Prayers needed

To the editor:

Ila Russell of the VFW Auxiliary raises two important points. She wrote that news of protests against this war would be seen by our troops as not supporting or even condemning them as, indeed, was the case during the Vietnam War. It does trouble me that our troops would not understand that I, and millions of others, can disagree with their commander-in-chief but still appreciate their loyalty and fervently pray for their safe return. What should we as concerned citizens do?

She suggests the answer with her other point. “When you have been threatened and slain by terrorists … (eventually) it is time to fight back.” It is time to hit back at someone — Saddam Hussein, his troops, his citizens — even if they are not the ones responsible for the terrorist attacks. This simply is not a moral or even a practical approach. Justice is not done, America is less safe and, incredibly enough, Saddam’s image is enhanced throughout much of the world. This war is wrong, and I must speak out against it.

The sign I carry says, “Pray for the troops. Pray for the world.” We all will need all the prayers we can get.

Joe Douglas,

Lawrence