In response to Ethan Henshell's letter ("Israeli Army Protects More Than Just Jews," Jan. 13), I disagree that an attack on the Jewish nation equals an attack on the Jewish people.

I assume that by "Jewish nation" he is referring to the Israeli government, and I believe that it is not only possible but imperative to separate the Israeli state from its citizens. Governments everywhere, including those democratically elected, always put their interests before those of the people they claim to represent and protect. Israelis have often protested against the actions of the Zionist regime, as Americans often protest against this government also.

Criticizing the American government for going to war in search of weapons of mass destruction it now admits are non-existent, and endangering its people while lucrative oil deals are being struck, rather than a critique of the American people is a praise to those who were against this action.

Equating a government with its people is dangerous and erroneous, for while authority is necessary, a country is most successful when a government and its people keep an eye on each other.