Emerson must take responsibility

To the editor:

I couldn't help but stare in amazement at U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's response to Robert Polack Jr.'s latest letter about Iraq. Is Emerson actually unaware that there were no connections between Iraq and al-Qaida and 9-11? How could someone serving in the second most powerful legislative body in the history of the world be so uninformed? This should give us all pause for thought.

The Americans fighting and dying in Iraq are doing so for a covert Bush administration agenda aimed at oil and empire. The erroneous war in Iraq is a distraction from the real problems of terrorism. Actually, it's probably causing more terrorism. This is what Emerson is actually supporting, whether or not she knows it or admits it.

Emerson must take responsibility for her votes and her positions on issues like Iraq. It did take nerve for Polack to hold her responsible for the deaths that are now occurring, but the question of her responsibility is exactly right. It's a matter of government accountability. His questions must be answered with a better response than the one she has given us.

CARLA TERRY

Bloomfield, Mo.