Dear Sir:

I thought that Sir Ronald Sanders' commentary, "A US Welcome in the world?" was excellent. Hearing thoughtful and constructive criticism of my country and its leaders is rare. As a US citizen, it often seems that the mistakes this country makes is what makes the news, not the good we do. In fact, it often seems that the good we do, if mentioned at all, has become something that is expected by other nations and is never considered sufficient.

I do not believe the nations of the world should sit by and do nothing while someone like Saddam Hussein kills his own people or invades neighboring countries. I do not think the world should sit silently while anarchy and death become a way of life in Sudan.

Until 9-11-01, The Taliban ruled Afghanistan through fear, even preventing women from working and girls from going to school, yet only that country's small Northern Alliance fought back.

Any plan that existed to rebuild Iraq into a strong and independent nation seems to be failing, and Americans are quick to criticize their own leaders for this. Yet it is not just a failing of the US government or its military, but of the elected Iraqi government and the warring factions within the country as well as outside influences who send in insurgents to disrupt the rebuilding process.

I do think the strength of the Iraqi people that has now been seen around the world, will be victorious and their children will grow up to enjoy a free and strong country where they have a voice in their government and the direction of their country. I pray that the killing is over soon.

When Barrack Obama ran for the US Senate, I voted for him. My only concern about his presidential candidacy is his lack of experience at this juncture. The color of his skin is not a factor. I cannot say this is true of all Americans, but Senator Obama currently has a great deal of support.

Whoever becomes the next President of the United States will hopefully earn the respect of other nations, but it seems that to some in this world, whatever we do will never be enough.

Yet, as I type this letter, many people are heading for our borders, legally or illegally, looking for something better. That something better is America.

Lynn Luchtenburg
United States