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Joining The Military Drug Use Dear Dr. Laura, I am my kids' dad. My wife turned me on to your program several years ago. I have to admit that when I first stared listening to your program that I did not agree with a lot of the things you said but then I started listening with an open mind and now most of what is said on your program makes sense to me. I was listening to you on the way home from work and you were talking with a young lady who said that she had a history with drugs and because of that history her parents pulled her out of college and put her in a rehab program. First off,. I want to congratulate her on going through the program and being clean and sober for 6 years. My comment is this, she mentioned that she had $30,000 in student loans and that she had considered joining the military. The military does offer college loan repayment programs for people with qualifying student loans. This conversation struck a chord, as I am in the military myself. Not only am I in the military (have been for l l yrs) but I am a recruiter. The question about using drugs is one of many questions that we ask people when they come in, for qualification purposes. Now, I do not know the qualifications for every branch but for my branch the only drug that you could have used, and still be qualified to get in, is limited use of Marijuana Keep in mind that past drug use is not the only thing that we inquire about. The reasoning behind it is because everyone that enlists receives background checks. Some branch's standards allow a lot more "history" than others. Even after attending a rehab center, although helping the individual turn their life around does prevent them from joining certain branches. My advice to the young lady is to, like you said, not to stop with that one recruiter. Please let her know that she should check with every branch. I am not sure of which branch she spoke with but she is correct in disclosing her past, because if she were to hide it and it came out later the consequences are far more severe. Not just for the recruiter but for her as well. I turn away several people, who only wish to serve their country because of such things like past drug use, law violations and dependency status. It breaks my heart when I turn them away however rules and regulations bind us. More >>

War Is An Ugly Thing, But Not The Ugliest Of Things Dear Dr. Laura and Staff, I was working as a waitress in a restaurant a few weeks ago when a young uniformed Marine came in for breakfast. It's a very small town and all the locals seemed to know and love this young man. During his time at the diner, I learned that he was to be deployed in the next few days. My heart hurt, for this small town hero is just 18 years old and his boyish looks and charm seemed such a sharp contrast to the perfectly kept uniform and Marine Corps. Instilled sense of pride. I wondered if he was a fair representation of our military forces. Are many of them, teenagers, putting off thoughts of college and girls and friends to serve in the United States Military? Is there truly a multitude of 18-young 20 somethings who are willing to lay their lives down defending this nation and her ideals? My heart was full of awe and pride and my eyes welled with tears because in that moment it seemed not all has been lost in raising this generation. I am so proud to be an American, and while I also believe war must be a last resort...it MUST be a resort. I love this nation and the principals it was built upon. I thank God for a president who is a man of prayer and who refuses to be intimidated by those who only seek to bully and destroy. It infuriates me to hear citizens of this great land express the desire for peace at any cost. They publicly criticize our leadership in this matter...spitting on the graves of the men who fought and died to give them the freedom to voice their opinions.(however asinine) I am saddened as many are, by the thought of the need to send America's youth off to battle. At the same time, who would we be to refuse to do so; knowing that what made America great is the price paid in blood by our uncles and fathers and grandfathers? As a woman, how could I hold an anti-war sign in my hands -ignoring that I am free because so many husbands and sons and brothers were lent by women who have come before me? I came across this quotation and wanted to pass it along to you along as the truth of it so moved my heart. "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself" -John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)Thank you for your time. Respectfully Sent, Loralee - mother of my two daughters More >>

Naming U.S. Vessels, Rifles, and Bombs Dear Governor Leavitt, I just heard on the radio that the Mayor of the City of Moab is upset about the name of the MOAB bomb. Residents of Moab do not want the bomb to use the same name as the City of Moab, even though M.O.A.B. is merely an acronym for; "Massive Ordnance Air Burst", and not the name of the city. I understand that Moab elected officials are contacting the Utah State Legislature to have the name of the bomb changed. Joette Langianese, Grand County Councilwoman, stated: "I don't want to see on the news that the MOAB was dropped on Iraq and killed thousands of people." Because I have become disgusted with Americans who enjoy the freedom of living in this blessed land but who are ashamed of the military and the weapons which defend that liberty, may I offer the following: In history; Lexington and Raleigh were U.S. Naval vessels used to fight the British during the Revolutionary War. Harpers Ferry and Springfield are the names of US military rifles used before and during the Civil War. The giant guns of Battleships Missouri and New Jersey defended the United States during World War II. Each weapon which bears the name of US cities, brings honor to those cities. These weapons are and were liberators and defenders of truth and right. Even more honored are individual citizens who's names grace US weapons such as the Harry S. Truman, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington Aircraft Carriers. If we applied the thinking of Councilwoman Langianese to citizens living during the Revolution, we might expect to hear a citizen of Lexington, Massachusetts, say something like; "I don't want to see in the paper that the LEXINGTON fired on a British Man-O-War and killed dozens of British Sailors." If Moab, a city in Southern Utah, is ashamed to have a U.S. bomb with the same name, then may I, as a resident of the City of Clearfield request that the Military rename the bomb: CLEARFIELD. Knowing that the CLEARFIELD bomb would be used to liberate the tortured and oppressed citizens of Iraq, it would be an honor to have the city where I live associated with this liberating weapon. Sincerely L. Lasater More >>

