Peace among nations and neighbors

To the editor: The following points are in reply to Richard Bennett: Throughout our war history America’s military has defeated our enemies. If this had not been so Fascism and Communism would have controlled our lives with far-reaching consequences. The U.S. House and Senate each have an independent bipartisan intelligence committee responsible for gathering information on which decisions can be made by the House, Senate and the President. After reviewing intelligence during 2002 a majority of the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle condemned the Iraqi regime for harboring weapons of mass destruction and terrorists. They also agreed that America could no longer wait for U.N. sanctions and gave approval to President Bush’s plan for removing Saddam Hussein by going to war. There are cases of the NSA wiretapping the Al Qaida network but no proven case of illegal civilian wiretapping in America. America has intercepted threats of nuclear bombs being smuggled into our major cities. If this were to happen in New York then you would not have the opportunity to critique U.S. war policy. The Patriot Act is a very successful tool used to thwart terrorists in America today. We are on a wartime footing. The U.N. has a very poor track record and has been proven to be tainted by corruption and ineffective leadership. America’s military must be controlled by Americans and we must control our nation’s interests. It is the only way for us to survive in today’s world. There are 20 million Iraqi citizens who are very pleased we did not shirk our responsibility to share our concern and compassion for them and do something about it. That in itself is most gratifying. Richard, please join us in supporting our nation, our president, and our troops. Bob Fletcher and Robert Ritzer On behalf of the officers and members Nicholas P. Lesando Jr. American Legion Post 214 Warwick