A country's security lies in its ability to meet the needs of its citizens -- affordable housing, living-wage jobs, health care for all, a clean environment, safe-healthy food and quality education.

Opponents of health-care reform have said that we can't afford to pay for changes that will provide health care for all.

I know where we can get the money.

To date, the U.S. has spent more than $900 billion taxpayer-dollars on military spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. A lot of this money has lined the pockets of big corporations that profit from war. Fraud, waste and inflated prices have made these fat cats even fatter.

Now we're told that we must continue to increase our military presence in Afghanistan in order to bring about security there. The long history of that country has proven that this is a doomed strategy and is creating more hatred every day.

It's time to rethink our priorities and create a strategy to bring about security at home and abroad.

Begin this process by learning more about the situation in Afghanistan. Come to Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville at 7 tonight for the documentary film "Rethink Afghanistan."

The film will be followed by a panel discussion that includes a U.S. Marine veteran, a representative of the filmmakers and local peace activists. Members of Maine's congressional delegation have been invited to participate though none has confirmed yet.

Chris Rusnov

Winslow