Letter to Tioga County Courier and Press and Sun Bulletin

I am usually a very optimistic person, but in this season of praying for peace, I am not hopeful for a peace in Iraq! As I read & hear the news, president Bush is in the process of listening to several viewpoints.

My guess is he will listen to those who advocate increasing our troops over there to save his presidential legacy. If so, this is no different than his "stay the course"policy at the expense of the dead and wounded of our troops, that the majority of the voters voted against this past election.

It reminds me of my time in Washington when this "short term" increase will escalate into a "long term" expansion similar to LBJ's escalation of the Viet Nam war.

If the Iraqis cannot protect their own country in 3.5 years, how are they going to do it now? BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!

Duane Palmiter Sr.