Risking Soldiers’ Lives, Sending Billions to Iraq

Re “How Many Body Bags?” Commentary, Nov. 4: It’s clear that Robert Scheer despises anyone or anything that doesn’t suit his political myopia. Although I am not a cheerleader for President Bush, I am offended by Scheer’s suggestion that he is “cavalierly dismissing the lives of the young soldiers mired in his folly.”

Scheer conveniently and irresponsibly draws conclusions and presents them as fact. Worse, he is disrespectful to the thousands of soldiers who are working hard to protect this country -- and will ultimately leave Iraq in much better condition than they found it. God forbid if any good is being done in Iraq.

Kevin Schoeler

Santa Monica

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As usual, Scheer hits the mark. It is so easy and comfortable to be a great warrior when you’ve never been there, and Bush and most of his cabal have never been there. Bush is good at pretending the part, however, by landing on an aircraft carrier, as a passenger, but dismounting much like Walter Mitty, the great fighter pilot.

I’m not certain Scheer’s solution is the best. I thought the war in Iraq was a “wag the dog” operation from the start. However, now that we are there, it must be finished. The sensible way is through the United Nations, but I don’t expect that -- too much preeminence involved.

Ray McIntosh

Redlands

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Re “Senate Passes $87.5-Billion Bill for Iraq, Afghanistan,” Nov. 4: A voice vote? For $87 billion of our hard-earned taxpayer money? A voice vote? You write, “But that allowed members of both parties to avoid taking a recorded stand....” Next November can’t come soon enough. Obviously we need a massive housecleaning in Washington.

Lawrence

Schaumburg-Hinson

Long Beach

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Before we send another innocent young soldier into battle, I propose that every member of Congress and the administration send one of his or her children or grandchildren and see how it feels.

Lee J.Soskin

Studio City