War not the answer

Posted June 23, 2025 2:29 pm

As a young boy, I remember hearing over the radio of the attack on Pearl Harbor at that very hour, Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7, 1941. “A date that will live in infamy,” FDR told the nation the very next day. Now, over 80 years later, June 21, 2025, I have a similar and surely more mature feeling of shock and dismay.

Without being attacked, without a declaration of war, our president has chosen to enter this unending conflict in the Middle East. And he has declared that “now is the time for peace.” Emperor Hirohito was not delusional enough to say such a thing after the surprise attack on the U.S. fleet.

War does not lead to peace. It certainly did not in Vietnam or in Iraq. “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” How many of our children and grandchildren will discover this as the Middle East conflict continues with our involvement and complicity?

May God forgive us and have mercy on our souls. And on the soul of America.

The Rev. Martin Deppe

Chicago

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