How many more American soldiers must die?

Nearly four years ago, President George W. Bush sent our nation's troops into an unnecessary and unjustified invasion of Iraq. Bush's reasons for invading Iraq have long since been discredited, and our continued presence there exacerbates the sectarian conflicts that have torn Iraq apart since the removal of Saddam Hussein from power.

Last December, the bipartisan Iraq Study Group (ISG) urged a change of course towards diplomacy. In the words of the ISG, "the United States should embark on a robust diplomatic effort to establish an international support structure intended to stabilize Iraq and ease tensions in other countries in the region."

Despite all this, Bush not only refuses to change course, he now wants to intensify the Iraq conflict by sending another 21,500 troops into harm's way. How many more American soldiers must die for Bush's mistakes?

In the 2006 election, Americans clearly voted for change by electing Democratic majorities to both houses of Congress. We must reinforce our call for change by urging our representatives in Congress not only to oppose Bush's escalation of the war, but also to begin the process of withdrawing our troops from Iraq and ending the occupation that has tarnished our nation's credibility and moral stature.

Eddie Konczal

Monroe Township