Some War Is Necessary

In response to Mr. Hans G. Reichardt, whose firsthand experience of war should be acknowledged: I do hear what you are saying about war, since you have endured the horrors for yourself. Yet this doesn't compel me to agree with your position on the looming Iraqi conflict, as printed in the February 7 issue of The Voice [Why I Went to Washington to Demonstrate Against War with Iraq].

First, you seem to relish the term "peacenik." I would remind you that the original peaceniks of the '70s spat on—yes, SPAT ON—our soldiers returning from Vietnam! Perhaps "peace-loving" would be a term better suited for a man such as yourself.

Second, your account of the hell that fighting men endure is well received. Since you fought in World War II, I would ask you to ponder the greater hell those under Hitler's direct oppression experienced. If given the chance of being a starving cadaver in Auschwitz or a soldier in a hellish battle, I would choose the latter. Those who died under the tortures of the Holocaust died as helpless victims of evil, not as soldiers opposing evil.

This leads to another point you made. No, not all war is simply "failed diplomacy." Some war is necessary, given the way tyranny likes to spread like a cancer on this planet. World War I, World War II, the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan are all examples of needed military action. "Vietnam," futile bloodbath that it was, seems to be the only war liberals like to recollect. If you are still unconvinced that Saddam Hussein is another tyrannical threat, just read the entire transcript of Colin Powell's presentation to the UN.

I would also remind you that as much of an impending nuclear threat that North Korea is, North Korea has not developed chemical and biological weapons, has not shot at U.S. air patrols, has not set a plan in action to assassinate a former U.S. President, and has no current ties to radical Islamic terrorists. All four are true of Saddam. But rest assured, North Korea will not get away with its nuclear ambitions.

Finally, I ask: Is Mr. Reichardt really a "Republican"? Only in Connecticut! He may wish to switch parties, given his philosophic bias.

A footnote to Mr. Marvin Peyser: Keep up the good work! Your arguments are well received. [Israel Needs a Partner-in-Peace, February 7] In my opinion, Mr. William Carlotti's unilateral support for the Palestinians is rather eerie. He never admits, or even acknowledges, the fact that the Palestinian culture embraces and celebrates terrorist acts. If he believes that terrorism is often justified, perhaps his name should be worth remembering.