Print edition: 
Iraq War wasn’t worth investment
Regarding “The big question: Was Iraq worth it? (Dec. 11 Eagle): In investing terms, the answer is a resounding “no.”
The United States invested nine years, with 170,000 military personnel, at its peak. It invested nearly $1 trillion of taxpayer money and the good name of this nation.
What was the return on that investment? Nearly 4,500 American military personnel killed. Thousands more wounded, some maimed for life. Between 600,000 and 1 million Iraqis killed. Immeasurable heartbreak and suffering. Loss of focus in Afghanistan. The loss of national prestige for invading a smaller, weaker country that posed no threat to our nation.
There was one positive: One dictator was eliminated.
Why invest in such a costly venture? After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, it was reported that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. No such weapons were found after the invasion. But even if they had been found, Iraq had no means of delivering the weapons to this country.
Officially, we were supposed to have been greeted with flowers and candy. Instead, we were greeted with improvised explosive devices. Our government uses a lot of acronyms, such as GNP for gross national product. This one must be GNS — gross national stupidity.
CLAUDE F. ELDRIDGE
Wichita
Boo, Boeing
I was ashamed to listen to the officials of Kansas practically on their knees begging Boeing to keep its word on the tankers. Any abused wife could tell you: once a liar, always a liar.
I pity the employees who move to wherever a new Boeing plant appears. Boo, Boeing.
BERNY F. ALBRIGHT
Wichita
Regulations stymie
Regarding “Last tearoom in Wichita set to pour its last cup” (Dec. 16 Business Today): I’m not a tea drinker but have visited Sherry Underwood’s place, Cup N Saucer. I was impressed. What a shame she can’t continue, in part because of the economy. What is as big a shame is that she can’t reopen at another location because of city requirements. “What I would have to go in and do to make it up to code is just ridiculous,” she told The Eagle.
We all read of “requirements” (regulations) that supposedly are created for us, the public. I think a lot of these regulations are bunk that stymie not only business but the public. I am of the opinion that many “requirements” are made just to keep regulators busy at the expense of others.
Recent news articles concerning business entrepreneurs have explained why their businesses are not growing or being created. It’s usually because of the economy and regulations. Here is yet another example to add to that list.
Having personally experienced city regulations in the recent past, I sympathize with Underwood and her employees and with her customers, who will miss her business.
BOB CAIN
Wichita