Boycott The Actors Dear Dr. Laura, Hi there! Like you, my family made a pledge to boycott the actors and other Hollywood performers who are siding with the enemy. Unfortunately, it is a very long list and we are avid movie goers. To add to that list, we saw an interview by Fox News on Harrison Ford. He made a comment that the #147;regimes#148;#151;Iraqi and America need to change leadership. I guess Han Solo/Indiana Jones won#146;t be played at my house anymore! My husband is pledging to send $100.00 to any group who would re-buttle the Hollywood list #150; Martin Sheen and all. I will research grassfire.net and see if we can send them some support. Thanks for what you do. I sent in my quilt to your foundation in hopes to help comfort a needy child. Sincerely, Marie More >>

The Hollywood Crowd To:Dr. Laura Schlessinger From:Constance* After listening to your program today, I was fired up to write the Screen Actors Guild and express my right to free speech. A copy of my letter to them is enclosed. I think they will get my point! Thank you for all your good work and your great attitude! Dr. Laura's Call To Action: Tell Hollywood Boycotting Is Called Freedom" Board of Directors Members Screen Actors Guild 5757 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600 Board of Directors Members Screen Actors Guild 350 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017 Dear Members of the Board, and Members of the Guild: America is a wonderful country, and we have many freedoms, free speech being one of the most important. But, free speech works in an interesting way. You and your members have the right to say anything you want, and to express your displeasure and vitriol concerning our President, his advisors, and their handling of the current Iraq situation. But, I on the other hand, have the right to voice my opinion concerning the opinion of some of your members. And I am going to do just that. So, I am going to turn off the T.V., stay away from any and all movies, videos, stage productions, recordings and books that contain the likes of the Sarandon, Penn, Ford, Sheen, Streisand, etc., etc., who all express a particular attitude. Any movies, videos, recordings or publications that I may have at home containing your members whose views I do not agree with will be destroyed. Not donated, not recycled, but destroyed. I will never again purchase another product containing their work or having their endorsement. My opinion will be expressed through my pocket book, and I will use my right to free speech to express my opinions to my friends, family and acquaintances in the hope that they will proceed along the same course. I have a long memory and can stick with things#133;it is 2003 now and anything containing even a hint of affiliation with #147;Hanoi#148; Jane Fonda still does not enter my house. You see, my name is Constance* I am the consumer. And you have just been unplugged from this household. Very truly yours, Constance* Dr. Laura- Thank you so much for the #147;heads up#148; with regard to Hollywood and its arrogant stand against the President. I am faxing the letter which I sent to Melissa Gilbert and the SAG membership. It is my hope that ALL of your listeners will become involved in the letter writing and petition signing effort and tell these #147;stars#148; to stop assuming that because they make a few movies or TV shows, they have the right to dictate foreign and domestic policy. Thank you so much for ALL that you do to promote and protect decency and #147;doing the right thing.#148; You have made such a huge impact on so many people. Respectfully Amy Michigan Ms. Gilbert and members of SAG, We are all blessed to live in this great country where we are able to voice our opinions and differences openly. If we lived in a country like, oh let#146;s say, like Iraq, we could be tortured or gassed for openly opposing the existing government. So, as I stated, we are all blessed to live in this great country where we have many freedoms not shared by people in other regions of the world. You have chosen to exercise your freedom of speech, protected for you by the Constitution and won for you by the blood and courage of many patriots who came before you. You have chosen to speak out in opposition to military action against a tyrant who does not care one bit for life, not even the lives of his own people. You have chosen to speak out against our President and our government. You have chosen to speak out against those of us who support the President, his advisors and the military who would not only protect our country from further days like 9-11 but who would also attempt to liberate other parts of the world from oppression. You have chosen to capitalize on the fact that you access to the airwaves due to your #147;celebrity#148; status. You have chosen to use your #147;celebrity#148; to manipulate the media and those who watch and listen. You have chosen to try to cram your agenda down the throats of the American public via television and radio and newspapers that report about you because you happen to be famous. As a regular, patriotic, television