The Herald asked local people what they think of the war with Iraq. Here's what they said:

"I think it's something we had to do. I wasn't really surprised about seeing it on television this morning, but then I've been watching it all evening yesterday and all day today."

Marilyn Hudspeth of Sharon; clerk

"I know we're doing the right thing, but there's just so much information right now, too much at once I think."

Albert Dean, Hermitage,
store manager

"Just like everyone else, we've been glued to the television all day, looking for any information. We're also glued to the fax machine, e-mail system and telephone, too, looking for any intelligence that might be important."

James R. Thompson,
Mercer County director
of public safety

"Yes, I have been following the coverage. I do not believe we should be at war. I believe that it is an unjust war, I believe that we are very hypocritical by going to war. In the history of our country we have dropped many nuclear weapons ... Just because we have more power doesn't mean we have to use our power in an aggressive way. I do think Saddam Hussein needs to be held accountable in terms of the United Nations.

Kathleen Kyle, Akron,
residence hall director
at Westminster College,
New Wilmington

"I support the country. We gave Saddam enough warning ... he asked for it."

David Benson, Erie,
junior at Westminster College

"I've been following the coverage little by little ... I think we should mind our own business."

Jenna Hoffman, Mingo, Ohio,
freshman at Westminster College

"I think it's (the war) been a long time coming, and I think it's something that had to be done. This man (Saddam Hussein), he's a very evil person, and I think he has to be dealt with, and if you can't do it peacefully you have to use force.

"I feel eventually he would do something to us or the world with chemical warfare. It's fearful."

Anna Mae Kropar, 68, Sharon, retiree

"I think it (the war) stinks. I think it's just Bush fighting his daddy's war. It's all over oil. I don't think they really care about those people (the Iraqis).

"I think it's going to be a long war. They're going to have pretend their door-to-door salesmen and find everybody they're looking for to stop them."

Alfred Peden, 64, Greenville, retiree

"Actually I feel bad for the innocent people over there. I don't want anybody hurt but somehow they have to stop [Hussein] ... I was sort of thinking that they (the Iraqi government) would finally say that Saddam was killed and just hide him and rise up again. Now is an opportune time if they want to get that bin Laden."

Mary Roth, 49, Hubbard, cashier

"He (Bush) was gonna do it sooner or later. It's my country. You've got to back him, you don't have to agree to it. I support the men. I don't expect it to be a long war."

Fred Rhoades, 56,
South Pymatuning Township, furloughed worker

"I really don't have a whole lot of information of what's going on. I'm sure the president has more information than I have.

"I support it (the war). I would hope it wasn't a long war."

Kevin Speer, 42, Farrell, maintenance worker

"It sort of makes your old back tingle. I've been through a few of them (wars) and it's nothing to cheer about. I would say leave it there. If you're not being hurt, stay out of it."

Letha Nolan, 81,
Findley Township, retiree

"I think it's about time. I fear for the soldiers over there. I hope they prove the world wrong and find weapons of mass destruction. I hope it's quick and our soldiers return home safely."

Dan Luce, 52,
Shenango Township,
a company administrator

"I've sure been watching it. I've been hot and cold on it but I think we're on the right track. I didn't know if we should really jump in there or not. I don't like Hussein, but there were times I thought he wasn't really totally wrong. He broke his agreements with us after the first war, so I think we're on the right track."

Charles Timmons, 82,
Grove City, retiree,
and World War II veteran

"I support the boys and the women -- God bless them -- but I think it's a Pandora's box. I think we're getting into more trouble than we know, but I hope not. It bothers me."

Linda Connell, 61,
Clarks Mills, homemaker

"I think it's the only choice we have at this point. How many other places and how many other times can you get away with playing games with people for 12 years? He (Saddam) does just enough to stay out of trouble and he's belligerent about it. What else are we going to do? He's a threat to the world."

Don Connell, 62,
Clarks Mills,
van driver and retired teacher

"I'm glad it's under way. I hope it gets done quick without a lot of lives lost. It's been ongoing since the end of the Gulf War and I feel the president is doing the right thing."

Kirk Hause, 30,
Hempfield Township,
truck driver

"I feel Bush is right with his decision, but I think it's being broadcasted too much on television. Since I have a 2-year-old daughter I don't want her seeing it, and she knows something's going on. It's too much publicity and it causes paranoia for children and adults."

Amanda Jilson, 24,

Sharon, waitress