I read Barry Saunders' July 10 column about the death of young Joseph Patrick Dwyer, 26, with great sorrow for him, for those who loved him and for all whose lives have been forever shadowed and shattered by wars that need not have been fought.

Politicians in league with war profiteers like Halliburton are only too happy to wave the flag and send young men to fight, while simultaneously opposing measures that will help them put their lives back together if they are lucky enough to return.

Multiply the stories like those of Dwyer and Saunders' friend Buddy by thousands and think of the unending nightmares so many were sentenced to, the endless pain they sought to escape, the waste of what surely would have been good lives.

Saunders quoted Springsteen; the words of Bob Dylan's "Masters of War" come to mind, directed at those who profit politically and materially from war at the expense of young men like Joseph Patrick:

"Let me ask you one question

Is your money that good

Will it buy you forgiveness

Do you think that it could

I think you will find

When your death takes its toll

All the money you made

Will never buy back your soul."

Christina Pogoloff

Durham

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.