To the editor:

Webster’s defines “kill” as “to deprive of life; to put an end to.” It lists the word “murder” as a synonym, defined as “the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought.” There is no mention of “cause.” It uses the two words interchangeably (Just in case you didn’t know).

The latest Gallup poll shows opposition to the war is at 34 percent, with 3 percent undecided. Of the 37 percent in favor of the war, 26 percent admit they might change their minds. Time magazine’s latest poll shows that 42 percent of Americans support sending troops, but only with U.N. support. Three weeks ago, that figure was 51 percent. The Feb. 16 edition of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution shows 59 percent of Americans favored giving the U.N. more time in Iraq. You see, Sandra; there are a vast number of people with your mindset.

Could it be that the U.S. is more anxious for war with Iraq than our European allies because we could sorely use Iraqi oil contracts? People oppose war for all sorts of reasons. Some feel war is never justified; some feel this just isn’t the time for this particular war; some believe “thou shalt not kill.” Whatever the reason, no matter the numbers, we all have the opportunity to speak up and change what we do not feel is in our country’s best interest. My concern is that the pro-war side is not being aptly represented. Where were they on Feb. 15 when millions of peace marches were speaking up?

Doris Stine,

Lawrence