To the Editor:

If we really want to defeat ISIL, restore calm, and some semblance of peace in the Middle East, we would take one third of what we are spending on war in the whole region and spend it on a Marshall Plan (some may remember that is what “won the peace” after World War II) to restore infrastructure, water and renewable power with less emphasis on fossil fuel so people can go about their daily lives and businesses in safety. Our bombing campaign and troops only provide recruiting tools for terrorists and disruption, displacement and death for civilians. So far the only "winners" are the war profiteers who are bankrupting the U.S. financially and morally.  

If ISIL is such a serious threat to the U.S. that it requires a bill to authorize another open-ended use of military force, no such authorization should be granted without a clear plan, the re-instatement of the draft so we have enough troops to achieve it, and putting a 5 percent surtax on those making less than the congressional salary and a 10 percent surtax on those making the same or more (currently $174,000) to pay for the cost of the war. The tax will expire when the war is over. If it really is a national security issue, we all need “some skin in the game,” not just 1 percent of us.

Jane Harrison

Waynesville