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Read other letters about this article
My personal politics are liberal and progressive.
I was strongly against the war in Iraq.
I believe it was a mistake at best.
I served in the U.S. Army in Iraq.
I am a volunteer.
I am a national guardsman.
I am a commissioned officer.
I went to Iraq, because I was called to duty.
I was sent back to the USA for medical reasons.
They were going to send me all the way home.
Although there was a risk, I went back to Iraq.
This time it was my choice.
We should encourage those whose politics are most against the war to serve in our nation's military.
Yes, read that last sentence again.
It is the military of a democracy, comprised solely of volunteers.
We want the best and brightest, people of good conscience, and moral fiber to be our soldiers, people from all walks of life and points of view.
To have people of only political or moral view as its only members is short sighted, and ultimately dangerous to a democracy.
To change an organization, one must be a part of it.
Where were the people of conscience at Haditha or Abu Gharaib? Where were the people who would stand up for human dignity in the worst of circumstances?
Apparently, one of them is writing dead soldiers names in a video game.
This man's protest is futile and silly.
In his frustration with the conflict, and desire to do something, he is deluding himself into thinking he is making a difference. He is not. He is less significant than someone who runs onto the field at a professional sports event with no clothes on.
I will defend his right to express himself to my death. I may even agree with his viewpoint.
I wish he would use that right better though.
I think he should join the military, or encourage others who think as he does to join as well. So that when the harsh decisions need to be made on the ground, there are people who will maintain the dignity of our nation.
