Soar with the eagles

Soar with the eagles
EDITOR:
At the end of World War II in Europe, Gen. George S. Patton argued that we should push the Russians back to their borders. We had the men, materiel, and logistics in place to do it, but our politicians declined and the people at home were weary of war, and we still had Japan to beat. So we stopped and the result was that millions of people in Eastern Europe suffered unbelievably under the Soviet boot for 50 years.
During the Korean War, Gen. Douglas MacArthur argued that we should attack across the Yalu River to wipe out staging bases and airfields, but our politicians declined and said it wouldn't be politically correct. It might also anger China, but we had to fight the Chinese anyway when they poured across the border. End result: millions of people in North Korea have suffered immeasurably for over 50 years and we are now threatened by a madman with nukes.
During the war in Vietnam, our generals and admirals wanted to bomb Hanoi, mine North Vietnamese harbors, and pursue the enemy into Cambodia and Laos, but our politicians said, "No, we shouldn't do that," and so the entire population of Vietnam has suffered under the totalitarian Communist regime for 30 years.
Now we are in Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting an enemy sworn to destroy us. If our pacifists and doves have their way, we will pull out and leave this job, too, undone. This is not a world for isolationists and flower children. There are wolves in the woods that you cannot ignore.
George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Many Americans have already forgotten what happened to the World Trade Center.
Pull out of Iraq? In case you've forgotten, we still have troops in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. All birds respect the eagle. None respect the dove.
DONALD K. ALLEN
Youngstown
Why not share the pain?
EDITOR:
Why doesn't the press ask our president what I consider to be the most important question about the war in Iraq?
I've just listened to a press conference where reporters asked many repetitious questions and almost always got the answers that they expected.
I want to know, if the war in Iraq must be won, why are our armed forces there the only ones paying the price of the war? While our civilian lives are unchanged, our soldiers and their families are alone in suffering. Shouldn't the entire nation be willing to share, in some way, the cost of a victory the president feels is essential?
We are spending billions of deficit dollars to stay in Iraq. If, as the president feels, victory is crucial, shouldn't all patriotic Americans be willing to pay, through increased taxes, monetarily the cost of this war?
I don't know how George W. Bush would answer this question, but I would sure like to know.
JOSEPH HUME
Youngstown
Let's talk bonuses for vets
EDITOR:
There are six states that offer cash bonuses for Iraq and Afghanistan war vets. As you might guess, Ohio is not one of them.
Our lawmakers have been preoccupied with election mudslinging; perhaps now they will find time to focus on this issue.
All of you should take a moment to consider, where would I be today if it weren't for our veterans? Now, continue your day because veterans made it possible for you to do so.
I am a veteran of "The Forgotten War" in Korea and received a bonus after my tour of duty.
RAYMOND L. HANZES
Commander, V.F.W. Post 3332
Newton Falls