"Now is not the time for silent acquiescence."

Here is an essay by James O. Goldsborough on why opposition to the war is even more important than ever. Snippets:

"What is the point of protest, people ask? The war has begun. It won't be over until it's over. Why continue opposition now? The obvious answer to "why bother?" comes from Vietnam. We know protest can stop a bad war, Vietnam was the precedent. But deserts are easier for tanks and planes than jungles, and few believe this war will last long enough or casualties mount high enough for protest to stop it. So what is the point?

I have talked to enough Americans in recent weeks to report that indeed there is a point. A great many people feel this war is a violation of American principles. They don't have to be told by church leaders or newspaper columnists that this war – the destruction of an ancient nation in the pursuit of one man – is an evil war. They feel it in their bones. They feel violated and they are angry. Unlike Vietnam, this war won't be stopped by protest. But as Baghdad is destroyed and people around the world recoil at the sight of dead civilians and B-52s dropping bombs on cities again, as Arab and Muslim opinion is enflamed and terrorism draws a new breath, Americans who oppose this war cannot remain silent. We support our troops but oppose the politicians who sent them on this fool's mission. We must bear witness.

How does bearing witness help, I am asked? How can it not help, is my answer. Neither history nor collective conscience will ever excuse this war. Now is not the time for silent acquiescence."