NATO main mission is peace-keeping, not Serb destruction
Dear Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the remarks made by my fellow students from Yugoslavia. I am sorry that they have relatives who are enduring the bombing campaign that is currently being unleashed in Operation Allied Force, and I extend my sympathy to them. However, the remarks made by these students in interviews last week deserve response. Marko Kostic says
"... there's no justification for it.," Filipovich says "It's a criminal action with no justification," and "... the Neo-Nazis are attacking Belgrade." Filipovich writes more emotionally charged statements his column.
You men need to realize that NATO is not on the side of Albanians or Serbians, they are on the side of peace. Understandably Milosovic has watched his country dissolve province by province, and I admire him for holding on. His efforts to retain Kosovo, however, are inexcusable. Had he not placed Kosovo under martial rule and restricted individual rights following his election in 1990, maybe this bombing would not have been necessary. I'm sure that both Serbs and Albanians have committed atrocities against one another in these last few years. These atrocities are what have brought the United States and other members into play. Maybe you can explain why Milosovic is conducting a scorched earth policy at this very moment in Kosovo. The Albanians signed the agreement, why couldn't Milosovic? To sit inactive would be the worst mistake we coutd make.
Inaction in the late 1930s led to the oppression and eventual genocide of Jews by Hitler, our discovery of it coming just a little too late. Inaction in the 1970s led to the genocide of Cambodians by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot. The Yugoslav region has an unprecedented track record for war and conflict. Any ulterior motive you speak of is biased opinion. There is not one member nation of NATO that cares about occupying or dominating Serbia. Yugoslavia dismembered itself through the power of nationalism, so don't say the west tore it apart. Filipovich refers to NATO as the murderous military machine of a violent and vindictive superpower hell-bent on world domination. He speaks of the US undoubtedly. We desire to lead, not dominate.
Remember who made it possible for you to be at this great university, and who provides you with the opportunity to speak your mind. If it means that much to you, maybe you should consider enlisting in the Serb Army. I respect any man who fights for what he believes in, whether I agree with it or not. That is why we have the greatest nation in the world.
Don't show ignorance by using the term "white rigger."It is a slap in the face to both black and white Americans. Never have I heard that term. I will pray for you, your families, the Albanians and for peace.
Max Fenn
sophomore
political science
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