To the editor:

Given that the president and the attorney general both advocate having the option to use torture, I think it is admirable that nearly 60 percent of U.S. combat troops in Iraq in a recent study opposed torture.

However, it’s more disturbing that only 47 percent of soldiers and 38 percent of Marines said noncombatants should be treated with dignity and respect. Following through on this, about a third reported insulting or cursing at civilians in their presence, and 10 percent reported mistreating civilians or damaging property even though they believed it was not necessary. Only about half would report a member of their unit for killing an innocent civilian.

None of this even touches on their willingness to mistreat enemy soldiers.

If we had an occupying force in Lawrence that did not believe we should be treated with dignity and respect, who cursed at us, who came from a country whose government supported torture, would their continued presence create a more peaceful, democratic city?

Leaving the troops there can only cause more hatred of the United States, more chaos and anarchy, and more damage to the men and women in our armed forces we have put in this terrible position.

Bring the troops home now.

Anne Haehl,

Lawrence