Troops are fighting for the right to protest

Re “Bush Says Protesters’ Wish Spells Trouble,” Aug. 24

President Bush keeps pushing his “war on terrorism” mythology to keep his unjustified war going in Iraq. That war has no effect against terrorism and has only encouraged it against Spain and Britain, with threats to bring it here.

It is too bad our president can’t put two and two together and realize our occupation is futile.

KENNETH H. BONNELL

Eagle Rock

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When did criticizing a futile and pointless war become synonymous with criticizing the troops fighting that war?

Objection to American policy does not represent a lack of support. In fact, it honors the troops just as much because it is exactly what they are “purportedly” fighting for -- the right to speak our minds. It used to be called democracy.

JOE FUREY

Valley Village

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It seems clear that our misadventure in Iraq was ill-conceived, ill-planned and ill-executed. It is equally clear that a precipitate withdrawal would be ill-advised and irresponsible. But it is unacceptable to reward President Bush and his administration by continuing to indulge their fantasy that they have made no mistakes and that all is going well.

Through ignorance, arrogance, mendacity and incompetence they have condemned us to an ongoing commitment that has been and will continue to be unacceptably expensive in both lives and treasure.

While I am willing to “stay the course” because they have bungled us into a situation where nothing else is politically possible, I am unwilling to play along with their foolish denial of error. The president and his Cabinet should admit their errors, resign and turn things over to wiser, more capable leaders. Then and only then will I support our government as it tries to extricate us from Iraq and minimize the horrific consequences of our president’s folly.

MORRIS SCHORR

Woodland Hills