America was once an example of good government. That example was a better way to influence others than to mock other religions, make war and use assassin drones. We should stop meddling in cultures we do not understand.

We need independent reporters like Chris Hedges to keep us informed as they penetrate deceptions by Wall Street and the Pentagon. Insider whistleblowers like Bradley Manning and Julian Assaunge are another valuable resource.

During WWII, in China our Military-Industrial Complex supported warlord Chiang Kai-shek while Mao's communists were fighting the Japanese. Mao could have been an effective ally against Japan just as the Soviets were against the Nazis.

Reporters and diplomats like T. H. White and John Service told us we were backing the wrong party. They were attacked by Joe McCarthy for "losing China." Later we were drawn into Korea and Vietnam in our futile attempt to stop communism in Asia.

Governments depend on the consent of the governed. Empires are outdated. Maybe we should mind our own business. Who elected America to be leader of the free world?

Dick Smith

Bellingham