To the editor:

I am certainly not a Donald Rumsfeld fan. For all the reasons many others have given, I felt he was not the right personality for the job he held. However, to make him the sacrificial lamb on the altar of bad decisions isn't fair to the man. I have to admire him for taking his dismissal in such a gentlemanly manner, but I hope others whose poor advice or performance have contributed to the quagmire that is Iraq will also be removed from positions of influence. Specifically, the two top generals in command of our forces in Iraq need to be replaced. President Bush says consistently that the only option in Iraq is to win. Well, that's fine, Mr. President. Find the people who can do that, hire them and then do it.

JOHN JUSITS, Cape Girardeau