September 11, 2001, did happen, and it is with definite applause that I commend President George W. Bush for taking the action that he did, relying on the same reports that our United States Congress members did when they voted to enter our troops into the Middle East zone; but the latter have been trying to convey our president’s decision as misleading. Instead of condemning him for it, those stating opposition should be rejoicing in the capture, trial and death of the murderous dictator Saddam Hussein, but their political bent has taken priority over preserving the freedoms of the Iraqi people and of protecting us as Americans from a possible continuum of terror.

The troops who come through Bangor International Airport tell the facts as they are, stating that they will go back in a heartbeat, since our presence in Iraq is necessary to continue the obvious successes and to ensure the future freedom of the Iraqi people.

– Sharon I. Rideout, Hermon

I was as much a proponent for going to the Middle East as anyone after 9-11. Today I feel that we need to beef up Israel’s defenses, take the money we spend in Iraq and Afghanistan and put it toward domestic defense and intelligence information on terrorism. I don’t think you can win a war against an invisible adversary (which is what this guerrilla warfare is) on foreign soil. The loyalty of the people we try to help is too muddy. I believe OPEC is working against us because of our presence in their region, regardless of what they say to our face. The fact of the matter is, the people of the Middle East hate the U.S., and the only way we have value to them is as a customer of their only commodity that has any value to us, oil. Let these countries beat up on each other as they have for thousands of years. The only tie that binds them is their disdain for the West. Until we come home and watch over our own country, we will continue the downward spiral we’re in until the U.S. implodes. This is exactly what the extremists hope will happen. Why help them achieve this end result?

– Todd Duncan,

Presque Isle

Compiled from

bangordailynews.com.