Iraq Matter For U.N.
It would be appreciated if you would exercise your influence and do all within your power to help stop any preemptive war on Iraq. This is a matter for the U.N. to become involved with, of which we are a part and not the total.
I know Saddam, himself, is a rogue. However, let's not allow the United States to become a larger one. Such an act, in my opinion, would be completely against all our morals, values and heritage.
We have to protect ourselves, but we have for years provided such protection with diplomacy and containment. Also, our military strength, which is overpowering, particularly our nuclear capability, is a final deterrent. What is being suggested and sought by the administration is war, not fighting terrorism specifically.
RICHARD LINDLEY/Lubbock
Via e-mail

I don't post this letter to the editor to tear into the author like i usually do. I actually agree with a lot of his view, except for his solution. I've read several opinions over the last few days about the Iraq issue. I've read editorials in support of an attack based on information that deems Iraq a credible threat. I've also read editorials and letters questioning our right for "regime change". One writer wrote "since when has the United States decided to ignore a nation's sovereignty and international rule?". This argument about sovereignty sounded good at first, until i realized that it required a leadership that could exhibit competent rationality. Richard Lindley writes "Also, our military strength, which is overpowering, particularly our nuclear capability, is a final deterrent.". Is it? To a rational nation with rational goals and rational leadership, yes, it's a huge deterrent. You don't pick a fight with the biggest guy in school. But wish Saddam Hussein, you're not dealing with a rational man. Who's to say he won't one day risk it all and launch a nuke at America? Sure, we could send 1000's back, but we've already lost. When it comes to nuclear, if you're not first, you lose in a sense. So this whole issue becomes even cloudier and it seems as though there is no clear info being reported. I don't believe that Saddam is a competent leader; able to make decisions based on ideals of humanity. If he is proven to be incompetent of rational thinking, then i don't think America would be wrong to invade. Invasion and regime change isn't a good idea, but as time passes the options may become fewer. Rationality is a strange thing...