Stripes letter: Soldiers’ moms (Sheehan, etc) not stooges

[lebkuchen]

Soldiers’ moms not stooges

In response to “More ‘Calvin,’ less Cindy” (letter, Oct. 16), I can only be glad my mother does not subscribe to Stars and Stripes.

How anyone, and especially a field grade commissioned officer, can feel comfortable calling the grieving mother of a fallen American soldier a “stooge” for a political party is beyond me. I’m not even sure if the writer is complaining about Stars and Stripes’ comic section, U.S. soldiers who happen to think Cindy Sheehan is right, the Democratic Party in general, or Americans who write books about the war in Iraq.

Not everyone who serves in the military with one eye toward fringe benefits is dishonest. After all, the writer’s salary with housing benefits is probably over $75,000 annually, which is triple what many American police officers, firefighters and young enlisted soldiers are paid.

Young people often do not realize they could die serving in the military. That naiveté does not make them criminals. It simply heightens the responsibility of leaders to do everything possible to improve their safety. This Army is nearly 50,000 soldiers short and losing ground every day. Criticizing the parents of our dead is not helping recruitment.

Sheehan is a mother whose child was killed . No one, not even the other 1,970 or more mothers out there, has the right to criticize her. I’ve not heard a single statement from her that has tarnished her son’s memory or his sacrifice. She has been critical of the Army and our president, which is her right. I’ve also not seen her acting as a glory grabber. If Sheehan does write a book about her experiences, the writer does not have to buy it. If anyone is bad-mouthing her son, I’m sorry to say it is another Army officer.

First Lt. William Luke
Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32565

[Solly Mack]

1. Thank you for sharing that

:)

[lebkuchen]

6. Sheehan et al (wink/nod) have inspired others to come out of the woodwork

to exercise their democratic rights in a public forum...besonders, those who are the most articulate in our military ;), gott sei dank!

[SpiralHawk]

2. K & R

Especially recommended for all your Republican friends and family.

Strong stuff.

[Ellen Forradalom]

3. I really like Stars & Stripes' letters

I respect them for printing livelier POVs than your average daily paper. It's invaluable to be kept up to date on the debate within the military.

[lebkuchen]

7. That letter was written 36 dead soldiers ago

Thirty-six families live in agony since the writer first sent this letter to Stripes. That number doesn't include those families who, within the same period of time, are now realizing the life-altering injuries of their loved ones. It boggles the mind that the Bushies can accept that so cavalierly.

[Cults4Bush]

4. Dupe delete

[Cults4Bush]

5. That is one helluva brave soldier!

Thanks gods we have more like him uniform.

[wryter2000]

8. Wow

Awesome letter. They sure get a high calibre of letters.

[lebkuchen]

10. They've been coming in fast and furious--it's unprecedented.

(sorry, DU, for the bandwidth...I'll send $! :) I was able to find URLs for the "expired" letters, so this is an update, and I can reference it from here)

Letters to Stars and Stripes
Any Congressmembers out there? Read this and spare us further from an administration that is up a storm drain without a paddle!

Soldiers’ moms not stooges/Give him a ‘ditto head’—Oct. 27, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32565

‘Reality’ requires truth/Another Jane needed/‘What’s the real issue?’—Oct. 26, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32520

What Would Jesus Do about Jane Fonda's actions?—Oct. 13, 2005
http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32175

In the beginning .../ ... there was no ‘under God’/Practice religion ... or not/Keep God to yourself—Oct. 10, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32130

‘We deserve answers’—Oct. 8, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32081

Guard leaders fall short/Maintenance center lost—Oct. 5, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32001

Posse Comitatus & the NG/Give soldiers leave time—Oct. 4, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31985

Cost of Living Allowance drop an "atrocity" for troops—Oct. 2, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31948

Cheering for Sheehan—Oct. 1, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31914

Dangerous security teams in Iraq (mercs)—Sept. 30, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31913

Missiles vs. storm relief—Sept. 29, 2005
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31883

Military has it backward—Sept. 28, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31860

Buried treasure?—Sept. 26, 2005
http://army.laser.net/article.asp?section=125&article=31223&archive=true

Such a waste downrange—Sept. 25, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31815

Anti-war, pro-troops/A ‘red herring’ column/ For equal-opportunity religion—Sept. 23, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31374&archive=true

‘Must-read’ writer a patriot—Sept. 22, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31344&archive=true

Asking too much of soldiers?/Count your blessings/TX Governor should visit troops/(PNAC) Document is a must-read—Sept. 20, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31310&archive=true

