There was a report in the Sun Journal that President Bush will be asking Congress to allocate $419.3 billion for defense. When I recall the action of President Bush and Donald Rumsfeld against Iraq, this seems to be a misnomer. The money is being requested for offense; to bolster their threats against Iran and North Korea, and will be seen in this light by their leaders.

In my opinion, it will be counterproductive and intensify their efforts to obtain or manufacture nuclear weapons. It will increase rather than diminish the threats of terrorism. However, if we want to use the above billions of dollars to help to relieve poverty, homelessness and sickness both at home and in the so-called Third World countries, the image which we present to the world would be more benign and improve the climate in which to solve our problems through diplomacy.

John K. Hampshire, Auburn