Letter: Hawkish White House puts Iraq ahead of citizens

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002 | 9:07 a.m.

I would like to start by saying that the state of the Union is in "disarray."

I would like for the leadership of this nation to start paying attention to what this country is asking for. One thing is for sure. We don't need another conflict or police action as in Afghanistan. What is not needed is for the leadership (the White House and Capitol Hill) to send our service people to Iraq to get killed and wounded to satisfy a 10-year-old legacy.

With the technology we have today we can accomplish what we need in order to get that mad man Saddam in a matter of hours. It could have been done in 1991.

We have proven, as in Kosovo, that no American has to be lost in any engagement. Why do we have to spill blood to prove to the world that we are superior? We have done that and everyone is aware. This warmongering has got to stop.

The higher-ups in this administration and some in Congress who are yelling the loudest (the minority) have no combat experience. Never went to a war, conflict, police action, etc. Yet they are going to tell the American people what is in their best interest. This doesn't fly one bit.

As a Vietnam War veteran, I would ask these individuals to reconsider. Save the embarrassment of having to explain to the world why we are so "hawkish."

Education, veterans benefits, the environment, seniors, children, etc. These are the things and many others that need to be addressed. One thing that was said among others in 2000 by Mr. Bush was: "Leave no child behind." Mr. Bush, you are breaking your promise ... again by putting Iraq ahead of us.

RAY AQUILA