I write this now because it must be written to correct false assumptions presented recently by a man who knows nothing of warfare or terrorism. These are matters that I take quite seriously.

First of all, it’s most important, when engaging in the act of war, to identify the enemy. You do not identify the enemy by tactic, but instead by some easily identifiable feature so your warriors may engage that enemy alone, and not provoke those who may dislike you, and yet do not fight you. This rule of engagement was violated with the invasion of Iraq.

Middle East terrorism is decades-old now, and we’ve fought it just as long. The heavy-handed approach has instigated rebellion in Iran and Lebanon, and has led to the spread of extremism throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia.

As for the cost of this war – some $2 billion a day – it far outweighs anything the state of Maine does for its citizens. Imagine, believing that it is best to give our money and effort to Iraqis who don’t want it, and then telling Mainers who do want it that they can’t have any?

There is something wrong here, very wrong.

Jamie Beaulieu, Jay