When Japanese aircraft dropped bombs on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, the United States was justified in declaring war on Japan. When German submarines sank American transport ships in the Atlantic Ocean, the United States declared war on Germany. The wars cost us taxpayers billions of dollars, but we needed to defend ourselves.

Amazingly, some organizations make great profits from wars. If you make bullets and sell them to the United States, you’ll become rich in wartime. Hey, if you make bullets, shells, rockets, airplanes, tanks, destroyers and many other war paraphernalia, you can become rich, really rich if there is a war to fight.

So, let’s admit it, some people smile when we get in wars because they know they are going to sell their wares to our country. (Thank goodness when it is needed.)

Some other wars do not directly affect the United States. When North Korea attacked South Korea did we need to get into it or was there pressure from those who might profit?

Can someone tell me why we got in the Vietnam war? It led to the loss of thousands of American servicemen.

I have written these things because I do not believe we should allow “articles of war vendors” into leading our leaders into unwise decisions.

A serious situation is brewing in Syria (a mid European country). I hear what I detect to be a rebel uprising against the constituted government in power. President Obama of the United States says we will provide support for the rebels against the government of Syria. How many millions of dollars will be consumed? How much will the military-industrial complex prosper and what the heck are we doing messing with Syrian affairs?

I fear this is another ill conceived plot of those who like to see our country’s resources diminished. It could have a tremendous price tag if the Russians object to our playing super hero on their doorstep.

I only know one thing. It’s gonna cost. All wars cost!

Jinx Johnson,

Colonel USAF, Retired