Editorial lacked clarity

Political leanings aside, the publisher of a newspaper should get the fact straight when doing an editorial. In David Keyes' editorial of June 28, he states that the Iraq war has lasted longer than World War II.

This is patently untrue!

World War II began when the Germans invaded Poland on Sept. 3, 1939 and ended when the Japanese surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945 — a total of six years, give or take a day. The second Gulf War began on March 20, 2003 — four years and three months, give or take.

Keyes probably is a victim of American narcissism, thinking that World War II only means America's declaration of war on Axis powers and Japan. It is this kind of ignorance of history and other countries which contributes to the belief of many non-Americans that Americans are somewhat arrogant and self-absorbed.

Perhaps he meant to say the Gulf War lasted longer than America's involvement in World War II. If so, he would have been correct, but he should have said so.

He also called the war "very inhumane." What war isn't?

KENNETH T. SANGER

Sandpoint