A Memorial Day Letter to President Bush

by Bill Faber

Dear Mr. President,

In World War II your father patrolled the skies of the Pacific in a fighter plane. My Dad flew a PBY sea-plane over the same vast ocean. My Dad’s mission was to rescue shot-down pilots like your father. You grew-up in New England among the rich and the powerful. I grew-up in the Midwest among the working class and the forgotten.

Abraham Lincoln said that his first priority as president was to save the nation. Two years ago you declared the miliary combat in Iraq was over. I do not challenge the reasons you led our nation to war. Many Americans believed your reasons were good, others questioned your decision.

Last month you asked Congress for another $82 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The appropriation includes funds for a big U.S. embassy in Baghdad. Your request brings the cost of the war to $300 billion. And then there is next year’s request for more.

According to ABC News in the five month period from November to March insurgents launched 2,400 attacks. Many believe the enemy’s insuregeny will be endless. The Iraqi people proclaim us infidels. Our sacrifice is unappreciated and our presence is unwanted. The generals say we are over-extended. If trouble pops up elsewhere we will be in a jam. Army recruiting is down. Officials say we might need a draft.

Morally, the tortures at Abu Ghraib prison defiled our nation. Financially, we cannot afford the war because the treasury is empty. America fullfilled its responsiblity to rid the world of a tyrant. We did our job. Now its up to the Iraqi people.

Wouldn’t the nation be safer if you were to spend $82 billion on public safety in the cities and towns of our land ? America’s streets belong to drugs and to gangs. Our women, children and parents are afraid to walk our neighborhood streets at night. Mr. President, save the nation - bring our troops home by Christmas. Thanks for listening.

Bill Faber is a Decatur lawyer with 20 years experience trying cases to juries of the people. He welcomes your comments: 425-9002; www.wmfaber@wmfaberlaw.com