Democracy needs commitment

I wish to comment on some assertions made in Jonathan Neumark's letter (March 2) regarding "sad state of affairs."

Mr. Neumark was correct when he said we need to take stock of the Iraq situation; this is our obligation as citizens. However, while doing so, leaps of logic must be avoided.

It is true that our time in Iraq has exceeded our time in WWII, but our national commitment to the task in Iraq has been much less than that in WWII. Then, the entire nation participated because commodities were rationed, many industries were converted to the manufacture of military equipment, victory gardens were planted and war bonds were sold to finance the war effort. The two conflicts are hardly comparable in terms of the national effort put forth.

It should be noted that there are still U.S. troops based in Europe and Japan, many years after the cessation of hostilities. We also have troops in Korea, many years after the Korean War. In the places where U.S. forces have been for many years, they have been a source of stability. This should be contrasted with what happened in Southeast Asia, where a precipitous U.S. exit from Vietnam left a situation that developed into a blood bath, created many refugees and caused untold human rights violations.

The task of developing democracy involves long-term commitment. Cultural and national habits do not change overnight and unfortunately, they do not change without sacrifice.

Criticism of John McCain because he was a military man is unjust and unfounded. Mr. Neumark incorrectly states that McCain envisions a controlling U.S. presence in Iraq, when in fact what is envisioned is a long-term presence similar to those mentioned above.

His criticism of Congressman Mark Kirk as a military man is also invalid. Mr. Neumark would do well to thank both men for their service, rather than to assume that military service somehow makes those who have served blind to options other than force. As anyone who has served knows, the romantic element of war exists only in the minds of those who write or film about it, not in the minds of those who have fought.

Marvin Johnson

Grayslake