Peace advocates don't cause casualties

Editor,

Last week's Leader had a letter from Chuck Ripley that raised several important issues. First, it's regrettable that some veterans find public misgivings about war as a cause of American casualties. This assumption is misguided on several levels.

No nation, particularly democracies, should blindly support foreign wars. Supporting war out of ignorance, unquestioning sense of loyalty or for financial gain is simply unethical. Our troops have a duty to fight the war. Average citizens have an equal duty to demand truth and transparency about why we go to war.

I recognize our troops are doing their best to fulfill their duty. I have doubts about our citizenry, especially war boosters, who don't want to know the truth and expect quick victory without regard to social and moral costs.

Committing a nation to war under false pretenses is the ultimate dishonor to the military. It reduces honorable people to dirty little political pawns. If Americans failed to embrace returning Vietnam vets, it's not from lack of compassion for the personal and noble sacrifices that occurred throughout the conflict.

Mr. Ripley wants to blame peace advocates for the rising tide of casualties.

Nothing could be further from the truth. How about some accountability for those who start wars, lie about its justification, financially profit from it, avoided active military service in their own lives, and now relish the power of taking human life.

Mr. Ripley also states that soldiers are the government. This is only possible if average people choose to act brain dead and indifferent towards world events. Peace advocates such as Cindy Sheehan also represent America on an equal footing with people in uniform. Theirs is the voice of reason and conscience. Theirs is the voice of American honor.

Why does the truth make you squirm, Mr. Ripley? Why do you criticize those who want to bring justice to this world? If you really support our troops, then help bring them home as soon as possible. It's clear that the American troop presence in Iraq is fueling the flames of terrorism and violence. It's time to change course.

David Daniels

Ronan