I was at first convinced the letter "U.S. has always entered war for its own benefit" (April 1) was an April Fool's joke. Once I realized that it was indeed serious, I felt it important to respond to the misguided comments found within. The author claims that every war in American history has been fought because of the "selfish" interests of the United States and not for altruistic reasons. Apparently he feels that these concepts are mutually exclusive.

I, on the other hand, believe that not only can these two goals be taken together, but that they are crucial to what makes America the great nation that it is. World War II, the campaign in Afghanistan and the current conflict in Iraq are perfect examples of this phenomenon. In each of these wars, the United States not only had the opportunity to protect her own freedom, but also to bring that freedom to others. Is it just a coincidence that these "selfish" American conflicts resulted (or, in the case of Iraq, will result) in the liberty of a formerly oppressed people?

I think it speaks well of our country that the steps taken to ensure the safety and security of Americans result so often in an improved quality of life for those who reside in other parts of the world. Perhaps the author feels that it would have been better if the Nazis, the Taliban and the Iraqi regime had been left to oppress millions rather than be stopped by the Americans, who apparently had their own interests in mind.