To the Editor:

Let's get something straight, those who died in Iraq did not die for their country or in defense of it. They died for an empire challenging its imperial rivals for control of wealth, resources and markets.

Khizr Khan asked Donald Trump, "What sacrifices have you made for this country?" What sacrifices have ever been made by the ruling elite, and the corporatist duopoly of war and Wall Street, who send our children to fight and die for parasitism and plunder?

Over and over, like trained monkeys, we recite the scripted bromide, "Thank you for your service," as we help to prepare and train the next generation to kill and be killed.

What honor is there in giving one's life invading, subjugating and unleashing unspeakable horrors and suffering on the people of the Third World – who have done nothing to us – under the pretext of keeping us safe from "enemies" created by our imperial meddling, invasions and occupations?

Those who serve our expand-or-die economic system and give the orders are responsible for the deaths of millions and are war criminals under international covenants and law. And the soldiers who make the "ultimate sacrifice" and die in defense of hegemony and oppression, unfortunately, have made their lives and deaths meaningless and as light as a feather.

Cold truths, but liberating truths.

John St. Lawrence

Johnston

Editor’s note: The writer was drafted. He served in Vietnam in 1969-70 with the U.S. 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade.