In a letter on April 12 about “terrorism” by Klaus Kuck of Lewiston, a number of questionable claims were made. Kuck claimed use of the phrase “war on terror” prevents people from “thinking clearly,” but asserts the horrific 9/11 attacks ushered in a new era. He was correct about that. After 9/11 the Bush administration began promoting fear for political gain while hiding behind jingoistic statements.

Brave American troops protect freedom and should never be asked to fight a war based on lies and Republican politics.

While Bush worried about resurrecting the dinosaur “Star Wars” missile system, a handful of extremists launched tragic suicide attacks. To equate 9/11 with Pearl Harbor, as Kuck did, not only strains credibility, but insults the intelligence of Americans. There was no country that attacked the United States on 9/11, nor was there a massive, global Islamist scheme behind the tragedy.

The war in Iraq has nothing to do with “fighting terrorism,” and is not a rallying point for the “jihad against the West,” as Kuck claimed. The Kurds and Shia in Iraq have not signed on to serve Al-Qaida. Bush has as much admitted Iraq was a war for oil.

The “war on terror” is about using fear for Republican political gain. If the United States is in a real fight for its existence, why did Bush urge people to “go shopping” after 9/11? Where are the tax increases? Where is the military draft?

Also, where is Osama bin Laden?

Mark Tardif, Waterville


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