The American people should congratulate themselves for finally having elected a president who has the intellectual fortitude to examine all options and consequences before sending our soldiers to fight in Afghanistan, where government corruption, tribal rivalries and unforgiving terrain have defeated all previous attacking armies. We are indeed fortunate that individuals with the courage to send others to fight and die, but when given the same opportunity chose to stay home, are no longer in charge.

I thank God that while former Vice President Dick Cheney can still spew his venomous bile, he will no longer be able to chart an American foreign policy responsible for the death and maiming of thousands of American soldiers and Iraqis.

Andre Toth

Williamsville