Time to withdraw
Mack Hall

America's misadventures in a foreign land of which, as Neville Chamberlain might have said, we know nothing, began well. The President had the best of intentions, and in this he can enjoy only the support and loyalty of all true Americans.

No one could have anticipated that the initial successes would deteriorate into trying to baby-sit murderous and divided locals who seem more intent on killing each other than in building some semblance of civilization in which their children could someday live in peace.

Although there is an elected leader, he seems more interested in self-aggrandizement than in effective leadership, and is even reported to own a house in the United States to which he can retreat if the situation in his homeland deteriorates further.

What can we say of a people for whom violence in the streets is a traditional way of life? What can we say of a foreign government whose armed minions appear to regard the lives of those they are supposed to protect with little but contempt? What can we say of a people who openly resent American boots on the ground even as they demand more and more American dollars?

America is great at winning wars, but inadequate in building nations who don't want us. The United Nations and the European Union appear to be upset with us, and question our leadership. American workers' taxes have been sacrificed in this futile effort, and, further, precious American lives.

We have done our best, in the greatest American tradition of generosity, and our efforts have been met only with scorn and contempt. Let us leave those unhappy people alone to work out their own destiny, and let us return to building our own nation.

Yes, President Bush, it's time to withdraw from New Orleans.

Mack Hall is a resident of Kirbyville.