We are not the “policemen” of the world

No more desert war. United Nations, maybe; USA, no.

In less than two years, Iraq is coming apart, the sand is blowing in the desert and covering any evidence that the USA was ever there. We sent billions of dollars there and thousands of injured and killed Americans and faithful allies. The factions in Iraq are killing and maiming each other and destroying properties. This is an example of war in the deserts. This scenario is being played out now and it will be played again when we leave Afghanistan.

I don't think the desert people want to change their way of life.

We have used our war machine to “help” them change and they do not want change.

If we want to change what we refer to as Third World countries, let's use our might and money to drill water wells and help the people be cleaner, healthier and have better food. There are examples in Haiti and other countries of this working. When people have the means for food, clothing and shelter, they will be less likely to want to fight.

We are not the “policemen” of the world. It has not worked and will not work. When will our country wake up to that fact. We have to be strong in ourselves before we can help others. Our politicians have allowed us to be weak and it appears we are getting weaker.

Phil Saunders

Cedar Rapids