War is difficult to stomach. In the past four days, at least 21 coalition fighters have been killed in the line of duty, and countless Iraqi civilians and soldiers have perished. This morning, Anecita Hudson, a mother in San Antonio, saw her son on Philipino television in Saddam's captivity. The fear she must feel could never be the work of fiction.
Yet, Michael Moore - and many on campus would probably agree - proclaimed this a "fictitious" war fought by a "fictitious" president for "fictitious" reasons. We don't mean to imply that it is unpatriotic or morally unjustifiable for citizens, even in times of war, to dissent from the government's position. On the contrary, a healthy democracy requires it. However, there are boundaries of human dignity that cannot be crossed no matter how talented and self-righteous the speaker.
It is morally reprehensible to make a boastful and self-indulging scene when brave men and women are putting their lives on the line doing their duty as Americans. It is not brave to stand on a soapbox and belittle the sacrifices these Americans are making.
Michael Moore is brave enough to confront Charlton Heston, but could he ever make this kind of ultimate sacrifice? No, but it's probably best anyway.
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