THE PUBLIC MIND: SUPPORT FOR FIGHTING FORCES IS IMPORTANT

To the Editor:

At a time when the men and women in our armed forces are facing their greatest test, we at home are facing a test as well. Our test is to maintain our unity and resolve, as our troops are doing in the Persian Gulf.

We don't want Saddam Hussein to take this country's tolerance for anti-war demonstrators as a signal he should wait out our resolve in a long and bloody war.

I'm outraged at the brutal treatment of our POWs. And I'm saddened to see the media give so much attention to the small number of anti-war protesters who have sprung into action. It seems that every time a few protesters pick up their signs, the cameras swarm around them, and they end up on the news.

Our soldiers have said that they have a job to do and are going to get it done. I feel I have a job to do, too. And that's to stand up in strong support of our troops.

I want them to know that I and the American people are very proud of them. We are all inspired by their bravery.

I hope that you'll print my letter, and others like it, in the days ahead. Thousands of local American newspapers are reaching our men and women in uniform every day. Your newspaper may be one of them. I want the troops to know that we hold them in our thoughts and prayers every day.

B.W. Harrison

Cape Girardeau