Panama, where we have removed our bases and turned over the canal to the Panamanians, is now a thriving democracy. El Salvador and Grenada have democratically elected governments and no U.S. bases. If we had completed the task in Cuba, they too would be free. Look at Western Europe and now Eastern Europe - free countries where democracy thrives.

The Georgian people have had free elections and have become a bright star in Eastern Europe. Russia invaded the free country of Georgia with the full intention of removing the current freely elected government and replacing it with a totalitarian regime. If America does not stand up for freedom in the world, Russia will take control and we will lose our precious freedom. It is time for the United States to continue to stand up for freedom as we have in the past.

When my children ask me why the United States should take our beliefs of freedom and democracy to other countries, I say, "If not us, who? If not now, when?"

Art Haddow

Salt Lake City