Convincing case for shooting war hasn't been made

To the editor:

We are on the brink of war with Iraq. I am against it. I have been praying for the safety of our armed forces. I support them.

The president makes the case that Saddam Hussein is a tyrannical dictator who supports our enemies, tortures and murders his own people, has fought with his Persian Gulf neighbors and previously invaded and occupied the land of an ally. He is an enemy who, left to his own devices, will find a way to attack U.S. interests.

These are compelling reasons for listing the Iraqi government among the enemies of modern civilization, watching its actions closely and responding appropriately as needed. However, without a direct attack against the United States or one of its allies and without a strong majority of U.N. members in support, the arguments fall short of convincing me that a shooting war is necessary to achieve our nation's goals.

What can an individual citizen of the greatest nation of free people do to contribute to greater world peace and stability? The administration's answer: go about your business, stay alert, buy stuff and give up your civil liberties. And, if you have $125,000 to spend on a gas-guzzling Hummer, you can get $75,000 back on your taxes. Give me a break.

ANDY LEIGHTON

Cape Girardeau