Letter to the editor

Putting all partisan politics aside regarding the pros and cons of the decision to let the war in Iraq drag on, I have one simple question to ask . How can any presidential candidate ignore the fact that over 70% of the American people do NOT support it? When Vice President Cheney was reminded of this, his retort was, "so what"! Are we to understand that Presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain is adapting Cheney's arrogant dismissal of how a vast majority of the people feel and if he is, why hasn't there been more of an out-cry? Everyone is aware that there's a deep division in public opinion about the war and how its being conducted, but Seventy percent or threabouts is more than a 'division', it'san outright calamity, a veritable landslide of public opinion in favor of bringing an early end to this disastrous and costly blunder.. While it is true that there is no easy way out for us and no exit plan exists as far as we know, the necessary prerequisites to withdrawal, such as a stable Iraqi government, able to function and govern with an even hand, is still an evasive pipe dream that the present administration, including sen. John McCain continues to embrace, as unbelievably naive as it may seem to most of us. From all recent appearances, the currant Iraqi government has been giving a much friendlier welcome to visiting Iranian officials, with hugs and kisses all around, than it has to visiting American politicians. President Maliki. doesn't much care what Americans think and it becomes increasingly apparent that neither does the present administration, including at least one Presidential candidate who has seemingly shrugged off the opinions of most of our citizens. "So what" could well become the rallying cry for his candidacy. Let's hope it doesn't catch on.

George Morin
Auburn, Ga.