Laments U.S. presence in struggle 050999 - The Augusta Chronicle

Our Earth is accustomed to the members of its more intelligent species slaughtering one another in senseless warfare. Indeed, I have been an active participant in the fray. Historical reasons given for these conflagrations include territorial acquisition, power, economic, religious and political factors, often fueled by nationalistic hatred.

All of these elements have been present in the Balkans for centuries. There is no compelling national interest for the United States in the area, but now that we have seen fit to add our presence to the struggle, unsolicited, where do we fit in the list of causal factors? We can hardly anticipate territorial or power gains and economically we are certain to suffer severe losses. From the standpoint of religion, although we do not have the requisite moral authority, we do not seek to impose our beliefs on others.

No, our presence is entirely political. We are there to keep the president's throne warm for him lest the front-page news from Kosovo be supplanted by the intrigue of "Chinagate."

Scant weeks ago we were told by then-unbiased reporters of the evil atrocities committed bilaterally in this endless combat. It was obvious that there was no one side whose conduct was strictly defensible. Then our government designated the Serbs as the evil-doers and the news media responded with ready "Beast of Belgrade" stories. Who are we to have chosen and condemned? Who are we to determine who to kill? Who are we to judge?

Our reputation as a nation of morally responsible people is shattered, replaced by condemnation as a government all too willing to bomb before diplomacy. I am ashamed of our leaders and I fear the wrath of God as a consequence of the death of the innocents.

As a fighter pilot, I dropped a few of these bombs and the effect is awesome. These were simple iron bombs, just 2,000 pounds of death and destruction, but today's "smart" bombs still fail to discriminate between the guilty and the innocent. I don't believe that we as a nation are any more capable. We need to stop this reckless intrusion immediately.

David T. Pitts, Augusta