Look for lessons on Afghanistan

Military leaders say they need more troops in Afghanistan while many other Americans are against this, including the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, a retired general. The Russians were there for 20 years before they realized it was a mistake and pulled out. We have been fighting there for eight years and the high cost of this war is raising our national debt. Some of the millions of dollars being spent on this war could better be used for the health reform plan.

What does our United Methodist Church stand for? The church believes that war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. The UMC Social Principles say: "We urge the establishment of the rule of law in international affairs as a means of elimination of war." Most moderates in other faiths are also against war.

But what do we do about the Taliban and the Muslim terrorists? We can encourage moderate Muslims to remind their fellow men that the Koran teaches that Muslims do not kill other Muslims. If our soldiers would leave, there would be no Americans to kill. There is another answer.

After World War II the Marshall Plan helped to rebuild Europe. Perhaps we need a similar plan for Afghanistan.

At the end of the month millions of folks all around the world we will be singing one of the themes of the Christmas holidays, "Peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind."

Robert Pendleton

Elk Grove Village