still hasn't committed to being pro-war or anti-war. "I'm kind of for war because I believe in what it stands for," he said. "Saddam is a threat to us and his country. But who wants to see people die?"
MSU students from both sides of the political spectrum are bracing for impending war.
While not necessarily in favor of going to war, Nate Engle, president of the MSU College Democrats, said his organization supports the U.S. soldiers who may soon be on the front lines.
"We are hoping for their safe and speedy return," he said. "Although there are a few nations acting with military force, it will take the help of the United Nations to rebuild Iraq."
But Jason Miller, chairman of the MSU College Republicans, said he's concerned Saddam will attack before Bush has a chance.
"He has proven himself to be irrational. I don't think he will disarm," Miller said. "The great threat now is that he will attack in the next 48 hours, and that he will attack with weapons of mass destruction against us."
ASMSU Academic Assembly Chairperson Matt Clayson said MSU's undergraduate student government will be planning programs to educate the community.
The focus of the forums will be on reconstruction and understanding the commitment the United States has made, he said.
But the organization will not take an official stance on the issue. "How are we supposed to represent students who are so torn on this issue?" Clayson said. "If we took a stance it wouldn't do anything. The best thing you can do is educate people."
Kathie Kuhn, a Lansing Community College student involved with MSU's Students for Peace and Justice and organizer of People for Positive Social Change, said she is frustrated with Bush's plans for military action.
"I feel that we all have to reach deep within ourselves to find strength and continue with the hope and struggle that we can stop the war," the Greater Lansing Network Against War in Iraq member said. "We can't be paralyzed by fear."
The network has planned a 24-hour vigil at the state Capitol in the event that a war starts.
From Staff Reports
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