The Herald asked local people what they thought of President Bush's Monday night speech delivering an ultimatum to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Here's what they said:

"The president couldn't have said it any better. He told it like it was. People sometimes have to fight for our freedom and our safety."

Valeri Flynn, Mercer

"It's about time. The justifications President Bush gave were sound, and I think it will be a quick war."

Monica Todt,
New Wilmington

"I don't really buy that we have done everything we could diplomatically to prevent war. I think there is something more to the reason for war, something we are not being told."

Thiel College student
John Woods, Cleveland

"My husband Albert is a Marine Corps veteran of 30 years. We're 100 percent behind the president. We agreed with him. Naturally we're very worried but it's the right thing to do. I just hope everything come out fine.

Julia Christy, Sharon

"I didn't really like it. Where does Bush expect Saddam and his sons to go? I'm not too fond about having our people go to war. I have a son-in-law in the National Guard Reserves. I don't want him to go to war. I'm nervous, worried. My wife and I are very upset."

Glenn McGhee, Sharon

"As far as war I don't think it's necessary. We should stay with diplomacy, and there wouldn't be any war. We're just too powerful a nation for them. It'd be way better.

A lot of people are going to get killed, not only them, our people too. I'm worried about terrorists. There will be another attack" like Sept. 11.

John Trott, Hermitage