Letter: Let’s leave Iraq before more die

Wednesday, July 16, 2003 | 9:04 a.m.

How many more soldiers are going to die for a cause that was a lie from the beginning? This administration claims that the Iraqi people are better off today than they were three months ago. I heard this statement long ago when I was sent to Vietnam not once -- but twice. I served proudly and honorably for 22 years In the U.S. Army infantry. I followed my orders because that was what I was trained to do, to defend this country and I did it very well.

I retired a long time ago but I still remember my buddies 18 and 19 years old who are not here now to tell their stories. I can hear their voices right now telling me to tell you they didn't want to be there, of how senseless the Vietnam War really was.

We had no choice -- we had to be there fighting a war similar to this one going on right now. We all know now that Vietnam was a fiasco and believe me, so will be Iraq. We will lose many more soldiers. We will pump billions of dollars into that country and it will not change a thing. The Iraqis don't want us there. The soldiers don't want to be there. They are asking the same question we did in Vietnam long ago, "Why are we here?"

I would not like to be the one to face the parents or spouses at a funeral when Old Glory is presented to them. What do they say to them? Your son/daughter died in defense of the country? I hope that this administration takes a wake-up call. I would rather lose face in front of the world and get out of Iraq than lose any more teenagers.

JAIME PALOU