The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 3 of 9)

John Jarrell br> San Antonio, Texas /p>

Mr. Wittman's "Plain Speaking" was refreshing and insightful -- if a view of this hideous war can be refreshing. His recalling for us the demise of playboys Uday and Qusay, ending their reign of terror ,was certainly worth mentioning. In this era of warp-speed news cycle, if it didn't happen in the last 24 hours, in the minds of most, it didn't happen.

As I read his analysis of our position today, I thought of learning to ride a bicycle before training wheels were invented. Child wobbled along with weary adult running behind, hanging onto the back fender, steadying the terrified learner. When child gained a little balance, adult let go. Often the child looked back in panic when he saw he didn't have his protector -- but then he realized he was independently operating. What a rush!

p>It may be time for the United States military to let go and let Iraq wobble or fall or feel the freedom of going it on their own. br> -- Diane Smith br> South San Francisco, California /p>

What makes anyone think we are entitled to get out of Iraq/Iran/ the whole Middle East thing?

The USA, by intention or default, act and omission, helped mightily to make the situation what it is today, good and bad. For reasons of our national interests and honor, we have been up to our elbows in the Near East since Harry Truman was President.

Would Israel exist without our continual support? Would Saddam have lasted half as long without our help? Would the Saudi kingdom still be there? Jordan? For that matter would Egypt be ruled by Mubarak or the Muslim Brotherhood? And even if our troops left Iraq, would we not still expect to be a major player and a deciding influence on the course of events over there?

No, the point of no return is behind us. The die was cast long ago, and the Rubicon crossed, though it was probably a dry wadi at the time. Get used to it. We are part of the deal over there, like it or not, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The only way "out" is through.

p>And if the taxpayer and the soldier bear the brunt of the policy makers' stupidity and indecision -- well, what else is new?

topics:
Taxes, Foreign Policy, Nancy Pelosi, Economics, Business, Islam, Law, Military, Iraq, Iran, Russia, Israel