In Favor of Opting Out of War

The author asks, ``... should individual Americans be able to choose what wars they want to fight?'' The question is oversimplified and naive. There is a matter of conscience at stake. Germans opposing Hitler ended up in concentration camps; Americans opposing Vietnam fled overseas. Both are consequences of acting on conscience.

I'm a veteran demonstrator and protester of the Vietnam War. What we denounced then - that it was unjust, costly, and extremely destructive - is generally accepted by most historians now.

The end of that cruel and misguided war was brought about at a faster pace because of the protests and demonstrations against it around the world. No one against the war then should apologize for it now. Jacquelyn Reid, Lakeview Terrace, Calif.

Your letters are welcome. For publication they must be signed and include your address and telephone number. Only a selection can be published, and none acknowledged. Letters should be addressed to ``Readers Write,'' and can be sent by Internet E-mail (200 word maximum) to OPED@RACHEL.CSPS.COM, by fax to 617-450-2317, or by mail to One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115