To the editor:

I appreciate Ms. Mangan’s analogy equating Hussein to an abusive parent (“U.S. was right,” Public Forum, Nov. 26). Calling the argument for less violent solutions “holier-than-thou” does not help us understand each other, but analogies are a wonderful way for all of us to try to understand another viewpoint. I would like to expand upon this one in hopes that arguments against pre-emptive war might be better understood.

Having authorities raid the house versus doing nothing are only two of many possible solutions. Suppose the raid results in the death of even one of those badly beaten children, and that their home is destroyed. Suppose even one of those police officers raiding the house dies as well. Is it still the only “right” solution? Too many U.S. lives are being put at risk and lost, and too many Iraqis are dying as a result of this war for me to say yes.

If my neighbors (the U.N.) were being “paid off” to do nothing, I would keep working with them anyway, call social services, enlist family, have authorities knock — anything and everything else first to avoid sadly introducing more violence.

So, to answer the question: No, I am not telling you it is wrong to step in. I am telling you that I believe in the goodness of our country too. Don’t you think we have the compassion and the intelligence to avail ourselves of more than just extreme and morally costly solutions?

Pat Wittry,

Lawrence