Two Stars and Stripes letters

[lebkuchen]

If you use the URL provided, the actual letters include hyperlinks to the previous letters referenced below.


‘Mission stupid’ letter backed

Apparently the writer of “Anti-war letter ‘insubordination’” (letter, April 25) did not read the top of the column that says “opinion.”

I give credit to the soldier who spoke his mind in “Iraq mission stupid,” (letter, April 17). The writer of the “insubordination” letter took it upon himself to blow it way out of proportion, but what do you expect; I see it every day.

I, for one, am another who does not agree with this war and have found myself, like many others, very confused on why we’re here sometimes. But if I speak my mind, we have men here who start throwing temper tantrums. I do believe that one of the best parts of being American is the right to freedom of speech, but heaven forbid I have that anymore over here.

I’m not writing this letter to start any problems, I’m writing it to remind individuals that this is an opinion section, so be respectful to people who would like to voice their own opinions. If you don’t agree with them, “soldier up,” as the writer of “Anti-war letter ‘insubordination’” would say, and let them speak.

Spc. Justin Wood
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait


Freedom to express views

Although I do not agree with “Anti-war letter ‘insubordination,’” (letter, April 25), I still support the letter writer’s right to express his opinion. Unfortunately, he does not seem willing to provide the same courtesy to anyone whose views do not match his own.

He misses the irony of claiming to champion freedom while in the same breath attempting to stifle a person’s freedom of speech (or, in this case, freedom of the press). The writer claims that the other soldier is “abusing” the freedom that others have died for. How is expressing an opinion “abusing” freedom of the press? I would call that exercising one’s rights.

I remind him that in a free society we can express our opinions, whether they be supportive or dissenting of our government’s policies. If we cannot do that, we have descended into totalitarianism. The writer seems keen to play up his role in defending freedom, but should remember that, as per our oaths, we are also here to “support” the Constitution. In this case, that would mean standing up for the principle of freedom of press even if you do not agree with someone’s views.

I read the original letter (“Iraq mission stupid,” April 17) and, while the soldier brought up a few true points, I found his conclusions to use some faulty logic. Nevertheless, I strongly support his right to present his opinion in the public forum of a free press and will continue to support and defend his right to do so.

U.S. Naval Reserve Lt. Rodney Porto
Naples, Italy

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=28800