watching, ticket buying American citizen, I CHOOSE not to support those of you who do not support our President. I will not view a television show nor purchase a ticket to a movie in which any of the #147;stars#148; who signed the petition against the President appears. I am exercising my right to choose who I will support and who I will not. This is not McCarthyism, it is plain old, all-American boycott. I choose not to support you with my dollars. There is no official Senate hearing here, just a grass-roots opposition to your arrogance! Once again, I reiterate how fortunate we all are to live in a country where we may express our opinions openly and where freedoms exist in abundance. I hope that you also recognize this and are grateful for it too! Amy* Melissa Gilbert President Screen Actors Guild 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600 RE: Hollywood#146;s Useful Idiots Dear Ms. Gilbert: I must say first before I begin my comments, that I have watched you on television for years. I loved The Little House on the Prairie because it held many of the beliefs I hold dear; family, love of family, love of country, love for God and neighbor. However, I must say these things: First, I have taken account of all the #147;uninformed Hollywood liberals#148; and their comments against our President and our position on terrorism. Although I will fight for their right to express their opinion, I also fight for my right not to agree. These people are wrong, they are completely mis-informed and some of their actions borderline treason. These people are what Josef Stalin called #147;Useful Idiots.#148; I have questions: Where were these people when Clinton was in Bosnia and dropping cruise missiles in Iraq? Where were and are they when women in Iraq are being raped, their heads cut off and stuck on poles in front of their homes? Where are they when women and children are being killed with mustard gas? WHERE ARE THEY? Why in God#146;s name have they not once said one caring thing about the atrocities against Iraqi people? All they can do is call our President names and say #147;not in our name.#148; If the USA does nothing THIS TORTURE OF PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE and more terrorism will come about. I think that these Hollywood idiots live in another world not the real world. I believe they hate Bush for his courage, convictions and strong morals. Hollywood is seen by many in the world as decadent and lacking in morals. This is how the world sees us; the way Hollywood presents us. Many of these actors are low-life#146;s and have absolutely NO moral fortitude. I ask you, who are they to disparage our President? At least he#146;s not spending his free time in the oval office obtaining sex favors from young aides. Each day I become less and less enamored with Hollywood and most of the scum that resides there. Sean Penn is a traitor to our country and Susan Sarandon and her foolish co-horts are among the most pitiful creatures in Hollywood. God help them. So with that small commentary to you, I will close by saying I will not watch, purchase or otherwise contribute monetarily to anything on the list of #147;Useful Idiots#148; and they are listed quite boldly on many websites. I will strive to convince my friends and my children not to purchase or otherwise contribute to the pocket books of the demoralizing scum in Hollywood. Regards, Katherine * Fayetteville, Georgia God Bless America and God Bless our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush To S.A.G., I am writing to express my deep disgust with any anti-American, Liberal actor or actress that protests our conflict with Iraq. The potential of war with a #147;man#148; so evil as to slaughter his own people and think nothing of it, a #147;man#148; with the potential to annihilate the entire population of the planet two or three times over is less than appealing, but to find fault with President Bush for not only protecting this great country, but also by attempting to free Saddam#146;s people of his tyrannical ways. Why are you not outraged with Saddam? Imagine a country where you would be killed for voicing such views, for questioning your government and its leadership. In Iraq you would not dare voice such opinions, one does not hold such freedom of speech, one watches what they say or fears for their life. These are the rights that you take for granted that Bush is trying to protect. No one wants war, certainly the brave men and women who have chosen to possibly sacrifice their lives for our country do not want war, yet they are willing to sacrifice so that others will be free and live without the threat of chemical or biological warfare or terror attacks. Certainly the mothers and fathers of these men and women would want nothing more than to have their sons and daughters home safe. In 1993 the World Trade Center was attacked, we did nothing. The U.S.S. Cole was bombed. We did nothing. September 11 3,000 innocent people were murdered while thousands more still relive the nightmare of that day and carry the guilt of surviving when so many others didn#146;t. You obviously haven#146;t noticed the war has been waged, now is the time for the U.S. to defend itself. In my opinion, we do have great minds deciding the fate of our nation. We have the likes of Colin Powell and President Bush who have been given the unpleasant task of having to confront the possibility of war. Do you think this is driven by political motives? Do you think a man that has started off with the worst possible situations since his inauguration is going to launch a war with so many risks when he has a reelection to face? Do you think that make for good political strategy? I do consider there are a lot of facts that are not disclosed to the general public. We have satellites in a constant orbit that are capable of reading the print off a golf ball, do you think that the U.S. has more evidence than is being disclosed? It is your right to voice your opinion