LETTERS and E-MAILS

Over the past year I have read several opinion essays questioning our involvement in Iraq. People have complained about our motives for going to war, claiming, for example, that President George W. Bush has a personal vendetta against Saddam Hussein because he allegedly tried to have Bush's father assassinated during the former president's administration in the early 1990's. It has been suggested that our invasion was a mistake because it has only attracted more terrorists to this country. But, for me, there is one argument that stands out as the most preposterous: Iraq is going to be, if not "another Vietnam," a calamity of comparable proportion.

What would make these two wars equally disastrous? How is the degree of a disaster measured? Casualties? Prisoners of war? Success?

Well, Vietnam's final combat-death tally was 47,378. As of October 20th, there have been 218 soldiers killed in Iraq. At the present rate, casualties in Iraq will equal those in Vietnam in the year 2220.

And to think, Vietnam was considered a lengthy war for lasting 14 years.

Regarding the number of prisoners of war (POW's), in Vietnam there were 2,300 soldiers missing in action, many of whom were believed to be POW's. In Iraq, there are none.

Finally, in terms of success, the outcome of the Vietnam War can hardly be brought in comparison with our swift victory in Iraq. Granted, the Iraqis who don't realize, or believe, we're trying to help them have proven a hindrance. They plant mines, bomb our embassies and shoot at our soldiers. However, it's unavoidable because they're acting on years of animosity towards the United States â€"â€" they're blinded by their hatred. And it's crucial to recognize significantly large number of Iraqi citizens who have openly welcomed and actively aided the American efforts to rebuild the shattered country, while simultaneously working to quell uprisings and attacks instigated by their countrymen.

One similarity I do see between the two wars is that our intent in both instances was to save innocent people from an oppressive regime. However, in Vietnam, political pressure forced us to pull out before our mission could be completed. In Iraq, we met with success after a stunning 43-day campaign. Now we've moved into rebuilding the country and setting up a democratic government.

Mike Pellicio, undeclared, class of '07