War in Iraq takes toll on volunteer army, reserves

War in Iraq takes toll on volunteer army, reserves
EDITOR:
The day before his arrival in Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told reporters that the war will last four more years, or to the end of President Bush's term.
Before our recent election, our Congress voted not to bring back the draft. This proves that we were deceived about our invasion of Iraq and weapons of mass destruction. They were not going to subject their children and grandchildren to a war in Iraq. Now the burden falls on an all-voluntary service with the Army Reserve and the National Guard. This cannot continue.
We must leave Iraq or bring back the draft. The first President Bush was involved in the Persian Gulf War. Saddam Hussein had invaded his neighbors for their oil fields. This mission was accomplished. Hussein's representatives met with our generals and agreed not to invade again. Our nation had 500,000 troops committed in this war. The second President Bush and his administration led America to war with 150,000 troops. This administration was told by the generals that were involved in the Persian Gulf war that they would have to double this troop size to have success in this war.
Servicemen and women are leaving the service and enlistment has dropped for all-voluntary service. This will not recover. We read daily about the mistakes this administration has made. To continue this war, our nation must bring back the draft.
JOSEPH S. KUN Sr.
Youngstown
Do not talk to me about getting off do-not-call list
EDITOR:
A letter printed a few days ago compared allowing telemarketing with buying American products. This is akin to comparing apples and oranges.
I agree on the Buy American question. Ford and General Motors are the only truly American companies building cars and trucks and I only consider buying their vehicles. I will only shop at "Sprawlmart" and other stores as a last resort. These stores sell mostly shoddy foreign products and exploit their employees to increase their profit margin.
I would also consider taking my name off the do-not-call list if the telemarketers would reform three of their tactics. First, they must require their employees to take a polite "I am not interested" as final, and terminate the call. Second, they need to eliminate the multi-dialed devices that disconnect just as one answers because another number answered a second sooner. Third, they need to do away with computer generated recorded messages.
Even though I feel that my phone, which I pay for, is my own and not a sales tool for anyone who wants to use it, I would put up with a minor interruption to my life so others can make a living. Until the reforms mentioned are made, I will continue to keep my name on the do not call list and be as rude as I can to anyone who ignores or uses a loophole to bother me.
ROBERT HUSTED
New Springfield
Where's the cr & egrave;che?
EDITOR:
Why the big fuss over the downtown Christmas tree, and not a word of our Nativity set? It's been said the Baby Jesus was stolen years ago. Poor excuse. I will pay for a new one.
And the Mahoning County Courthouse looks terrible too. We have floodlights, why don't they turn them on? No money? Look at the Trumbull County Courthouse in Warren. Beautiful. Are we any poorer than they?
The only beauty left in downtown Youngstown are the two banks that are lit up every night.
ELIZABETH DiSCHIAVO
Youngstown