It seems altruistic for America to go to the aid of the so-called rebels in Libya and wreak havoc on everybody including the despot and his army.

Remember, though, that just a few years ago America gave Libya a favorable status and even took it off the list of terrorist states.

Think about it.

As the unrest intensifies in those regions, perhaps some, not all, will be under control of Islamists, who have no respect for the West. Yet America sits by while some of the unrest endangers our security, including Yeman, Syria, etc., which are havens for al-Qaida. And let’s not forget the Sudan and many African states where murder, rape, etc., are committed.

Yes, it’s all about economics and, to prove my point will quote a retired Marine Corps major general and two-time Medal of Honor winner who wrote a book titled, “War is a Racket.” Quoting from Smedly Butler’s book: “There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights.”

He also said, “War is a racket. … It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.” Like most Marine Corps officers, he was succinct; he wrote all this in 40 pages. “Semper Fi.”

My own take on all this unrest is this isn’t World War II. The fight is going to be on our own soil. Don’t be fooled by and misled by all the unrest elsewhere.

Frank Slason

Somerville