in regards to our war with Iraq. It is my right to boycott the programming of every un-American actor, actress, producer, director etc#133;who chose to speak out. It is the viewer who pays your salaries, without anyone to watch your television programming or purchase movie tickets, there would be no you. The very idea that an outspoken liberal could potentially fire or refuse to hire someone based on their conservative view that is truly hypocritical. You feel you have the right and freedom to voice liberal views but not conservative views. The same constitution that gives you the right to speak liberally gives another to speak conservatively. I hope every un-American, liberal actor, actress, etc#133;who speaks out against possible war with Iraq and trash talks our President has invested wisely because I will be sure to note every one of them and make damn sure they do not get one second of my viewing or one cent of my hard-earned money. Melissa* * - last name removed More >>

Dear Dr. Laura; I hope you recall being on my show here in Portland a while back. It was great and you were a gracious guest. I#146;m sending to you two emails I received from listeners of mine who were transferred to Kansas City. They still stay in touch. Bob (the husband) recently received orders to report back to active Army duty. Letter #1 is Bob#146;s reply to me after I emailed him to let him know we#146;re proud of him and are praying for him. Letter #2 is an email his wife Becky sent out describing Bob#146;s leave for duty. They both touched my heart and I thought you may be inclined to share them with your huge audience. This scenario is and has been taking place in American homes every day yet it gets so little play in the media. Thanks for looking them over. Sincerely, Bob Miller Morning Drive 1190KEX Portland (Email #1) Bob And Shirley; Thank you for your support in my leaving to serve our country. It means much to me to know that you and thousands of other great Americans are standing with me. Please give this message to your listeners. When they hear that someone is being mobilized, don't tell them, "I'm sorry". Going off to defend our wonderful country is not something to be sorry about. When someone tells me, "I'm sorry" it makes me feel as if I am being sentenced to something. Defending our country is not a sentence, it is a duty, an honorable duty and a privilege. Soldiers, seamen, airmen and marines are not simply going off to fight a war, they are going to change the world. The world will be a better place because of what these people are doing. As you see these brave wonderful people go off tell them three things: That you care for and love them. War is a scary place to go, we need your comfort. Tell them you are praying for them. (and don't just say it, do it). If we ever needed courage and guidance from God, it is now. Tell them thank you. Look them square in the eye and with all the compassion one human being can feel for another and with the pride of an American, tell them thank you for defending our great nation. This gives us purpose for doing this difficult task. Thank you again for your support. God bless America Civilian, Husband, Father and Soldier Bob (Email #2) Hello everyone, It is Thurs. around 1:00p.m. It was a hard, but sweet morning. Bob's orders finally arrived yesterday and his flight left this a.m. Yesterday, Bob and the kids went sledding on the hill next to our house. Bob says sledding with the kids was his first combat training! I told him not to break an appendage or we'd be in trouble. I took pictures of the craziness--we have about 4 inches of snow, so it was good sliding. The kids were quiet last night, kind of teary. We stayed close together and talked and snuggled and had a good night together, all 5 of us. This a.m. we were up and ready to go. Braden (age 9 1/2) was very close to tears all morning. He sat on my lap for a time, then Bob came in and sat down and Braden snuggled up to Daddy and said, "I don't want you to go. I want you to stay with us." Bob was close to tears, too, as he said, "Freedom isn't free, Braden. Someone has to go." And I added, "Daddy is going now, so maybe you won't have to in the future." Braden knows that--but still--being 9 is hard. When we drove out of the driveway and out the cul-de-sac this a.m., our friends down the street were outside--Mom and 4 of the kids. They stood along the street, in 4 inches of snow, about 4 degrees outside, and as we drove by, they stood at attention and saluted! It was a very special sight that we won't ever forget and brought all of us to tears. The airport in Kansas City is small, so we checked him in quickly and sat together for about an hour. We talked, tickled Braden and just held on to each other. Everyone was very brave. Just before Bob went into the gate, we laid hands on him, anointed him with oil, and prayed over him. Then we hugged and cried. When he went into the gate, we had to stay on the outside, of course, but watched him through the glass. He came and stood by our "window" until boarding, and when he was just about to go down the ramp, he turned. I said, "ATTENTION!" and the kids snapped to attention and saluted their daddy as he returned our salute. Our final words to him were, "We love you! Go get 'em, Major! And, YASHA NA!" (Victory now) Our drive home was quiet--in fact, the kids didn't say a word the entire 50 miles. When we turned into our neighborhood and onto our cul-de-sac, the neighbors had decorated the front of our house and the tree in front of theirs, with giant yellow ribbons! It was shining in the sun, our flag was flying, and the snow's brightness made everything look gleaming. We started to cry, and we are so thankful for friends. As we go through this new chapter in our lives, and our friends struggle with their current unemployment, we are going to go through this together. Somehow, we are all going to come through this in VICTORY and BETTER than ever. Michael took a picture of the house. We'll put that out to family today, too. LOVE Becky More >>

