U.S. leaders need a healthy dose of Show Me sense

To the editor:

I grew up in Missouri and value the common sense I learned from my elders. I think our leaders could use some Show Me wisdom.

If I look at the situation that might involve us militarily in Liberia, I consider the recent history that took us into Somalia. If I look at the huge military and human investment our country has made in Afghanistan and Iraq, I am not so sure we are making decisions that are completely well-considered for the long term.

I think we are still making decisions out of a position of fear and anger, driven by our continued focus on Sept. 11, 2001, and doing so in a manner that limits freedoms.

Our leaders portray our military as a swaggering adolescent taking-on all comers. I can only feel that a lot of this doesn't make any common sense. We are being arrogant and are employing a flawed judgment that remains tainted by an underlying fear.

We should enter a period of reflection and put our ideology to a test that considers history and common sense.

JOHN W. FORD

Cape Girardeau