In Iraq, we've done what had to be done

I have repeatedly watched Barack Obama and the other Democrats claim we should not have gone into Iraq because it had nothing to do with terrorism.

They seem to be depending on the notorious short memory of the American public. Saddam Hussein was into terrorism up to his eyeballs.

Have we forgotten that he paid the families of suicide bombers and supported Palestinian terrorists whenever and however he could?

Have we forgotten about Iraq's invasion of Kuwait? Hundreds killed and a sovereign country overrun.

Have we forgotten the numerous U.N. resolutions which called for Iraq to cooperate with the UNSCOM weapons inspections and the IAEA nuclear inspectors? Iraq's response was to bar the inspectors from all facilities.

Have we forgotten the hundreds of Kurds murdered by Hussein using weapons of mass destruction?

Have we forgotten about the Scud missiles fired into Israel during the first Gulf War and the unbelievable restraint displayed by the Israelis?

In our disgust over the behavior of a few troops at Abu Grabe prison, have we forgotten the reason for the prison's existence - the torture and murder of Iraqi civilians which took place there?

Contrary to popular belief, the war in Iraq was not simply about weapons of mass destruction. And it was not about oil.

Clearly Saddam Hussein was a blight on the world. His continued influence in the Mid-East was a threat to our way of life, world peace, and to our allies in the area.

The U.S. with the blessing of the U.N. did what had to be done.

I am concerned also for the American people who cannot stand the thought that 4,000 American troops have died to free a people and extend our influence in such a vital part of the world.

I wonder how they would have reacted to the 418,000 Americans who died during World War II, the 36,000 who died in Korea or the 55,000 who died in Vietnam.

Do the American people have the stomach to do what's right because it's right? Or are we more concerned about our wide screen TVs and saving the spotted tree toad?

Jim Hader

Palatine