Our way of life is best for Iraq

I wanted to respond to last week's letter by Mark Rackow on the war in Iraq and gas-guzzling SUVs. First I want to say I was greatly offended by the comment that the young man who gave his life in this war gave it for a gas-guzzling SUV.

I don't know this young man, but I would have to say that this young man died for a lot more than just a gas-guzzling SUV. The fact that he enlisted in the military in the first place tells me that he must have been a caring, mature young man that was willing to lay his life down for others. He could "have it all" here in our community. We have abundant freedoms, safety and options in our lives, but this young man was willing to give it all up for someone on the other side of the world that has nothing.

This person on the other side of the world can't just walk about freely in a safe environment and not worry if he or his family will return home safely each evening. No freedom to choose if he wants to go to college, start a business of his own or just travel. We live in a "me, me, me" society but this honorable young man showed us what it is to give to others freely.

My son shared an experience with me that he had while serving in Iraq. He had the opportunity to employ Iraqis to help build a fence. These Iraqi men were so grateful to have the opportunity to work so they could provide food for their families. My son enjoyed working with them and learning some of their language. These men wanted freedom and an opportunity to work to make their country better. Isn't that what we all want?

Let's really support and honor these men and women in uniform and what they are doing throughout the world as they put their lives on the line every day for others. After all, as the bumper sticker says, "We are the land of the free because of the brave."
Vicki Saxey
Oak Park