Letter: If we’re at war, let’s start acting like it

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006 | 7:25 a.m.

If the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are part of the war on terror and it is like World War II or the Cold War, then the country should be on a war footing. There should be higher taxes to pay for this war now instead of passing the costs on to the next two or three generations.

It seems like the only people making any real sacrifices are those in the military and their families. And we never hear about their ultimate sacrifices unless they are from Nevada. The Sun does print, on the inside of the front page, the names of all U.S. troops killed in action, but our other local paper never makes any mention of those killed.

It as if no one, from the president on down, truly cares, except around election time, and then we have all kinds of strong words and lots of flag waving.

Remember during the previous administration, all the uproar about how the military was being weakened and misused? Why don't we hear any of that now that there is not enough money for replacement of equipment and weapons or for training, and units are going back to Iraq and Afghanistan over and over again? Military families are paying a high price for this war and all the platitudes and good wishes are not enough.

It is fortunate that the military is made up of great young men and women who truly love their country and their comrades and will continue to perform at the highest levels in spite of all the difficulties they face. It is time to listen to new voices and develop new plans and policies to bring an end to these conflicts.

Judith Lachance, Las Vegas