There have been numerous recent comments about Senator Bob Kerry's involvement with the deaths of about 20 Vietnamese women and children. There were approximately 58 thousand young US soldiers and one to three million Vietnamese who were killed in the war in Vietnam.

Our then President Lyndon Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara later expressed their personal opposition to our conducting the war in Vietnam. Why were we there? What did we have to gain? Were does the guilt lie for our being there and causing so many deaths, injuries and destruction.

When opposing government leaders have disputes and confrontations that lead to wars, it is the young, innocent soldiers on both sides who get killed; who suffer with injuries as well as innocent men, women and children being killed and harmed.

At this stage of our civilization, the United Nations should be empowered to require each government to agree not to resort to wars or violence to resolve any differences or disputes. Each government should require the same pledge from the religious, ethnic and political groups within their country. Economic aid and financial assistance can be provided if needed to those countries that agree to these commitments; sanctions and trade restrictions can be imposed on those countries that do not agree. A permanent UN official should be appointed to meet with the conflicting nations, discuss their problems and bring about compromises that result in peaceful solutions. Then both nations can be eligible for the economic aid and financial assistance if needed. A strong UN military force consisting of soldiers from many countries should be available to prevent conflicts from opposing groups when necessary. The need for a UN military force is a reality of our present world conditions.

With an ongoing peaceful strategy by the United Nations, each country can reduce their military budget by 10 percent a year for nine years and leave a minimum for military spending. Part of the savings can be to a fund in the UN to carry on this peace mission including the economic aid and financial assistance where needed.

All lives should be lived in peace and security. We should have a worldwide goal of a world with no more wars, killing, violence and destruction; also a goal to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease. A better world for all people.

Philip Rowen