Letters of the day for Tuesday, March 22

The military action being taken in Libya raises many questions and doubts, but I am proud of President Obama and the United States for being a part of it.

Having a friend living in Misurata, Libya, we were in daily contact until Thursday, when communication was severed.

There were horror stories of Moammar Gadhafi's forces shooting civilians indiscriminately, including women and children. He has ruled with an iron fist, terrorizing and killing thousands of citizens, keeping them in constant fear.

Now that they have risen in opposition, they know there is no turning back. They must either fight to defend their city or they will be killed in retaliation.

According to reports, Misurata now has no water or electricity, and food and medical supplies are running out. Much of the center of the city has been destroyed by Gadhafi's attacks. I have no idea if my friend, his pregnant wife and their three children are still alive.

All I know is that the United States and its allies have given hope to the people of Misurata and to all Libyans that they may someday be free of Gadhafi's rule.

RICK GROGER, ST. PAUL

Once again a U.S. administration has ignored American public opinion and has gone to war. A Fox News poll showed 65 percent opposed U.S. military involvement in Libya.

Other polls showed lesser majorities, but still strong opposition to the bombing campaign we are seeing. Obama, who said in his campaign that invading Iraq in 2003 was a mistake, could have rejected the interventionists in his administration.

He lost yet another opportunity to change the direction of American foreign policy in the Middle East. Negotiation and diplomacy, not bombing, is the only way to peace.

WAYNE NEALIS, MINNEAPOLIS

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So which way is it? Why isn't there intervention in Yemen or Bahrain -- or Sudan, for that matter? Where (and how) do you draw that line?

This is just another example of the diplomats in Washington making up value systems to suit their agendas.

JOHN STOLLE, NORTH OAKS

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