Leon Albushies

To the editor

So many good, patriotic, honest citizen of this country continue to back the war in Iraq. New reasons are given, almost every day, to bolster their case. It is debated in the halls of Congress by men paid to represent the best interests of their constituents back home. What are the real hard truths about our military commitment? Why is the president's continued intransigence about our involvement so hard to understand, regardless of serious setback and delays by Iraq's quasi-government.

There are four words that explain the ongoing tragedy clearer than any other words can say. War is big business!

It begins when a weak president becomes a dupe for business and corporate owners of companies that make military arms and supplies and have contractors ready to act on no-bid contracts awarded by the Pentagon. No doubt these businesses and their lobbies apply sufficient pressure to induce the president's decision to go to war, and to keep the war going at any cost. It is payback for their support of Bush's presidency.

It is my firm belief that the president will not back down on reducing troop levels, no matter what happens. His motives are not based on humanitarian concerns, but his obligation to his business associates.

Leon Albushies

Gilford