Dear Editor:

I don’t know why so many Americans are opposed to the war in Iraq. We’re there to defend our national security. We’re there to fight terrorists who wanted to be there on Sept. 11 but missed the plane.

And we’re also there to free the Iraqi people from a brutal dictator whose foot is so heavy no Iraqis dared to oppose him for fear that their mothers and daughters would pay the price.

Not long ago we watched the joy of the Afghan people when our valiant troops helped remove their oppressive government. Kites, music and cheers were the signs that Americans were welcome.

Nevertheless, so many Americans insisted it would be different in Iraq – that these people wanted Saddam to stay and didn’t want American troops there.

I’ve just watched the citizens of Baghdad take a sledgehammer to a statue of their “great” leader. And once it fell, these Iraqis stomped on his image.

It was a powerful moment in history. Yet somehow, I just know this scene meant nothing to the many demonstrators whose minds are open only to America-hating propaganda.

The most poignant irony is that today the American invasion of Iraq is more popular in the streets of Baghdad than in the halls of many of our own universities!

Ed Hanks, Former DU Student9624 Mallard Pond WayLittleton CO 80125720-301-4270alexhamltn@aol.com