Gulf War

If U.S. Navy ships begin escorting tankers in the Persian Gulf we will become involved in the Iran-Iraq war.

I believe that most Americans want to stay out of that deadly, miserable war. Neither side is friendly to us, nor has public support here. A State Department spokesman once said, “It’s a shame both sides can’t lose.” Both sides are losing. We could lose, too. What Americans are willing to die so we can see the Iraqis resist the Iranians for another six years and millions of lives? What for? Oil?

We wouldn’t want the Soviets to intervene in that war either, but our action may pull them in. We will be showing little regard for the fate of American hostages in Lebanon.

DICK HEISER

Los Angeles