Editorial: Our troops transcend all debate

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 | 9:03 a.m.

Hardly a day has gone by over the past few months when there hasn't been a news story about American troops saying goodbye to their loved ones as they boarded planes and ships bound for the Middle East. Hundreds have left from Nellis Air Force Base, including Staff Sgt. Steve Miller, an aerial gunner, who talked to a Sun reporter in January during his final minutes with his wife and baby daughter. After saying he hoped he wouldn't have to shoot anybody, he looked beyond his own mission and talked of the job ahead for the country. "We have proven again and again that America is willing to help other countries," he said.

His words reflected selflessness and dedication to purpose, qualities that all of our troops are showing as they await orders from President Bush and their immediate commanders. They see defense of the United States as their mission, but also defense of the world against terrorism and despotism. As American soldiers before them, they are willing to leave their personal lives behind to help resolve a dangerous world situation. We know, too, that when they say they're ready, that they mean they're ready to fulfill their mission -- and give their lives if they have to.

On the eve of war with Iraq, images of our troops should form more than just the backdrop during debates about the merits of the way President Bush intends to deal with Saddam Hussein. Just as troops are in the forefront when it comes to carrying out wartime policy and decisions, they should be in the forefront of our thoughts as we argue for or against the war. The troops are our fellow Nevadans, our fellow Americans, our friends and allies. They have earned our full support.

Saddam has been revealed before the world as a man whose rule over Iraq was built on the same fundamentals as criminal organizations -- murder, torture and the perverse loyalty earned through the fear of murder and torture. His hostility extends beyond his own borders, as he showed in 1990 by invading Kuwait and in 1991 by launching missiles into Israeli neighborhoods. He has shown no intention of complying with world demands that he cease being a threat to other countries, a situation that brings the United States to where it is today -- on the brink of war with him and his kind. While there are many uncertainties about the war and support for it is far from universal, we are confident there will be at least this one common ground -- support for the men and women of all the coalition forces who have been called to combat.