To the editor:

The activity of the annoying demonstrators in Washington shows little respect for our dedicated military men and women — patriots that love the Stars and Stripes so much they are willing to do what it takes to insure the safety and freedoms of America — even if that means putting their own lives on the line.

Of course, nobody wants war. The same could be said about society’s criminals. But the unruly must be confronted regardless of the dangers involved. The demonstrators don’t seem to understand that peace, and our freedoms, do not happen automatically. Unfortunately, the United States must pay a price. And personally, I would rather the process of paying that price occurred on foreign soil rather than our own.

It was almost amusing to hear one protester state that he was fearful a nuclear bomb might be used by the United States, that would destroy the Earth forever. I wonder if he would feel better if several of Hussein’s nukes, loaded with the smallpox virus, were to land on his own doorstep. Or maybe it would be of comfort for him to learn that New York had been reduced to piles of rubble. Must Los Angeles, or Houston lay in ruin before we say, “OK, we have been provoked. We can retaliate now.”

Clearly, the administration has not gotten the message through to these kinds of people (marchers). The lowest common denominator should be made to understand that America is not provoking war but is taking necessary steps to prevent global disaster.

Richard Smith,

Lawrence