[Peace-discuss] News Gazette

[Dlind49 at aol.com]

The Champaign Illinois News Gazette published one of my letters today in 
their Thanksgiving Day edition paper.

doug 



Your recent editorial "Veterans' Memorial is a timely reminder" (August 15, 
page A-6) illustrates the previous costs of war that all of us must remember 
and consider whenever military action is planned and completed.  The U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed  (September 10, 2002 report) Gulf 
War I (1990 - 1991) casualty count now is 8013 dead and 159,238 injured or 
ill.  This count stands in stark contrast to the official casualty count of 
294 dead and 466 injured and ill at the end of  1991.  Our government 
continues its unrelenting efforts to insist that the Gulf War I casualty rate 
was low and that Gulf War II will be swift and bloodless.  Reality is much 
different.  War is about killing and children, women, and men dying not just 
during battle but for many years after the battle is over. The actual 
world-wide Gulf War I casualty count is well over 2 million dead, sick, or 
injured. Today's surviving Gulf War I casualties must fight every day for 
earned medical care and financial support to restore their shattered lives. 
As combat veteran of both the Gulf War I  and the Vietnam War I ask you to 
remember the real costs of war whenever you drive by Memorial Stadium and 
take a moment to "Pray for Peace".