Recently there have been letters for and against the Iraq war. Everyone has their opinion, but the ones I cannot agree with are the people who think that if you oppose the war, you should do it by voting or writing to your representative. They don't want you to do it by marching and using your voice. You can vote for whomever you want, but that doesn't guarantee your representative will fully speak for you. So the best way to get their attention is to go out and assemble, hold up signs, use bullhorns and march.
One letter writer asked protesters: "Would you be willing to forfeit one night or day away from the luxury of your family, home and country to help a stranger"? She then proceeded to say that in her opinion, the answer would be no.
Please don't speak for me. Many of the protesters like myself are Vietnam veterans who served our country and we were let down by politicians — politicians who are now, in my opinion, letting down our country. I believe I have earned the right to voice my opinion of what I think is an unjust war. I support our troops 100 percent. It bothers me that we are paying a lot of money to corporations and our fighting men can't get equipment they need. But I also don't agree with my government's reasons for going to war.
As for protesters demoralizing our troops, people have to remember that there are also soldiers in Iraq who also feel we should not be there — soldiers who had to rebuild schools and homes because of what we call collateral damage. By protesting to end our involvement, I feel I am helping to bring them home.
One more thing: Some of those protesters are Iraq war veterans and they also deserve our respect for their beliefs and they should be heard not silenced.
— Tony Vasquez, Jr. Fillmore
Leave a comment