Don't give in to the whims of demagogues

To the editor:

On the comments concerning the United States' reputation: Should we have taken Iraq's side by helping Saddam Hussein take the oil fields in United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia? Allowed communism to spread unchecked throughout the world? Prevented Israel from taking measures to protect itself from terrorists within its own borders?

We may not be perfect, but we are still the strongest and most giving country in the world. Our soldiers ensure peace around the world every day. Our dollars feed countless millions each and every day. Our reputation as the world's greatest country is intact. We cannot please everyone, and you will forgive us if we don't acquiesce to the whims of socialist demagogues so we do better in popularity contests.

DERALD HARP

Cape Girardeau