"War is always in the back of our minds. It is hovering over us like a dark cloud," said seventh grade English teacher Bob Wangsness.

His 12:15 p.m. class was sensitive and knowledgeable Wednesday about the imminent events happening in the world. The students have been watching the news daily with their families and almost each one had an opinion.

Dusty Attleson's older brother, Mike, has been in the National Guard for four months and has been overseas waiting for orders the past month.

Tiffany Zemple's dad, Bruce Zemple, has been in war before. She didn't say what war, but his job was to keep the other soldiers supplied with ammunition.

"My dad talks about the war. He tells me what he sees on the news. He said we had 13 hours before war. He said we will probably have to go to war and he might have to go too," she said.

Nate Granahan said he didn't think anything would happen in Minnesota, but he has been watching the news with his parents and is seeing the direness of the impending war.

"We were watching on TV about what kind of missiles will be dropped on D-Day. My parents were saying that Iraq is one of the wealthiest countries. They were talking about a germ or virus that has been extinct for 30 years and now people are getting shots for it," he said.

The students understand the problems that the United States has been having with the Iraqi regime.

"Iraq has too many bombs," Trevor Erickson said.

Granahan elaborated by saying, "I'm not sure, but 12 years ago after the Gulf War, Iraq signed something about getting rid of bombs and they never did it."

"Iraq is not cooperating with the U.N.'s expectations," Shannon Langen said.

The price of gas was mentioned and the students have watched it rise and they figured it would be up to $3 a gallon this summer. The students also spoke of Iraq's oil fields.

"Retired military personal said they will secure oil fields as Iraq will need them after the war to rebuild the country. The oil fields belong to Iraq," Wangsness said.

Granahan had heard his dad say that when the United States does start to drop bombs on Iraq, that they will drop as many bombs one after another as were dropped in the 44 days of the Gulf War.

"This is something in the back of our minds all the time. I wish it would go away," Wangsness said. "This is one of my most sensitive classes and we always have great discussions. They are smart kids."

Sheila Donnelly can be reached at 434-2233 or by e-mail at newsroom@austindailyherald.com