As a 1997 graduate of Ohio University and a veteran of 15 years, two months and 28 days of active duty service in the United States Marines Corps (before attending Ohio University), including service in the first Gulf War, I would like to respond to Marc Fencil's letter (Soldiers face real die-in daily in Iraq
April 8).
I'm sorry that Fencil is not completing his senior year at OU, but that is his choice; last time I checked, military service in the United States was voluntary, and the military was considered a profession. So stop whining about your decision and the fact that people aren't falling over themselves to thank you for doing what you are paid to do. I suggest that in the future you read the contract before signing it.
Fencil has it all wrong about those protesters at the die-in. They are paying the greatest respect possible to the victims of Sept. 11 and those killed and maimed while serving at the profession of arms. They are exercising their rights under the Constitution of the United States of America -you know, that little document that G.W. and his cronies have done everything possible to diminish and castrate so that people will be afraid to speak out.
Fencil might want to do some legal research, and read a little bit about international law. If he did, he might find that there is a better than average argument that the invasion of Iraq was plainly illegal. From a practical side, one might want to consider that it was also not so smart. The United States has done nothing but lose political capital in the world community. After all, the so-called coalition of the willing is pretty thin, and there is not exactly an A-list of military and economic powers jumping onboard. G.W. has essentially provided terrorists with a great playground for training and experimentation, and where do you think these terrorists might take those new skills? A city or town near your friends and family?
Speaking of terrorists, can anyone please give me a legal definition of a terrorist? As a practical matter, it's whatever G.W. and his cronies call a terrorist. That way they can jail US and non-US citizens just by giving the order, no due process necessary, no day in court to face your accuser. Is that what we're fighting for? And please explain to me how invading a country that posed no direct threat to the United States helps in the war on terror?
Finally, I'd like Fencil to think about the people who are not protesting and even mouthing off about how they support our troops (not including family and friends of course). Do you see them missing a beat in their daily lives? No, they are partying, going to ball games, making money and generally having a nice life. And guess what -they're not sending a bonus check, they aren't even working to get soldiers better pay and benefits. They just SAY they support the troops. At least those who are protesting are trying to make a difference through actions and not just empty words! 17
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