You can drive SUV and be a patriot too

I am always amazed by letters from would-be reformers like Glenn Taras (July 21) who point the finger at "gas-guzzzling SUVs" without considering the fact that their owners may have physical or financial problems that prevent them from trading for a smaller car.

His patriotic answer to gas-pollution is to "outlaw" the use of these vehicles and send their owners to Iraq "to fight for their oil like real men."

I have had three total hip replacements (one of them defective) and am physically prevented from sitting in a small car with low seats.

Yes, I own an SUV because the doors are wide, the seats high, allowing me to easily swing into my car.

Incidentally, my husband and son served respectively 25 and 28 years in Naval aviation and flew many missions in war time.

My grandson just volunteered for the Air Force and is leaving next week, probably riding in a military Hummer.

Maybe I should also enlist to please Mr. Toras and prove my own patriotism. I assume he also volunteered to go to Iraq and prove himself to be a real man.

Irene Lavelle

Prospect Heights