Also, despite his eagerness and bravery to serve in a combat zone and his dedication to serve in a capacity where he must care for the safety and well being of others in both the private and public sector, he must realize that although he does not like the professor’s opinions towards the war and towards the president, he must deal with it regardless.

The administration is not to be defended unconditionally; the nation, the citizenry and every precept, ideal and freedom that we hold dear is to be defended unconditionally. We did not swear an oath to the administration, or to the president, but to the Constitution.

President Theodore Roosevelt once said: “...to announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else...”

So I entreat Mr. Bancroft to re-examine his position and wish him the best recovery and applaud his bravery as soldier and a defender of my rights and the rights of Professor John Gray, who most likely, as I, oppose the war for the sake of the soldiers and the Iraqi non-combatants citizens, not out of disrespect of the brave actions of the service members who fight it in our name and for the sake of liberty.

— Brian H. Mack, Simi Valley