Why The American Flag Is Folded 13 Times Dear Dr. Laura, Thought you might like to pass on to your listeners as interesting treatise by a Chaplain in the US Navy on the Judeo Christian meaning behind the procedure in folding the US flag. Bob L. The Flag Of The United States of America By A Chaplain on the USS ENTERPRISE Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? I#146;ve known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently I learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong." The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things, which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you know why. More >>

Lincoln#146;s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation Lincoln#146;s Thanksgiving Proclamation that follows is taken from the collection of Lincoln#146;s papers in the Library of America series, Vol. II, pp. 520-521. This year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; what that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, we well of iron and coal as the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battlefield; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increases of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worded out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins had nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and grateful acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering with humble patience for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferes in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidable engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Devine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union. More >>

A Sad Canadian Writes to The Amercian Ambassador to Canada United States Embassy in Canada Ottawa, Ontario, Canada To the United States of America Ambassador to Canada; Mr. Paul Cellucci; Dear Mr. Ambassador Please accept my humble apologies on behalf of a great number of Canadians. I believe a majority of English speaking Canadians and most assuredly a majority of Western Canadians are embarrassed and ashamed of the complete abdication of leadership coming from our federal government at this time. At this time of unprecedented struggle Canada should be standing firmly with our American brothers in fighting terrorism which threatens our freedom and liberty. It saddens me and pains me that Canada will not be participating in advancing freedom and liberty to the people of Iraq. Our Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, likes to boldly state that Canada is a sovereign and independent nation and that its government is free to decide its policies and actions for Canada, and that Canada is free to chart a course different than the United States. This is true, but Mr. Chretien fails to realize that there are consequences for your decisions and actions. This time Mr Chretien was quite willing to abdicate his responsibilities as the leader of a free nation and place our policies and destination in the hands of other sovereign nations such as Cameroon, Guinea and Chile, all having votes on the security counsel of the U.N. and all having their own self interest to serve. This reveals the fact; Canada had no official policy on the Iraq situation. Whatever Cameroon and Guinea and 13 other countries decided on Iraq was what Canada#146;s policy was going to be. With humor, you could stretch this bizarre situation to the point that Canada would have to watch CNN to find out what our official policy was regarding the Iraq situation. If the vote goes one way, we are with the coalition of the willing and if the vote goes another way we are not. This does not meet the test of good leadership and certainly not of being a statesman. This is cheap politics governed by polls and shows your moral values are loosely held and are up for bid. I reject the principle that those who chose to stay out of this war hold the moral high ground over those who decided to confront terrorism and evil. Those nations that hold the veto on the security counsel and threatened to use it, chose crass, self-serving commercial interests over liberty and confronting terrorism. This is no moral high ground at all and certainly does not give you the right to throw stones at others who are willing to do so. It has been noted the billions of dollars that Iraq circulates through the French banks each year, the oil field development contracts that Russia holds with Iraq and how much greater trade France and Germany does with Iraq each year over Great Britain, in spite of the trade sanctions in place. I totally disagree with my Prime Minister beliefs where he has stated onseveral occasions, that the wealthy west is to blame and have caused the tragic events on September 11, 2001. When his beliefs are this misdirected and wrong, it is understandable why he chose not to demonstrate leadership at this time. It boggles my mind that Mr. Chretien said a second resolution was not required, that Resolution 1441 was strong enough with serious consequences written in, to allow force to be used and then not to support America at this time. His actions define juvenile and sophomoric leadership. The greatest gift God ever gave this nation of Canada after our natural resources is our American neighbors who are our friends, our ally and our defender. I believe itwas President Abraham Lincoln who said, #147;America is man's last best hope#148; This is one Canadian who believes this yet, to the bottom of my heart. Once again I am sorry that the Canadian government decided not to stand #147;with you#148; in Iraq but please remember this, many Canadians are. This letter is from a Canadian who is proud of our past, embarrassed at our presentand fearful of the future with what passes for leadership in our country today.Yours sincerely; Lyle * P.S. Please feel free to forward my letter to anybody you so desire. * - Name and address removed More >>