LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Why risk more lives if we may call it quits?

My son came home for Easter weekend. It is likely we won't see him again this year unless we're able to sneak a visit before he's sent back to Iraq this fall. That's assuming the recent flare-up doesn't cause a sooner-than-expected return.

It is hard to believe a year has passed since we were wondering if he would get back from the war in one piece. He is in the Army's 3rd Infantry Division and was one of the first Americans into Baghdad, where his brigade seized the international airport. Months later, we would learn he received three medals for valor in combat. He doesn't talk much about the war, but apparently he had to shoot a lot of enemy soldiers in close-quarter fighting.

We are extremely proud of his service, but I must admit a certain amount of recent aggravation. Who is he fighting for, I wonder? While there are many Americans who support the war on terror and support our troops, there are also many who do not. It's entirely possible that Bush may lose in November due to the growing unhappiness with the war. So why should my son fight for a cause his country may ultimately abandon? Why risk his life again with many hoping a new president will pull us out and turn another military victory into a futile venture?

We are so internally divided that our foreign policies seem to change direction like the wind. Once again, another generation of American soldiers may discover their comrades fought and died for a cause that became a political embarrassment. I wonder how much longer we can expect this volunteer military to risk life and limb subject to the latest internal dissent?

It's difficult to enthusiastically support your son or your country when deep down you feel the best advice you can offer is: Don't let anyone talk you into re-enlisting.

ROBERT HAYES
Long Beach