Recent commentaries and letters have tried to place blame on what’s happening in Afghanistan on the current or past presidents, or even the military. Perhaps a different perspective is in order.

Afghanistan is not so much a nation as it is mostly tribal, tribes trying to rule their own regions. This was not unlike when a young country with 13 separate colonies tried to unite to fight a common enemy, and unite again to form a new government. Simply put, it was miraculous that the United States of America was able to do both.

It’s time that people realize that trying to force a country to become democratic either by armed intervention or by political influence is a waste of time and resources.

Americans have spilled their own blood to make America. If the people of other countries want a democracy, they need to fight for it themselves. Let them give up their own lives for their country. It is way more meaningful when true countrymen fight and die for their country rather than having foreign soldiers try to do it for them.

Richard Patton

Franklin Township, Beaver County

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