Only troops can answer question

I am no expert.

I would like to start by saying I have no experience in the military or in military strategy. I have no experience in national or international security. No experience in national or international politics. Most of the information I possess on the situation in Iraq is based on the limited information that the media choose to report or the very limited information our government is willing to or able to provide us. I accept that I do not have access to or will ever have access to the same information that our government agencies possess.

Before the first Gulf War, I cannot recall ever hearing of Saddam Hussein. Before the first Gulf War, I would not have been able to point out Iraq on a map.

Therefore, with the limited information at my disposal, I cannot make an informative or rational decision on whether I am "pro-war" or "anti-war." Simply said, I am not qualified.

As the temperature approaches 120 degrees in Iraq and I sit in my air conditioned home, with running water, a fridge full of my favorite beverage and an assortment of my favorite foods, I read about the "pro-war" and "anti-war" protesters under the premise that is in "support of our troops," and I wonder if they have ever given thought to how our troops perceive these demonstrations and protests, or even bothered to ask.

Our troops have a greater firsthand knowledge of the everyday happenings in Iraq and have acquired at least some experience in all of the above fields and bear the true cost of this war. If you must know whether this war "is worth it," don't look to the media, don't look to our government, neighbors, friends, family or even yourself. If you must know whether this war is "worth it" ask the only group of people qualified to answer that question. If you must know if this war "is worth it" ask our troops.

Craig Morrison

Hanover Park