Leon R. Albushies

To the editor:

There are certain words and catch-phrases used repeatedly that sorely need clarification and correction. These select words can cause fear and apprehension and help perpetuate a crises hysteria favorable to continuing the war in Iraq.

The most over-used word is "Al-Qaeda". It is a word we coined to describe various radical groups operating worldwide. At one time, these was not such thing. Today, they make up about 10-percent of the militants in Iraq. They are not in overwhelming numbers of strength and had nothing to do with the attacks of 9/11. There are no Al-Qaeda cells in this country and few arrests have been made of active plotters. The administration has made this word a thing of fear.

The word "Iraq" and "the war on terror" are used, especially by the president, to suggest Iraq is an on-going threat to us and we need to win the war there and defeat the "terrorists" to safeguard our shores. There is not evidence to support this supposition. The military in Iraq describes the enemy as "insurgents". The president doesn't. Who knows better? Iraq's problems are internal and they never have been a threat to this country or anyone, except for themselves.

There is no so thing as a "terrorist". It is not a noun. Organized groups use terror tactics against a country for political reasons to overthrow and existing regime and create social upheaval. The "terrorists" are not everywhere lurking in the shadows waiting to inflict harm on us and the rest of the world. Albeit, they are, and always will be, a threat to many countries.

There are much more powerful forces in the world inflicting pain and suffering to millions of people daily.

HIV and AIDS are real words. These diseases cause more death and destruction than any other single incident.

We spend $10-billion a month in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wonder what that money would do in Africa and Asia to alleviate this growing menace.

Leon R. Albushies

Gilford