Letter to the Editor, Laurel Leader, January 10, 2008

Military service not needed to assess military matters

Mr. Boyle seems to have a problem with criticizing the Democrats in Congress ("Some critics have no right to call Democrats 'cowards', letter, Jan. 3). Apparently, the only people who have the "right" to criticize these people are those who have worn the uniform. Dick Cheney's out because he never served. Is President Bush out because he didn't serve in the "real" military?

It might surprise Mr. Boyle to learn that there are only 29 senators and 130 Congressman (roughly 25 percent of Congress) with military experience, fewer still with actual combat experience. Should the rest just sit down and keep quiet because they don't know what they are talking about?

Both parties are guilty of hyperbole when it comes to military matters and the Iraq war. That said, lacking a military background does not disqualify one from being able to critique the leadership of Congress in military affairs. Many Congressmen have advocated withdrawal from Iraq, not because we cannot win, but because the war is a political wedge issue that they can use to their advantage.

Withdrawal in the face of the enemy is cowardice by any definition, but stabbing your countrymen in the back for personal gain is something else. They had a name for it during the Revolutionary War. It was called "turning Arnold." General Benedict Arnold was also a hero of the Continental Army who sold his country down the river. His country never forgave him, just as I hope we never forgive our current crop of Arnolds.

Treason, thy names are Murtha, Pelosi and Reid.

(By the way, I have served my country, if ever so briefly, in the United States Army Reserves and am proud of this service to this day.)

Jason W. Papanikolas
Laurel