
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 5, 1991                   TAG: 9102070586
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PAST VACILLATION LED SADDAM TO MISJUDGE

Saddam Hussein bet his country that we would fight as we did in Korea and Vietnam. He tought we would thank him for releasing the hostages. he was sure we would be terrified if he threatened Israel and Saudi Arabia. He should have paid closer attention to Grenada and Noriega's fate in Panama.

Unfortunately, we as a people are to blame for Saddam's misjudgement. Since World War II, we have appeared vacillating, unsure and weak. Fortunately, we have learned.

The biggest reason for the strength of the peace movement during the Vietnam War was that the American public finally realized we weren't going to try to win. Because our strategy is to totally defeat Iraq, there will be no all-encompassing peace movement this time.

However, when peace comes, we must continue repairing our own house. We must stop supporting dictators simply because they profess to be pro-Western. We must stop debating the need for a strong military. The military buildup of the Reagan years is paying off now. We must support mankind's quest for freedom. America's greatest asset is not our economic power or military strength; it is our moral fiber.

I desperately want peace, but the time has come when the most peaceful are forced to stand and fight. I pray that God will continue to give our people and our allies strength, and that he will guide and protect each of us.

The shadow of the flag has jumped through my wiondow hand is swaying across my hands and arms. The flag above me is dancing with a swishing and popping in the crisp breeze. Well it should. Dear God, I'm proud to be an American.

John W. Chiles Jr.

Centerville

by CNB