Do we support the unsung heroes?

An article headed "Sudden Death," (Jan. 7, Daily Herald) reported three Iraqi soldiers threw themselves on a suicide attacker wearing an explosives vest, during an Army Day celebration.

The attacker succeeded in triggering an explosion that killed "at least 11 people," including a U.S. soldier. The U.S. concluded that their act of heroism "likely prevented many more deaths."

The three Iraqi soldiers demonstrated a deep commitment to the struggle for a democratic government in their land. They represent the tip of the iceberg that is an unseen majority in Iraq. Why unseen?

Because the news media choose to focus on the negative spectaculars instead of the deeper, more personal issues confronting the nation. We don't hear about factions that appreciate what we are doing and want our help; we only hear about opponents who likely support terrorism.

War is a terrible thing, but we are in this one, and the question is: Are we going to see it through in support of the people that we introduced democracy to and who are embracing it, or are we going to pull out prematurely and abandon them?

Several of our presidential candidates propose a pullout in terms of months, without apparent regard for conditions in Iraq at the time. Now that the primaries are near, we as citizens of this great nation, have a voting voice as to how our nation should respond to the question.

Donald Cavi

Rolling Meadows