The murder and mayhem in the Middle East are, sadly, only a continuation of the state-sponsored and/or supported culture of hate against Americans. In this time of near financial collapse, it does not make sense to continue to send billions of dollars in aid to countries that do not respect us, in fact, hate us, and aspire to our destruction. No more Americans should die in service to our enemies and not one more dollar should be sent. We cannot afford it and it needs to end now.

Why do we tolerate murder of our servicemen, violation of our embassies, and desecration of our flag? America looks weak and the weak will be exploited. One hateful individual exercising his constitutional right of free speech is not grounds for assassination. No, this protest is just a smoke screen for a preplanned agenda of jihad.

This country needs new, strong leadership. President Obama is too weak and timid to deal with thugs. Or he is too busy campaigning to appropriately respond to these war like acts. Apologies will not stop the violence. An end to aid and a strong military will.

Brenda Hoskins

Cedar Rapids