From: "Congressman Denny Rehberg" <mt00ima.pub@mail.house.gov>

To: gferren@yahoo.com

Subject: Reply from Congressman Denny Rehberg

Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2005 11:58:12 -0500

This war in Iraq is historic in scope and critical in purpose. It is

easy to wonder whether our sacrifices are necessary when a day-to-day,

oftentimes an hour-to-hour, viewing of the news does not give a wide

perspective. Not since World War II have the stakes been as high as they

are now. This is a war not just for the future of Iraq, but a war for the

very future of civilization, every bit as much as the war against

German Nazism and Japanese Fascism. If we had lost that war, the world would

have sunk into barbarism. If we lose this one the same could happen.

Because Iraq is a battlefield for civilization, our enemies are

throwing everything they can at our brave service men an women. The creation

of the first free and tolerant Arab country signals doom for the

terrorist enemy.

We cannot abandon the freedom-loving Iraqis. They need our assistance.

They need our support. It might take a long time, but the liberated

people of Iraq will become strong enough to stand on their own in a

democratic society. Victory in Iraq can be the only exit strategy.

The price of freedom is enormous, but failing to preserve that freedom

is even more costly. The men and women of the United States military

represent the best of America. They serve to defend and to liberate. They

sacrifice home and family to protect the way of life and freedoms we

cherish. It is because of the unselfish efforts of heroes that our flag

is raised each day in every town and city across America. It is because

of heroes that we are not fighting this war in the streets of our own

cities.

I do not take your concerns lightly. I pray for the safe return of all

our sons and daughters.

Sincerely,

DENNY REHBERG

Montana’s Congressman