If you believe President Bush’s GOP acceptance speech, it is now the duty of America to liberate the Middle East in a new century of freedom.

It is clear that the president will use the U.S. military to march his crusade wherever and whenever needed. We know Iraq, Iran and North Korea have been identified as the axis of evil — one down and two to go.

You are right, Mr. President, we know exactly where you stand — and it does not make us feel safer.

As a veteran, I urge you to elect a commander in chief who puts our sons and daughters in harm’s way only as a last resort, not as part of some global crusade.

Maj. Robert Tormey

U.S. Air Force, retired