Retention, pay, policies/Robertson and double standards—Sept. 19, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31284&archive=true

German aid for United States—Sept. 18, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31253&archive=true

‘Shame’ for Katrina response/ ‘What went wrong’?—Sept. 15, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31188&archive=true

(Pat) Robertson ‘a real danger’—Sept. 14, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31142&archive=true

Katrina another Bush failure—Sept. 13, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31168&archive=true

Iraq isn’t ‘fantastic’/ Appalled at colonel’s comments/ ‘Fantastic’ isn’t the word—Sept. 10, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31139&archive=true

"It's OK to criticize Bush"—Sept. 8, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31137&archive=true

Sheehan deserves meeting/ War diverts needed funds—Sept. 5, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31134&archive=true

Getting help from KBR—Sept. 4, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31133&archive=true

KBR won’t repair equipment—Aug. 29, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31033&archive=true

Grim reminder of the future –Aug. 28, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=31014&archive=true

GIs don’t need civilians—Aug. 27, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30994&archive=true

Bush should see Sheehan—Aug. 26, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30993&archive=true

Leaders have failed troops/Keep America out of the muck/ Protest at funeral shameless—Aug. 16, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30750&archive=true

U.S. should leave Iraq—Aug. 15, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30732&archive=true

Emergency leave denied—Aug. 14, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30703&archive=true

‘A crock of nonsense’—Aug. 9, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30620&archive=true

Sheen has shown his support—Aug. 7, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30590&archive=true

Bring the troops home—Aug. 5, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30570&archive=true

Marine didn’t see big picture/ ‘Military Fear Factor’ insulting—Aug. 4, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30526&archive=true

Change spouse protection act/ Fear and loathing in Doha/To officers: Listen to NCOs—July 30, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30412&archive=true

Nothing wrong with T-shirt/ Another offensive T-shirt?/ It’s just a T-shirt—July 21, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30228&archive=true

Bush must fire Rove—July 20, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30219&archive=true

A liberal ‘apologizes’—July 18, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30179&archive=true

Stop assault on non-Christians/Disappointing pair/ Whose steaks were they?——July 11, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=30021&archive=true

Differences not anti-American—June 24, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29704&archive=true

DFACs are for dining/Weak leaders are the problem—June 23, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29674&archive=true

Iraqis must fight for freedom—June 22, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29665&archive=true

Wrong response to speech—June 21, 2005
http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29647&archive=true

Lack of cultural training—June 18, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29575&archive=true

Bring back higher standards—June 17, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29554&archive=true

Simply too much time apart—June 16, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29544&archive=true

Fewer visits, more help—June 6, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29335&archive=true

Americans shoulder blame—May 25, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29104&archive=true

A repeat of Vietnam—May 22, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29058&archive=true

Civilians should wear civvies—May 12, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=28831&archive=true

Myth of the ‘liberal media’/ Voters got what they asked for—May 7, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=28744&archive=true

Show was ‘charade,’ ‘phony’—May 5, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=28689&archive=true

‘Sandbagging’ young recruits?—Apr. 4, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=28017&archive=true

A promise is a promise?—Mar. 30, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=27920&archive=true

What happened to honor?—Mar. 23, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=27772&archive=true

AFN needs diverse opinions—Mar. 21, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=27724&archive=true

Mattis comments no surprise—Feb. 9, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=27724&archive=true

Lawsuit addresses higher-ups—Jan. 27, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=26519&archive=true

Gonzales not right fit for Gis—Jan. 25, 2005
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=26475&archive=true

Don’t give him any medals—Dec. 23, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=25762&archive=true

Fight for America goes on—Nov. 8, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24974&archive=true

Soldiers did the right thing/No valid reason for war—Oct. 23, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=25065

Stop-Loss policy unfair—Oct. 21, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=25010

An “important” project?—Oct. 20, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=25009

A vote for Kerry—Oct. 16, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24921

Draft more fair than stop-loss—Oct. 11, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24832

Undeserving commander—Oct. 8, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24789

Send reservists home first—Oct. 6, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24747

No to civilianizing hospitals—Oct. 5, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24725

Retirement for reservists/Googler makes discovery/Check facts on Kerry—Oct. 3, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24704

Ugly American Returns/Germans support Americans/Free to speak foolishly—Sept. 30, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24661

Questions on prostitution rule--Sept. 29, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24613

Make deployments equal—Sept. 28, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24612

