As a conservative Independent, I cannot believe I am writing this letter to express my thoughts, or should I say frustrations.

President Obama announced he is sending 17,000 troops to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, he neglected the Russian lesson learned with its occupation costing them tens of thousands of lives. Our 17,000 is a down payment.

Obama announced a "troop withdrawal" from Iraq, thanks to the victory that the surge accomplished. I remember the World War II song, "Bring the Boys Home." Let's sing this song again.

The United States is "world cop" to fight terrorism when other nations and dictatorships such as Syria, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan don't contribute fighting forces or funds to defend their behinds from terrorism?

If America is going to bear the burden and sacrifice to fight world terrorism, why do we have to pay the tab for such actions? It's time for the Saudis to put up or shut up.

It is time for the United States to be compensated for lost lives, military costs and defensive support by these oil-rich nations. Iraq should start paying back the cost of the war and rebuilding from its oil profits.

Time has come for America to stop being the world's security force without compensation. We are not in a financial position to be the world's "rent-a-cop."

The Saudis could afford a $1 trillion per year "stimulus" payment to protect the royal family and bank accounts. The same applies to our allies in Europe who have enjoyed a free ride for a generation of hiding behind U.S. troops.

Keep "the boys home" unless the world's freeloaders are willing to pay for their protection. In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I am going to say about that!"

Bob Vetter

Whispering Pines