News-Record.com

Generally speaking I don't like repetitious posting of things I've said before, but in this case I'll make an exception.

Always.

We have a volunteer military, made of up people with political, religious, moral and social values as varied and diverse as those held in the population at large.

Military service is not a big, uniformed, government sponsored encounter group where enlisted personell are given the freedom to discuss and negotiate whether or not they'll follow the orders they are given.

In other words, it ain't the Hollywood version.

When a person enlists they are voluntarily sacrificing many of the freedoms of speech, dissent, protest and privacy that we all take so determinedly for granted.

And they are doing so with the full realization that they could be killed, maimed or crippled in the process even if they are in total disagreement with the actions in which they are involved.

Persons such as this, who would sacrfice their freedoms and set aside their own considerations of personal safety for the concept of a greater good towards their country, deserve nothing less than our total respect and appreciation.

Always.

Our soldiers deserve our support, our love and our respect. Therefore, we should never allow them to be put in harms' way because of incompetent civilian authority. As the transportation department signs in South Carolina say, "Let 'em work. Let 'em live".

Robert Francis Kennedy put it much better:

"Support our troops but question our leaders"

Too bad the "apologists" of today do not question the leader of their party like Howard Baker and Edward Brooke did of Nixon when the President was breaking the law and covering it up. When the era is over, those who walk lockstep with the administration over a war under (many) false pretenses, will speak of regret. Why not do it now????

I still wonder how sending US military personnel to overthrow the soverign nation of Iraq is defending the freedoms of ANY American. I have read and listened to far more reports on this than I care to think about. Yet, none have provided me with valid evidence that the aforementioned is true.

As has been noted by previous people posting, the US does have an ALL VOLUNTARY military. Sometimes in life you get what you ask for. Wonder how many of the over 2,600 dead military personnel joined to earn money for college? Money that will never be receieved, much less used.

Defending the USA is one thing, sending US troops out to fight "personal" bad guys is morally wrong. People who do such should be held accountable.

Shalom

Ms. Bowles,

Thank you, and thanks to your son.

On a recent trip with the Boy Scouts to Fort Bragg, I had an opportunity to meet and speak with a number of men and women who are wearing the uniform. These folks acted as guides as we jumped from the parachute training tower, and ran the 2 man assault obstacle course (well, the young guys did - I had more sense than that) and helped our Scouts enjoy a day they will long remember. And this on a rainy Saturday, when, if not for our presence, they would be taking it easy. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism, character and dedication of these young people. The military truly is comprised of the best we have.

While there are those who use the occasion of your letter to make political statements, I do not believe it to be the proper place to do so. I hope you can ignore them, and accept - and pass along to your son - our thanks and admiration.

Ms. Bowles,

I pray your son will return home safely. His sacrifice is humbling and as a parent, I can only imagine what you must be going through.

Thank you for writing this letter. It is a great reminder of what you and so many thousands are going through.

darryl,
"Defending the USA is one thing, sending US troops out to fight "personal" bad guys is morally wrong."

is this a slight chink in your armor ? this is the closest i've heard you come to saying self defense is appropriate through force...or have i misunderstood you ?

buz, the comprehension of my comment is a mixture. Anyone that believes that being a pacifist means to just remain still and be annihliated is sadly mistaken. A pacifist will seek to save others by giving his/her life. A pacifist will NOT be aggressive towards another. Yet, there are pacifists who will seek to block and/or prevent a physical blow to his/her self. That is not violating the Peace Testimony. However, to raise one's fist in aggression to another or to point a weapon of offense at another seeking to do harm WOULD violate the Peace Testimony.

Buz, I hope this gives some clarity. Also, the comment was made in coorelation to the context of the LTTE writer's letter. That should provide more clarity as well.

Shalom

Your son, as is all of the active military. held in high regard in my household. I wish the all "God Speed" and come home soon and well