Peace is best, but U.S. must be always vigilant

To the editor:

I have some thoughts about those who don't believe Saddam Hussein poses a threat to the United States. They say the president can't prove a threat, yet they can't disprove it. Many world leaders and the United Nations say he poses a threat. I suppose the dissenters know more.

The real reason the dissenters have for opposing military involvement is partisan politics. They are Bush-haters who will disagree with anything the president does. They describe our president as a bloodthirsty dictator who is itching to kill thousands of our troops and Iraqis. What about innocent American lives potentially killed by Saddam Hussein and other rogue nations or terrorists?

President Bush has said he prefers a peaceful solution and is willing to work with world leaders and the United Nations. The president has a right to defend our country. What's the dissenters' solution to national security?

One argument against military action is that Saddam Hussein hasn't done anything drastic yet. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Every unborn child, innocent Iraqi civilian and American service member has the right to life. But a terrorist's goal is to wreak as much death, destruction and chaos as possible. They don't care about life, not even their own. Saddam Hussein supports this mindset.

I don't want a war in Iraq or anywhere else, but I do believe in the right to defend our country. Give peace a chance, but be ready and vigilant.

GREG LINCOLN

Cape Girardeau