I very much appreciated the opportunity to read posted messages from so many concerned and knowledgeable people, as of today 15 May, 1999.

It is most difficult for the average U.S. citizen to obtain balanced information from its traditional media; but, the more its slant as overwhelmingly anti-Serb and pro-NATO bombing at all costs, the more one needs to look deeper.

The extent of NATO actions makes this a war by any definition, and that war is almost entirely being waged by American arms. But, our Congress has not declared a war; in fact recently Congress overwhelmingly voted NO to a resolution to declare war against Yugoslavia. The fact the Viet Nam and Korean wars occurred without Congress declaring war does not, to this grandfather, justify allowing a war to occur today without a war declaration.

Yet - the horrible bombing continues, inflicting civilian casualties & destruction on all sides - - despite no official war declaration by Congress, and (despite according to UN data) approximately 98% of the poor refugees in Albania, Macadonia and Montenegro occurred after bombing started.

It is apparent that USA/NATO from the beginning wanted but one thing: complete control of Yugoslavia territory - and not a peaceful settlement that would result in that country retaining sovereignty of its borders. Further, I do not see NATO, despite its claims, acting as if humanitarian needs are its over-riding priority for citizens of Serbia or Kosovo

As an American citizen I am appalled that my nation would go to war against other people without a declaration of war by my Congress, and even more appalled that we continue to escalate bombing destruction after Congress voted down such a resolution. I just do not understand why the US is involved in this, and I am most concerned for the future.

My wife and I feel so helpless, and are sad for all people in harms way, and we are also quite disturbed that our nation is leading a war without a war declaration from our Congress. All we can do is to donate what we can to relief efforts for all sides - - and to pray for all impacted people and for a different course by our nation.

Michael&Rosemarie Hodges