Readers React: The U.S., always at war without declaring war

To the editor: Here we go again. Call it Vietnam III or Korea IV, whichever you want. The world’s policeman is going to go after the bad guys and we, the citizens of the United States, will have to pay the price of another misguided intervention. (“Use of force against Islamic State is justified, Obama tells U.N.,” Sept. 24)

The U.S. is behaving like an empire and, like every other empire in history, it will fall eventually.

In stating his reasoning at the United Nations, President Obama focused on the repulsive behavior of Islamic State. However, he did not elaborate on any so-called plots to terrorize Americans. Nobody ever asks the question, “Why?”

Mr. President, what exactly is a national enemy? In high school I was taught that it was defined by a declaration of war. If no such declaration exists now, why is the U.S. firing weapons of war against those people?

Patrick Sullivan, Reseda

..

To the editor: “No god condones this terror,” Obama proclaimed to the United Nations. Does anyone stop to think how this might sound to a Muslim?

While I’m not a Muslim, I see only two possibilities: “Your religion is false,” or, “These people are practicing your religion improperly,” neither of which they want to hear from a Christian.

Obama also told the U.N. that “the only language understood by killers like this is the language of force.” Good God, I’ve been hearing this line from a right-wing friend about every enemy the U.S. has had for the last 50 years.

We can influence moderate Muslims if we avoid lecturing them about God. They in turn can influence Muslims who are considering going to the dark side.

Russell Stone, Westchester

..

To the editor: There’s been a big debate on whether to put boots on the ground in Iraq. With air cover, the Iraqis themselves should be able to handle it.

If they eventually run away as they did earlier, then so be it. It’s their country. If they don’t try hard to defend themselves with air cover provided by the U.S., why should American soldiers have to die for them?

Ed Trillo, South Gate

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion