Congress and Iraq war

Re “House takes stand against troop buildup,” Feb. 17

The recent nonbinding House resolution to oppose President Bush’s troop escalation in Iraq illustrates clearly why there is an underlying fear of Democratic handling of the Iraq war and the war on terror. The operation did nothing but waste the valuable time of the House.

The very wording of the resolution opposing Bush while showing support of the troops seems to have been designed to do nothing but let the representatives feel good about themselves. I am sure that after several days of pontification, their goal was achieved. Am I alone in thinking that a resolution with a clear alternative plan would actually be helpful? This would require actually taking a real stand, which might not feel so good.

GARY TUCKER

Huntington Beach

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Re “Words of war,” editorial, Feb. 17

I was disappointed with your cynical editorial on the House’s war resolution. First, you state, as a mater of fact, that the Bush “surge” is necessary. This is not true, according to the majority of voters in the last election, poll numbers and several military leaders. On the contrary, I believe that it is time to redeploy existing troops within Iraq and gradually send our troops home, starting yesterday.

Second, although the House had its first real debate concerning what to do with this mess of a war, you describe it as little more than blowing smoke. On the contrary, I see this debate as an extension of my own voice. That’s how a representative democracy works. Bush doesn’t represent me; he’s his own decider. That’s why we have Congress to balance the president’s power and represent the people. For the first time in a long time, my voice was heard in Congress on this issue; please do not dismiss it.

JIM GORIN

Whittier

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Re “GOP blocks Senate vote on troop resolution,” Feb. 18

The Republicans’ refusal to allow a debate in the Senate about the troop buildup in Iraq is disingenuous given their willingness to invoke the “nuclear option” for filibusters during debates on judicial nominees. The more important the issue, the more important it is to have a full, robust and timely debate.

D. MICHAEL BUSH

Irvine

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I haven’t personally spoken to an Iraq veteran about this subject, but I can tell you from my own experience as a Vietnam veteran that Congress’ or the public’s support of the war had zero effect on our morale in the combat zone.

We were there for each other and to perform our tasks to the best of our ability, period. And we were proud of our efforts regardless of what was going on back in “the world,” where there was no warm welcome for us on our return. Maybe today’s soldiers are different from my generation, but I doubt it. Don’t let somebody who hasn’t worn the uniform or been there speak for the troops, and don’t let such people hide behind them.

GARY HALL

Torrance