Press Release

Humanists Challenge Bush’s March to War

(Washington, D.C., March 17, 2003) The American Humanist Association (AHA) opposes the unprovoked initiation of hostilities in Iraq and urges President George W. Bush to heed the voice of world opinion and the wisdom of friendly nations and step back from the brink of war.

Tony Hileman, American Humanist Association executive director, describes AHA’s stance: “We Humanists are not acting hastily. We’ve held hope that the course of war would be averted, or more would be known about Iraq’s capabilities and intentions. We held confidence in the United Nations’ efforts at diplomacy. However, with United Nations and congressional debates apparently behind us, having seen the clear demonstration of world opinion, and in light of Bush’s steady march toward war, we can no longer remain silent.”

AHA president Mel Lipman discusses the issue: “Last October, when Congress abdicated its constitutional responsibility and authority by giving President Bush carte blanche to engage in unprovoked unilateral war, we Humanists shuddered at the thought of such imperial power wielded by one person. Our worst fears are now on the verge of tragic reality. Drawing on our commitment to democratic principles, we urge the U.S. Congress to reassume its constitutional role.”

Humanists hold that individuals and cultures have the ability and responsibility to resolve their differences cooperatively, without resorting to violence. Hileman explains, “We recognize this is extraordinarily challenging, but it is in the face of just such challenges that nations rise to the occasion and demonstrate the validity of their founding principles.”

With respect for the worth and dignity of the citizens of those states branded as evil, Humanists urge a course of compassion and understanding consistent with the ideals of this country. Hileman continues, “Humanists strive for a world of mutual care and concern, free of cruelty and its consequences. We therefore urge that war be avoided, not at any cost but by any humanitarian and effective means—no matter how difficult.

“We’re troubled by the unannounced and perhaps unanalyzed cost of this precipitous action. The administration has already invested America’s integrity and peaceful reputation while squandering international goodwill and a reputation for fair play. In the eyes of once-friendly, supportive nations the administration has adopted a role of belligerent enforcer of its agenda. With war there will almost certainly be a further infringement--if not abandonment--of civil liberties in the name of security. And now, on the cusp of war, we are being told that this pre-emptive attack is likely to trigger the exact kind of terrorism it’s supposed to prevent.

“We have heard the same unconvincing arguments recited by the administration for months, but repetition is not persuasion. The failure to provide detailed explanation or address the broader implications of war on Iraq implies a frighteningly simplistic approach to a complex situation. President Bush seems sincere in his conviction, but there is a difference between being convinced you are right and actually being right.

With massive troop deployment to the region and the machinery of war poised, Bush and his few allies have laid down a marker. Bush is saying, ‘we’re ready,’ asking, ‘if not now, when?’ The assembly of the capability of war is no justification for its use.”

Lipman adds, “By making this decision without international agreement, Bush risks initiating a cycle of violence and vengeance not unlike that seen in Israel and Northern Ireland. What kind of precedent will this set for other nations who might wish to impose their wills beyond their borders?”

“It is dangerous to expect that war in Iraq will ‘begin a new stage for Middle Eastern peace.’ It appears that only Bush’s faith and determination led him to that conclusion; it is far more likely that war will further destabilize the region and increase the need for international involvement. We will likely be less safe--not more,” says Lipman.

Hileman sums up, “Coordinated efforts are having an effect. Mr. Bush fails to recognize that the efforts of the United Nations are working! Time to give cooperation a chance remains, as all options have not been explored. By any measure of what might be considered a just war, the situation in Iraq does not rise to the level of the ethical use of force. In the absence of compelling evidence to the contrary, we opt for peace and cooperation over force and coercion. This is not the time for war.”