To the editor:

World opinion is important; we aren’t living in the days of the old West.

President Bush should not “badmouth” leaders of foreign countries when they do not go along with his war schemes. Congress is more than a little nervous. After a yearlong study, an amendment must be made to the Constitution protecting the continuity of Congress in case of attack.

Lawmakers and citizens are questioning the validity of claims that led our troops into war with Iraq. Sites that contain documents that could verify those claims are being ignored. Why?

Two months after the fall of Baghdad, no WMD (or Saddam) have been found.

Just now, the hotel where he and his sons were suspected of hiding out is being searched for evidence. This hotel was bombed two months ago and is just now being inspected. Why?

Americans should be asking the big questions: how? and why? Bush is enjoying relatively good approval ratings from the United States for doing a really bad job. How is it easy to be “patriotic” and turn a blind eye to what has happened to our economy, our reputation and our security over the past 2 1/2 years when news like this is presented to us each and every day? Open your eyes, America; at least peek out between your fingers. This isn’t a horror movie; it’s real. While you’re at it, you might want to check in on your civil rights; they are taking a beating, and the bruises are beginning to show.

Doris Stine,

Lawrence