Iraq War outlasts other U.S. wars

To the editor:
    Five years ago this month, the Bush Administration ordered the invasion of Iraq. Now that war, apparently far from over, is longer for the US than World Wars I and II and the Korean War.     Here are the sad numbers, as of Feb. 27, 2008:
• U.S. personnel killed: 3973 ;
• U.S. wounded and medical evacuations: 39,298;
• U.S. suicides [in Iraq]: 125;
• Untold numbers of Iraqis dead: estimates exceed 500,000; and
• Cost: At least one half trillion dollars. Currently about $300 million every single day.
[Sources: icasualties.org; nationalpriorities.org]
• The average nationwide price of gasoline in March 2003 was $1.72.
• More countries have a lower opinion of the U.S. than ever before.
    We are not better off in any way as a result of this war.
    As we approach next year’s election, it’s important to let all the candidates know that it is time to change our disastrous militaristic adventurism and our short-sighted foreign and domestic policies. One way to do this is to bear public witness to our dissatisfaction with this war. Join the weekly demonstration on the Aroostook river bridge for peace in Presque Isle, every Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. This protest has occurred virtually every Sunday for the last five years, regardless of the weather.
    Also, on March 15 we will mark with sadness the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq. Join us in Caribou at the Unitarian Church at 1pm for a non-denominational service to mark the anniversary, followed at 2 p.m. by a silent vigil at the Caribou recreation center, and then refreshments back at the Unitarian church at 2:30.
    Please join us, and bear witness to let your government know that enough is more than enough.
Steve DeMaio, Wade
Alice Bolstridge, Presque Isle
John Cancelarich, Presque Isle
Max Soucia, Presque Isle
Mike Lyng, Presque Isle
Peter Sexton, Presque Isle