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It is admirable that U.S. troops have shown any restraint at all while fighting Iraqi terrorists. The fact that the military is ready to punish American soldiers who cross the line only reminds me that we still have the moral high ground. The behavior of any group will always be publicly defined by its worst members. In a good group, the other members will police and correct bad behavior. But among terrorists every despicable act is applauded, rewarded and encouraged.
PAT ORSBAN
Fairview, N.C.

Stress Fractures

"Wounds That Don't Bleed" [NOV. 29], on the severe stress that is taking its toll on U.S. troops in Iraq, was an excellent article on an aspect of the war the daily media rarely cover. One of the most depressing situations facing our troops is that they can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. So many Americans are having their terms extended that a service member cannot count on any date to go home. That makes it difficult for even the most patriotic and committed troops to hang on.
JAMES A. EMBREE
Sacramento, Calif.

Bush Unbound

In his essay "Why Bush Has No Fear" [Nov. 29], Charles Krauthammer argued that the President has no need to be concerned about the political fortunes of an "heir" and so can do without popular approval of his actions. That is wildly incorrect. First, Krauthammer forgets the royalist tradition of the Republican Party and a certain politically prominent Floridian. Second, he forgets that Bush's political success will be judged in part on whether a Republican succeeds him. Krauthammer is correct that Bush is quite bold. But the President is by no stretch of the imagination reckless. Bush simply possesses a more subtle and perceptive political mind than most of his adversaries or friends realize.
JOHN BLECK
Richardson, Texas

Bush has a mandate, and he should use it. I would like to take a percentage of my Social Security tax deduction and invest it in stocks to earn higher interest than is earned by funds in the traditional Social Security retirement program. Bush's plan to reform the tax code is another brilliant course of action.
SAM HOFF
Clarkston, Mich.