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

DATE: SUNDAY, February 24, 1991                   TAG: 9102250274
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: D-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

COST OF THE WAR IS INCALCULABLE; WHO WILL PAY?

"MY PRESIDENT, right or wrong!" You hear that expression quite a bit these days. In the 1930s in Nazi Germany, it was "My Fuhrer, right or wrong!" When we closed the schools here in Virginia, rather than intergrate, some undoubtedly were saying the same thing about our governor. When will they ever learn?

Being a cynic, I view all forms of rank and authority with skepticism if not downright suspicion. One of the first things I learned when I went into the army in 1941 was that generals and colonels can go crazy same as buck privates. The difference is that the brass can cause a lot more damage.

George Bush's ego trip into the Persian Gulf is bound to end in disaster. Of course we can win militarily. It's like the New York Giants against Central High. But where's the glory? Instead there will be ill will and thoughts of revenge for the next 100 years.

The Bush policy was great until he got carried away and went on the offensive. Sanctions should have been given more time to work. The cost of this war, aside from the human suffering, is incalculable. These missiles that look so good on TV cost more than a million dollars a shot. The aircraft can go as high as $75 million each and tanks $50 million. And so on. After the war is over, the equipment that hasn't been destroyed won't be worth bringing back home. The desert will have devoured it.

So - before we get all wrapped up in yellow ribbon, perhaps we should step back and think about who's going to pay for this mess. JOHN W. SLAYTON ROANOKE

by CNB