Was it not enough that we were subjected to the horrific images for hours after this barbaric act? Where are the images and stories of the positive things we have done in Iraq and the brave soldiers who have lost limbs or suffered injuries?
JUNE CANDERS-CLOUTIER
Feeding Hills, Mass.
Following The Fallen
As a serving army officer, I was especially touched by your photographic tribute to our fallen servicemen and women in "Return of the Fallen" [April 5]. Our citizens need to know that these young people willingly put themselves in harm's way for a greater purpose. They are selfless heroes defending liberty and the ideals for a better world. This knowledge will not dull the grief or pain for many, but let us hope that it will cause us to reflect in gratitude that such men and women can still be found in this country. I also applaud Fouad Ajami's cogent and rational editorial "A Legacy of Pain and Poison."
MAJ. BRYAN GIBBY
Professor of Military History
United States Military Academy
West Point, N.Y.
Thank you for the outstanding pictorial essay of the final journey home for America's fallen war heroes. No one knows the price of freedom better than the families of the veterans of war. Force should be used only as a final option.
JOHN WANGSGAARD
Logan, Utah
Battle Fatigue
"Paying The Price" [APRIL 19] AND your photo of a wounded marine comforted by his comrades is truly a picture worth a thousand words. White hands clasping black hands in meaningful gestures of support and empathy is a compelling testimony to the nature of the brotherhood of man.
PHILIP BENHAM
Hollidaysburg, Pa.
I can't help but marvel at the Iraqis. Their countrymen are blowing up electrical and oil facilities, attacking supply lines, and murdering coalition forces and Iraqi civilians. The coalition forces have freed them from a murderous tyrant and are doing everything they can to quell violence, restore their infrastructure, and rebuild their country so that someday they can enjoy a free and prosperous nation. Yet Iraqis hold the coalition responsible for all of Iraq's problems. Is there something wrong with this picture?
ROBERT F. PETRIE
Clinton, N.Y.
Why do you assume that the war and pacification of this violent and fractionalized former dictatorship should be smooth and trouble free? Had the present crop of journalists reported during World War II, they would have scared us into surrendering to the Germans and Japanese several times as the course of the war went for and against us before we finally won.
TOM COLTON
Arlington, Wash.
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