Letters to the Editor

This letter is associated with the following article:
The first lesson of Iraq: Beware of those who play dice with God.
  • Wrong god.

    Bush's faith has little to do with the Christian god, but rather hearkens back to other, more ancient gods, namely Ares, the Greek god of war, and Mars, his Roman counterpart.

    One web site describes the differences between Mars and Ares thus:

    Mars, the Roman God of War, was one of the most worshiped and revered gods throughout ancient Rome. He was the son of Jupiter and Juno and according to legend, fathered Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, with the vestal virgin Rhea Silvia. Because of this mythological lineage, the Roman people felt as though they were also the children of Mars and he was regarded as their protector. Mars held a special place in the Roman Pantheon not only for his patronly influence, but because of the importance of military achievement in the republic and the Roman Empire, conquering Northern Africa and much of Europe and the Middle East.

    When Mars is worshiped, war is seen as not as a terrible thing, but as a useful tool, a way to build an empire. Consider now the contrast with the Greek Ares:

    Unlike Mars, Ares never enjoyed the popularity of his Roman counterpart. Ares was tall and handsome, but vain and cruel. He was known as the despicable god of war, who "delights in the slaughter of men and the sacking of towns." Ares was loathed by all the other gods, including his own parents, Zeus (Jupiter) and Hera (Juno). He was loved only by his sister, Eris (Discord), her son, Strife, and oddly enough by the beautiful Aphrodite (the Roman Venus). . . Ares fathered many children with Aphrodite, including his constant companions on the battle field, Phobos (Panic), and Deimos (Fear). They would become the names of the red planet's two moons. The animal sacred to Ares was the vulture - associated with death. There were no Greek cities where Ares was worshiped.

    Thus the worship of Mars continues today, ironically, by believers in the Prince of Peace. Bush is a follower of Mars, but Ares is the one who actually showed up in Iraq. And he's going to be around for a very long time.

    Note to future presidents: when you summon Mars, don't be surprised if Ares answers the call.