On Aug. 15, CNN reported that U.S. troops deployed overseas have donated six times as much money to Barack Obama's campaign as John McCain's. This is despite campaign finance law setting limits on individual contributions and McCain being the only veteran running, endorsed by the commander in chief who sent our American GIs abroad. Please think about this.

Obama says we never should have gone to Iraq and promises to end the war, while McCain demands victory, even if it takes "100 years." Is it possible our troops who have been there know the truth? Reporters admit enlisted men fear speaking out if their names are used, yet people vote with their pocketbooks and campaign gifts are confidential. Our troops have spoken, and the message is clear. The best way to "support our troops" is to demand their safe return as soon as possible.

John McCain's a hero of mine. We served in the Navy at the same time. But staying in Iraq forever will not exorcise the Vietnam demons his torturers beat into him, bring back the more than 100 sailors killed aboard the USS Forrestal in his horrible accident, the 58,000 dead in Vietnam, or the more than 4,100 killed in Iraq.

If whoever wins this election refuses to bring our troops home, despite their clear message, we'd be no better than those Russians supporting Putin's invasion of Georgia. Explain that to your kids and grandkids when we'd need a draft to keep fighting two Asian land wars. Don't call our troops "heroes" and keep sending them back. Give them a final welcome home now.

Roland Van Deusen

Clayton