Patricia Lavin's Sept. 27 letter, "Real patriots oppose war in Iraq," citing "billions of world citizens who are opposed to the Bush war of choice" - is simply pure drivel.

The so-called billions of world citizens are only concerned with what they can beg, borrow or steal from Uncle Sugar, not our politics - and this war in Iraq was started by Saddam Hussein when he invaded Kuwait. The extreme-left, anti-American, anti-Bush haters will never admit the truth: Under Saddam Hussein, Iraq was a host country providing documents, financial help, medical assistance, safe passage and passports to terrorists from other countries. Iraq actively provided training equipment and explosives to some of the most violent groups of terrorists the world has ever known.

The United States liberated Iraq under the charter of the United Nations. Most folks tend to forget that the United States went to Korea and Vietnam at the request of the United Nations. Why? Because we are the only country that can rapidly mobilize a military force to stop dictators from invading other countries.

Furthermore, the people of Iraq braved the threat of bombing, kidnapping and outright murder to vote - and vote they did! Proudly they held up their purple-stained fingers. Yet Ms. Lavin dares say there has not been one "success" in Iraq that is worth the life of one of our American military. Who is she to make such a statement?

I get letters from the front lines quite often and, uniformly, the soldiers rave about their pride in working with the Iraqis, and how much joy and satisfaction they personally get from helping the children of Iraq.

To quote a famous newscaster, I think Ms. Lavin should lay off the Kool-Aid.

Floyd Brown

Grovetown