Possible court-martial for U.S. soldier is too severe

Possible court-martial forU.S. soldier is too severe
EDITOR:
In the Dec. 9 issue, Dan K. Thomasson's article "Is torture a legitimate tool in combat?" tells of Lt. Col. Allen West, who is facing a possible court-martial for complications in Iraq. I think West, now facing a possible court-martial or prison sentence, should be given some slack.
As a commanding officer, he did what he had to do to keep his men alive, as I'm sure he felt responsible to do. If he had not obtained this information from the detainee, there is no telling how many men would have died, and their blood would be on his hands.
In reality, all West did was fire his pistol near the head of an Iraqi soldier who had been captured by his troops. The word torture seems too strong for a case like this. In my mind, torture is the use of extreme physical and psychological trauma, something you would hear about happening to an American prisoner of war in the hands of terrorists. Take the case of Jessica Lynch. Even though there are now many questions now surrounding what really happened to her, many people still believe she was taken prisoner by Iraqi soldiers and beaten severely, with injuries that include two broken legs. It is not uncommon for American prisoners to be treated harshly in the hands of foreign captors.
As Americans, we hold ourselves to a higher standard, but in dire situations, we may have to make sacrifices. It was also said that West did nothing to stop the beatings of the man they had taken captive. Even though he did nothing to stop the beatings, West did not lay a hand on the prisoner. We should all consider ourselves lucky we do not have to face such dilemmas.
There is also the question of excusing West from his actions and lowering the bar for wartime ethics. He cannot be completely excused, but a jail sentence or the ending of a decorated soldier's career seem too harsh for this case. Let the punishment fit the crime.
ERIC BRIGUGLIO
North Jackson
XEric is a student at Jackson Milton High School.
The kindness of strangershas renewed faith in people
EDITOR:
I have always considered myself an optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. However, I had started to become somewhat cynical looking at the way people are rude either face to face or on the roads. I had begun to think that people in general have become so mean and uncompassionate.
This year when I have had to use a cane, I changed my mind. I have encountered more nice people who are more than willing to either open doors to me or help with some package I have had to lift from my car. I even had a kind gentleman snap my coat on a blustery day when I was trying to balance my cane, purse and a liquid for a medical test.
Believe me, I sure have come to appreciate people who have had to endure this hardship a lot longer than I have.
Thank you to all of the people who help people with canes, wheelchairs and walkers. My faith in humankind has been renewed. God bless all of you, and have a blessed holiday season.
PAT ZOCCALI
Warren
Real heroes are those whooffer help in a time of need
EDITOR:
I would like to begin by extending my sincere thanks to so many people who have been so wonderful me and my family since my illness with brain stem encephalitis that began in July of this year. On Dec. 11, 2003, many of our friends and family came together and organized a benefit in my honor at the Trumbull New Theatre, with the play of "Out of the Kitchen, Mrs. Claus." The cast members put on a wonderful performance. We thank the director and the staff of the theater for being so gracious.
There are so many people to thank, during these past five months, I surely cannot name them all, but they know who they are. Also, there have been anonymous donations and gifts to me and my family, so whoever you are, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is quite amazing how people don't even think twice when someone they care about is ill, and they open their hearts to them. They are the true heroes.
Thank you and God bless.
TODD HODGSON
Burghill