Vietnam veteran wants Bush to be censured over Iraq war

Vietnam veteran wants Bushto be censured over Iraq war
EDITOR:
I am a 100 percent service-connected disabled veteran of the Vietnam War. I also hold a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Youngstown State. I was decorated for my bravery in Vietnam with the Air Medal while flying night medical evacuation missions with the Marines. I see the parallels of this Iraq war, its aftermath and Vietnam all too well. So do many of my fellow Vietnam veterans. I have been silent for far too long.
In an official White House transcript dated March 17, 2003, President Bush asserted that & quot;intelligence gathered by this and other governments leaves no doubt that the Iraq regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised." A CIA report in February 2003 said: "We do not have any direct evidence that Iraq has used the period since [1998] to reconstitute its weapons of mass destruction programs."
We have been seeing casualty figures from this unjust war. I have a friend who counsels veterans, and he has told me that there will be more casualties from post-traumatic stress from Iraq than there were from Vietnam. The suicide rate is up in Iraq.
It seems that the enemy blends just like in Vietnam. There are no front lines in this conflict, and walking on the road can get you blown up by a bomb. There is a lack of proper body armor and proper equipment and a lack of proper medical care for our troops back home because of cutbacks.
George W. Bush has abused his office for his own political gain. I call on my congressional leaders to censure President Bush. I call on my fellow citizens and veterans to vote. It is the only way we can censure him. As for me, I would like to ask him one question in parting. "Mr. President, if you are the war president, where is your Air Medal?"
CLIFFORD HAYES
Sebring
A crucial part of parenting is setting example for children
EDITOR:
Let me address a concern of mine. Please, moms and dads, never ever lie to your children. You both did create us, and we want to remain close to each of you. Don't let your hate undo your role model, if the relationship does not make it, then respect us with the truth only.
The price for peace of mind is honesty and only through the good Lord can this be, and I pray that you'll downgrade neither parent to us. We want the freedom to enjoy and keep our love for all. This will keep us happy and allow us to live together in harmony.
As an older adult, I see children who are really hurting in today's low morality world. It is a big problem that I wish I could undo. Let's change our world -- let these children in our troubled world grow in love and no longer with such hate.
God Bless our American families. May our children look to our adults with pride.
HARRIET L. POMROY
Youngstown
The Gibson caveat
EDITOR:
I was pleased with what seemed to be a well-balanced and thoughtful review of Mel Gibson's movie, & quot;The Passion of the Christ & quot; by Milan Paurich in Tuesday's Vindicator. I am planning to see the movie soon.
One point with which I take issue is referring to Gibson as & quot;devout Roman Catholic & quot;. He is not. Gibson, as I understand his faith, is a member of an ultra-traditionalist sect that does not follow the Pope and that is not recognized by the Vatican. It may not matter to most people, but as a Catholic, I cringe when individuals who are not in & quot;union & quot; with the Church wrap themselves in its banner.
Gibson is no more Catholic than Martin Luther was the day he died. There are many local & quot;former & quot; Catholics who, like Gibson, believe they are more Catholic than the Pope because they keep old tradtions and practices while rejecting his leadership. I pray for them.
T. L. WAGNER
Youngstown