WAR: Haven’t we learned yet?

With a government in transition, now is not the time to escalate tensions with Iran. There are elements that want to do just that, mainly to undermine the new administration that is soon to assume its place in our country.

We fail to remember the cost, not only in dollars (more than $10 trillion) but also in the lives and injuries to American men, both in and out of the military. We have been at constant war for the past 19 years. There are children in America that have grown to adulthood and never known a country at peace.

The devastation caused in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan has been beyond comprehension; the destruction of cities, infrastructure, food supplies and all the necessities of life. It will take decades to repair the damage and unimagined amounts of money. Untold deaths and injuries have rained down on innocent civilians, thousands of people have been displaced.

What have we gained from all this death and destruction? We have our returning veterans maimed, suffering from PTSD, committing suicide at an alarming rate, homeless, suffering from horrific injuries and loss of limbs. Our country is trillions of dollars in debt.

It is time for us, as Americans, to set our emotions aside and face the truth. War is not the answer. Diplomacy works and should be undertaken until there is no other path. I urge everyone to contract their elected representatives and tell them enough is enough. No more war in the Middle East.

DONNA NORDSTROM

Hayden