We are guilty of killing innocents

I am sad to read the letter in Monday’s paper that states that any criticism of Bush and the Iraq occupation is an insult to the troops.

The writer ignores the fact that this president vetoes troop withdrawal in the face of escalating destruction of our military, our economy, the future of wounded veterans and their families and our very honor in the world as a nation founded on the principles of peace and support for humane values. There is also the sin we carry as a nation of the 1.1 million lives given up by innocent Iraqis that this woman overlooks.

We are not promoting democracy in Iraq — democracy has never been inflicted anywhere in the history of civilization — it comes from within a country.

It is time to withdraw our military forces (as every other country, even Australia, has done) and redeploy them to find and capture Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan — do you remember who he is? Then progress will be made to make the 9/11 attackers accountable.

Please listen to the reality of this disaster that we have started. Every death there is caused by you and me.

Carol Strickland

Edmonds