Several letters have appeared recently accusing Americans who oppose the Bush Administration’s prosecution of the war in Iraq – in particular Democrats and/or liberals – of simply not wanting the U.S. to win this war.

To those writers who harbor such beliefs, I suggest that they reflect on the significant difference between dissent and disloyalty.

Also, I would ask them the following questions: How do you define victory in Iraq? Should we pursue victory at all costs? How many more lives of some of the best, brightest, and bravest this country has to offer are you willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of this ill-defined “victory?”

Honesty, courage, and statemanship should compel our leaders to face the following brutal truth, as expressed recently by William F. Buckley, that “the insurrectionists can’t be defeated by any means we would consent to use.”

Wise and sobering words indeed, uttered by one of the most influential conservatives of our time.

Roger Philippon, Lewiston