Dr. Mr. Obama soldier

Dear Soldier,

You make some good points. People in Iraq, citizens there, and soldiers from numerous other countries have made sacrifices, have lost lives and limbs. Life under Saddam Hussein's rule was
not one of "freedom."

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/30/youtubes-election-video-iraq-vets-mccain-endorsement/

I do not agree with your ideas about McCain being a good choice, based on his service or his status as a POW. Had we caught him, Hitler could have been a POW. I use this reference to Hitler NOT as a comparison to McCain but to make the point that anyone can serve and anyone can be taken prisoner. It does not follow that POW status makes one a hero or one who is capable of being president.

As for Iraq being a mistake. Your reasons are not good enough. We've had people from all sides of politics and military who have said that Iraq was not a threat, that there is more terrorism in the region since the war than before it. Yes, Hussein's dictatorship, and his sons and cronies, did not uphold human rights. However, that does not justify a unilateral declaration of war from the US. There are steps to take to correct genocide and human rights violations. And, though Bush, et al, claimed that they went in for said human rights and for "democracy," their actions later refuted these claims. They let people down, and they have no right to put their "democracy" on other nations.

Our country is not a democracy, first of all, and our form of government works (for the most part but not without flaws) for our large and diverse nation. Our representative republic and our constitution are individualized for our nation's needs. Iraq and Afghanistan are unique, compared to each other and to the US, and we cannot just go over and put the American "tablecloth" of "democracy" over these countries traditions, faiths, and needs. That is a human rights violation. If we (and I mean a delegation of nations following certain prescribed criteria) find that Iraq is violating human rights or is conducting genocide, then we should all follow the set rules of taking care of the issue to save people. We do have that obligation according to the treaties and laws we have signed. We do not have the right to take action first, without consent or plan, and then to apply our US form of government where it is not wanted or needed.

Thank you for your service. I have no way to repay you for your loss and for your experience. I cannot repay you with silence or with taking your word for what is "going on in Iraq." I cannot repay you by voting as you vote. As a citizen, it is my right and duty to judicate the information about candidates as best I can, to educate myself to make logical decisions, and, if I simply follow my emotions, then I do not do my duty. We are past the point of emotions. We are all tired, desensitized, confused, angry, and hopeful, and none of these are good enough reasons to vote for a president or other representative.

Yours,
Circe Berman