Observations on ‘The Civil War’
As I watch the remarkable account of the American Civil War on PBS, I am reminded that during that war most of the combatants and civilians forgot, over time, what the war was all about: to preserve the Union.
I am reminded that today in the situation we face with Iraq many of us have forgotten already why the Union is in the Middle East.
It is not oil that introduced our armies to Saudi soil, but the right of self-determination of peoples. Now we talk only about oil prices, oil supplies, oil prices.
If we are to enter into a conflict that may terminate the lives of innocent Americans and others, then let it be for the right reason--the primary reason Americans have put their lives on the line throughout our history--for the right of liberty.
L.M. LARRY EDMONDS
Redondo Beach
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
