Letter to the editor

Prime minister Maliki of Iraq pretty much summed up his country's appreciation for the American presence by rejecting any long term occupation by American troops and flatly giving the cold shoulder to continuing American influence in the affairs of Iraqi politics. Fair enough, I say. The sooner we get out, the better. Having said that, I am prepared to be inundated with anti 'cut and run' rhetoric ala Sen. John McCain. What really sends me up the wall is the unbelievable chutzpa of the administration in thinking it is our right to stay in that country and control its government after its been made clear that they want us out. This only confirms the fact that whatever our original intentions, we have now achieved the status of visiting relatives who have outstayed their welcome. There are those who firmly believe we need to maintain a presence there to protect American interests and guard against the growing influence of Iran in the area. Gun boat diplomacy continues to be the order of the day and peacful negotiating with all the parties in the area remains on hold.The further we stretch our military resources, the less chance we have of influencing the outcome. Trouble spots around the world seem to draw us like a magnet and they are bleeding us dry. As the worlds foremost nuclear power, we don't have to flex our muscles by spreading our selves out like oleo on a pancake. Remember what Nikita Khruschev said to Mao Tse Tung when Mao asked him why he backed down in the Cuban Missle crisis since America was a paper tiger. Khruschev responded by saying, " America may be a paper tiger, but it has atomic teeth". Teddy Roosevelt said it best: "Speak softly, but carry a big stick". Lets quit wasting our resources in other countries self inflicted quandries. Contrary to what the war hawks think, we are not inexaustable. Let the next shout of 'Yankee go home' come from us.

George Morin
Auburn, Ga.