Bush to blame?—Sept. 27, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24600

Army’s redheaded stepchild—Sept. 26, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24584

Broadcast was offensive—Sept. 25, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24566

Halliburton and profits—Sept. 23, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24531

Deployment doubly difficult—Sept. 17, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24421

Toe the line or else—Sept. 11, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24320

Strong leadership?—Sept. 6, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24226

AAFES censorship (of F 9-11)—Aug. 29, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24087

Bush’s behavior on 9/11—Aug. 27, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=24055

Response to Rumsfeld—Aug. 20, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23942

Too much Fox? You decide; Civilian leadership failed the troops—Aug 18, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23897

Too much FOX news—Aug. 6, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23371&archive=true

Don’t follow leaders blindly; Kerry’s war actions—Aug. 5, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23370&archive=true

What protection?—Aug. 2, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23299&archive=true

Letter was chilling; Christ’s words lost—July 30, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23296&archive=true

Bush leadership weak—July 29, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23295&archive=true

Don’t blame Clinton—July 27, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23293&archive=true

Bush vs. military standards; Gay marriage—get over it—July 24, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23290&archive=true

Conservatives are like sheep—July 15, 2004
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22980&archive=true

Bush actions parallel enemies—June 30, 2004
http://www.stripesonline.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22650&archive=true

Conservatives feel betrayed—June 26, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22515&archive=true

Can FOX News be trusted?—June 18, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22420&archive=true

Impeach Bush—June 11, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22413&archive=true

Troops not forgotten—June 7, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22240&archive=true

Lies and failures—May 23, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22017&archive=true

‘Year in hell’ long enough; Treat GIs like heroes—May 20, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22003&archive=true

Rumsfeld should resign—May 11, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=21889&archive=true

Iraq resembles Vietnam; Distortion and deception; Abuse of prisoners—May 9, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=21779&archive=true

Bush fought pay restoration—May 3, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=21768&archive=true

We need them back; Get out and vote; Enough is Enough—April 18, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=21380&archive=true

Thanks, Secretary Rumsfeld; Supports troops, not mission; Let them come home—April 13, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=21375&archive=true

Dr. Laura and the Military—March 26, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=20988&archive=true

A little selective amnesia; Spend more for protection—March 25, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=20987&archive=true

Must demand better—March 7, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=20639&archive=true

Canceled R and R; Vietnam, Iraq similar—Feb. 8, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=20107&archive=true

Medical Data/ Criticism familiar, still unfair--Dec. 20, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=19127&archive=true

Bush visit disrupted dining--Dec. 5, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18886&archive=true

Kindergarten aides/Indians betrayed even today—Dec. 2, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18882&archive=true

Real national tragedy—Dec. 1, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18794&archive=true

Will be glad to leave Army; Conditions deplete Guard—Nov. 30, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18800&archive=true

Take Limbaugh off AFN; Mission real national tragedy—Nov. 28, 2003
http://www.stripesonline.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18798&archive=true

Will Limbaugh change?; Remove Limbaugh show—Nov. 27, 2003
http://www.stripesonline.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18797&archive=true

‘Hero’ image a myth--Nov. 19, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18614&archive=true

Money can't fix Iraq--Nov. 16, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18548&archive=true

Thanksgiving visit--Nov. 7, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18888&archive=true

Part-timers' busy/Reserve your criticism/Not getting paid/Not complaining/Retention/We’re prisoners--Aug. 31 – Sept. 6, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=17663&archive=true

Bush not in Iraq--July 13, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=17296&archive=true

Tired combat veterans/Jump through multiple hoops/Petty rules lower morale/ Separation anxiety justified/ Transformation plan/ 1st BCT has done its part/deployments -- June 29 – July 5, 2003
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=17294&archive=true

[OnionPatch]

12. I've been reading these

and I've been stunned. My former fear that most military people tend to be lock-step with the fascist government is blown away with these letters. All I can say is "Whew!!" Thank God our military has so many free-thinking patriots. Good on them for having the guts to write these letters.

[wryter2000]

13. Thanks for all of that

I'm bookmarking it so I can throw it in the face of "support the troops" types.

[ohtransplant]

9. Not all military members are righties

as "they" would have us believe.

This is also why progressives need to be aired on Armed Forces Radio.

Too many (not just military BTW) got entranced with the lone voice in the wilderness selling the RW echo chamber.

Kudos to Lt. William Luke.

[lebkuchen]

11. See my post #10

to buffer your on-the-mark comment.