What we were told about war in Iraq doesn't jibe with what's happening

EDITOR:
On Sept. 11, 2001, over 3,000 human beings were murdered in a diabolical attack against American symbols. Our capitalism, our military power and possibly our governmental system if the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania had reached its target in Washington, D.C. We were told it happened because terrorists, directed by Osama bin Forgotten, were jealous of our way of life and our freedom. Repeatedly, the radical Islamic spokesmen have said, "America must change its foreign policies or further attacks are eminent." They want America out of the Middle East.
We are told the Arab countries need to be democracies and the theory is, democracies are less aggressive. How can America use itself as a model of nonaggression after invading Iraq on false or incorrect intelligence? The quickly defeated Iraq was no threat to the United States nor were Weapons of Mass Destruction found (the two primary reasons for the invasion!) The compassionate conservatives used Sept. 11 as a reason to be re-elected and how safe we are because there have been no attacks on American soil. Thousands of Americans have been killed and wounded on foreign soil as it forces democracy on people who run from the battles to free themselves.
We were told capturing and killing Saddam and his sons and making Iraq a sovereign nation would result in less violence. As the violence escalates we're told, after the bogus election in January occurs, the situation will improve. Maybe there will be another "Mission Accomplished" sign hanging over the head of our compassionate conservative mis-leader? Has he kept track of how many Iraqis have been killed and wounded as he continues to tell the world how much they want democracy?
I'm a recipient of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Each month I must pay a sixth of my income to receive a Medicaid card. My benefits were reduced this year and our compassionate president threatens more cuts in the budget for social services in 2005. Billions of American dollars are being spent with each city invaded rebuilt, military equipment destroyed and medical care for wounded Iraqis paid for while millions of Americans have no health care and live in poverty. There is little, or no reporting about the American wounded that need, and will need, financial and medical assistance for the remainder of their lives. Iraq is a money pit with no end in sight.
Mr. Bush defends Donald Rumsfeld because to admit his mis-management, in Iraq, reflects on his so-called leadership. Lets not forget 9/11 happened on his watch. We're told they didn't realize vehicles weren't armored to protect the troops. Rep. Ted Strickland wrote letters to them months ago concerning the lack of armor and nothing resulted until the troops spoke up. Mr. Bush plans to propose privatizing Social Security and says no recipient will be affected. How can we have confidence in anything coming from the White House?
JANET M. WALLS
Youngstown