I was deeply disappointed to read last week Maine’s Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins voted against setting a time limit for U.S. troops to occupy Iraq. That vote seemed inconsistent with recent statements they’ve made in the press about the country’s need to end military involvement in Iraq.

I heard a news clip today that President Bush said there would be devastating consequences if the U.S left Iraq. What irony. Hasn’t the U.S. military occupation had devastating consequences on Iraq and its people? Doesn’t it continue to have devastating consequences on Iraq, the surrounding countries, and the United States?

I read recently six U.S. servicemembers were killed. A larger number of Iraqis were also killed. The violence will continue until we cease our occupation. Our Senators’ vote against the timetable enables this violence to continue. Do they honestly believe the U.S. can militarize the Iraq people out of their violence?

Only politics and diplomacy can bring peace, and the end to our occupation is a necessary precondition to peace. Look what honest diplomacy did in the Korean standoff.

It is imperative Snowe and Collins break party lines and vote their conscience. I implore that they reverse their stance and vote on this issue for the good of our state, our country and world. The resolution lost 50-48. Their votes made a difference, but not for the good.

Their votes could make a difference for a better world.

Edward Ferreira, New Sharon