Advancing the cause of freedom

To the editor: This is a reply to Richard Bennett. From our very beginning America has called on its military to defend and preserve our nation. From the very beginning America’s military has stepped forward and, with the help of God, defended our nation. Today we are at war once again; it is naive to think otherwise. The nation of Iraq, once a hotspot for terror under Saddam Hussein, is now rapidly rebuilding in a democratic fashion. A new constitution has been adopted and schools and hospitals are all operating without totalitarian control. Ninety newspapers, 170 radio and TV stations and the stock exchange are all operating without dictatorial demands. America has not been self-serving or calloused in this regard. The United States military has shown great compassion and care for the Iraqi people, as it should be. We are quite certain that raising your voice in protest had nothing to do with any of this. It is unquestionably the United States military that has everything to do with the current success in Iraq and also preventing further attacks on America. By advancing the cause of freedom we make the world a safer place to live. Sorry, Richard, you are stepping on the toes of 25 million veterans living today and the families of those who are departed. We cannot let this go unchallenged. Bob Fletcher Robert Ritzer on behalf of the officers and members Nicholas P. Lesando Jr. Post 214 American Legion