Dr. Richard Collins' letter to the editor references my position on Iraq, a position that has not been published in the Butler Eagle (or anywhere else). I will elucidate my position for clarity purposes. I believe that Operation Iraqi Freedom has many flaws and that Iraq was not the most pressing danger to America--Iran holds that position--however, the US was morally justified in its invasion because Iraq had violated the terms of its surrender during the Gulf War and a nation that does not recognize individual rights has no basis to claim sovereignty.

My position on the right of the US to invade Iraq has nothing to do with UN resolutions and everything to do with the fact that Iraq was an illegitimate government. It was illegitimate because it did not recognize the rights of its citizens. (Other illegitimate governments include Iran, Venezuela, Pakistan, Cuba, North Korea, China, Sudan, and Zimbabwe). An illegitimate government has no claim to sovereignty and any free nation has the right to depose of the tyrannical government. Of course, not all tyrannies pose threats to the US and it may not be the best strategic decision to intervene in all cases (which is likely the case with Iraq). Lastly, I do not recognize the moral or legal authority of the United Nations, an organization who counts amongst its members multiple dictatorships, to restrain the US from action.

Also, to respond to Matthew Dec's recent comments regarding State Representative Daryl Metcalfe and his right to freedom of speech. No one is questioning Metcalfe's rights to his opinion as a private citizen, but when an elected representative utters statements similar to Metcalfe's he is legitimately subject to criticism.