AWFUL TIMES

A surprisingly long period of time passed before I realized that I am not the only one who is depressed about the war in Iraq. Don't get me wrong--I knew that other people were depressed, but that fact is only now biginning to dawn on me. I've felt so isolated, even though there are millions of people protesting. It is difficult to believe that people can have so much compassion for the victims of a war taking place a half a world away, as unnesserary and inhuman as the war is. This war has shocked our bodies and minds to the point where it is difficult for us to carry out daily tasks. Indeed, Americans are very compassionate people.

I can't help but wonder how many others feel that they are alone in feeling the outrage, pain, and demoralization that this war has caused. Perhaps this isolation is a global phenomenon. Perhaps it is unique to the United States. Perhaps it is unique to myself. In any case, those who share this feeling of isolation must try to realize that the whole world weeps with you for the Iraqi people and for the danger that all of humanity faces.

Woe is me, to have seen what I have seen, see what I see--Ophelia.

ja