WHEN the US president took the nation to war, he claimed to be fighting tyranny and bringing democracy to a subject people.

Everyone knew the real reason was the furtherance of American interests and influence.

Possessed of overwhelming military force, the US expected that the appearance of a few well-armed battalions would put an end to resistance, and a grateful people would welcome the troops and the American dream with open arms.

It didn't turn out like that. Some people have denounced the adventure as a total disaster, but at least the 1812 invasion of Canada served as a warning for future occupants of the White House.

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 09:07 Monday, November 28, 2005