War mongering is not our role

Once again Charles Krauthammer thinks Obama is wrong not getting the U.S. more deeply involved in the Middle East. (Friday column, “Obama’s policy on Iran only benefits ISIS.”) Thank God his protege Mitt is safely at home hugging his money. How many wars would Mitt have had us in by now? Certainly Ukraine, Syria, Iran and let’s not forget North Korea. We wouldn’t be coming home from Afghanistan. And no need to pay for any of it if the last fellow from the party of fiscal responsibility is any guide.

Don’t get me wrong; many Kurds are alive today because of our sacrifice. But the larger lesson of history is this: You can win but you can never go home. South Korea is the prime example. Even the American Civil War’s outcome was nearly reversed when the North withdrew its troops. War is for the long-suffering, not just the long-winded.

Doug Grandpre

Lake Stevens