In response to Mr. Theder’s letter to the editor on Dec. 7, please understand that we do not need your sympathy. We’re very proud of our daughter Laura for having the courage to stand up for her beliefs and for trying to persuade others to consider what she believes is a better way to deal with the terrorist situation.

How are the peace advocates different than the Taliban? They are proposing a nonviolent answer and the Taliban are proposing a holy war. It seems obvious to us that calling for the government to use its power to find, capture and bring to justice those responsible for the attacks is not “helping” the terrorists nor is it “inviting” another attack.

Osama bin Laden has stated many times his desire to die in a holy war, rather than be captured and tried. Their concern for the loss of innocent life is opposite of the destructive purposes of al Qaida. Patriotism is not the unquestioning support of every government policy.

Expecting leaders to find lasting solutions, based on the highest of our ideals, is a part of patriotism.

Right or wrong, they have acted as free people in a free society who understand that if our course is correct, it can survive criticism. And if it is not, it is all the more important that we gather the courage to state that criticism clearly and in a timely fashion.

Jeff & Martha Hatfield

ISU Alumni

Lees Summit, Mo.