Americans not disliked - government is

The government is not the same as the people - unfortunately, very seldom. The United States is my adopted country and though I have done many very smart things in my life, the smartest was to get here. I love this country and its wonderful people.

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I lived in six other countries and visited more than 80 others before coming here. I speak several languages, and I feel my experiences and connections to many different nationalities of people justify me when I say it is not true that American people are disliked by other countries.

I am originally European but worked in Asia, too. I find most people like Americans. Some envy Americans, but I never met one who hates them. Unfortunately, this is not the same feeling they have of our government - especially because of the Iraqi mess. If Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is such a bad boy, with far less money and manpower, then why not help Saddam's opposition overthrow him?

Being Hungarian in 1957, we overthrew our Communist government with a minimum of help. With tremendous U.S. monetary and weaponry support, it should be child's play for Iraqis to overthrow Saddam. But even more so, we need more diplomatic maneuvering. It will get much more international support and respect for the U.S. government. The world asks, why didn't President George W. Bush try it?

Dr. Bela Vitez, Aiken, S.C.