We have "nothing to show" for four years in Iraq? ("The time for humility is now," Dec. 7). Perhaps removing one of the worst dictators in a lifetime is nothing.

Maybe 8 million people enjoying their first democratic elections ever is nothing. I would argue that both of those examples negate the Collegian's "nothing" comments and feel certain others would agree.

To be fair, I don't know if there is a way to "victory" in Iraq.

Clearly the rest of the world has made up its mind (not to mention the American media) that we have lost no matter what we do. I do know, however, that the Iraqis have reliable electricity, schools that girls can attend, hospitals and public services that were never available under Saddam Hussein. You will never hear of those things from the media.

Congressman Jim Marshall, D-Ga., believes "the media's falsely bleak picture weakens our national resolve, discourages Iraqi cooperation, and emboldens the enemy."

In regards to the new Iraq Study Group findings, you will excuse me if I believe that talking to Syria while it is in the process of gobbling up its tiny Lebanese neighbor to be one of the most cynical, immoral and ill-considered diplomatic ideas in a generation. Simply leaving Iraq will not do either.

The soon-to-be chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Silvestre Reyes, D-Tx., has said "we can't afford to leave," and called for an increase of up to 30,000 troops.

It seems even the powerful, knowledgeable Democrats in Congress recognize that simply walking away from Iraq would have dire consequences.

That tells me that finally, people on both sides of the aisle are sincerely concerned with the long-term wellbeing of the United States.

I welcome change in Iraq, so long as change doesn't involve coming home and watching a nation destroy itself on CNN.