I proudly served my country for three years in the U.S. Army. I then proudly served my God as a church deacon for many years. I strongly supported the first war on Iraq as the senior President Bush conducted the liberation of Kuwait legitimately, with real international support and within U.N. authority.

However, the current President Bush has invaded a sovereign nation in violation of international law, even though Saddam Hussein did not pose an immediate threat outside of the borders of Iraq.

I strongly oppose these actions. Considering President Bush has alienated our free world allies and antagonized even moderate Muslims around the world, the world is a far more dangerous place than before the Iraq invasion.

There was a time when Americans respected the opinions of those with differing political views. Today, the conservative right wing has lost that human attribute. I resent having my patriotism and my faith challenged because I oppose the policies of the President, and I will proudly vote for Sen. John Kerry.

Choosing the right war on terrorism is not a question of religion.

Tom Lenhart

Rocky River, Ohio