Note: I've written a number of letters/emails over the years many of which have gone unanswered leaving me to wonder whether or not the intended recipients ever received them and, if so, what their responses were. To be honest, the vast majority of those are best forgotten, but a few are ones I sincerely hoped would succeed in being actual communications — the beginnings of conversations. The following is one of those.
President Bush announcing the beginning of the Iraq War. March 20, 2003.
March 24, 2003
Mr. President,
I would like to suggest that there is much to be gained at this time by avoiding "God on our side" forms of rhetoric, whether intended or not. If you are going to ask for God's blessing, don't merely ask that God bless America but that God bless all people who value freedom, including the citizens of Iraq. If you are going to ask that people pray for the families and loved ones of those who have suffered because of this war, then ask that they pray for all such people including the families and loved ones of Iraqi citizens who have suffered.
Please consider the significance of paying tribute to a God who is limited by the political boundaries of men. Please consider that your God may indeed be powerful enough to bless, comfort and guide all men, regardless of whose side they are on.
Sincerely, Paul Pomeroy
Imagine, if you can, how different his address to the nation would have been perceived on the world stage if he had asked his country to pray for everyone. Then again, had he been capable of conceiving such a thing it's highly unlikely there would have been a war to announce in the first place ...