On reading Randy Billings’ April 3 article (“Platner re-ups criticism of Collins for Iraq vote,”) an illustrated poem from childhood — “The Land of Counterplane” by Robert Louis Stevenson — came to mind; it spoke of a sick boy, in bed, marching little toy soldiers across his bed sheets to amuse himself.

Youngsters of many eras have been saturated with guns and fighting stories, painted with ammunition of heroism, of famous battles, western reruns, movies, video games and enlistment commercials.

Guns are great for hunting food. People, not so much. Old warriors are honored for their service. Bombing children’s schools or hospitals draws ire. Conflicting messages, conflicted feelings. A major once told me about troops trained for fighting. If confined to base without being able to fight, particularly overseas, they become stressed, start fighting each other, or the locals in bars.

Who is not conflicted? The weapon makers scooping up billions of dollars. Look how the stock market reacted to this war. The price of gas goes up and down it goes. A deal is in the making; up the market goes — oops, no deal — so down it goes. Insiders get the word and rake in the profits.

Why are we even in this war if we obliterated Iran’s nuclear abilities on June 25, 2025? Because Mr. Netanyahu invited Mr. Trump to come and play war to make money. Sounds like a deal. Now we’re all conflicted. But kids will still idolize fighters.

Jan Roberson
Harpswell