Let's not rush into deadly war with the Iraqis

To the editor:

Our government is asking us to support a possible pre-emptive strike against Iraq. We should have some tough questions asked and answered before we send our sons, daughters, husbands and wives to die in a far-off place. There is no doubt that some will die, because war is a nasty business.

Saddam Hussein is a ruthless dictator. Of that we can be sure. Is he a direct and imminent threat to the United States? The president says yes. The CIA says no. The vice president says yes. Weapons inspectors say not for awhile.

The Bush administration says we will go in leading a coalition. What coalition? Only Tony Blair of Great Britain has signed on to this fiasco. No one mentions the cost in lives or money. How many American soldiers will die? We are told the Iraqi people, already suffering under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, will thank us. I really doubt they will thank us for the killing of thousands of their loved ones.

Isn't it ironic that politicians have no problem going into deficit spending to finance a war and to kill? Never mind using the money to save lives, like the 43 million Americans who have no health insurance. How about our veterans? While we contemplate sending a new batch of soldiers to be maimed, wounded or killed, we are cutting funds for those that have already risked their lives for our country. Let us not rush into war.

SUSAN BUNDY

Jackson