OF THE IRAQ WAR AND MARIJUANA LAWS

Michael Hibbs did not deserve rotten eggs for his service in Vietnam.
I have heard no voice protesting this war and occupation suggesting
that not supporting the troops and honoring their service was OK. We
have bent over backwards to separate the awful mission from those sent
by their commander-in-chief. It is their abuse and misuse we protest
to "support the troops."

I am tired of those who have taken up the profession of soldier or
police officer complaining when the laws or foreign policies they
enforce are criticized.

(Detective) Ken Real took my criticism of public policy personally as
he trashed my opinion without resorting to argument. War protesters
are used to being abused, insulted and even fired from jobs by
self-righteous "patriots." If you don't want to be identified with bad
policies, help protect the dignity of dissent and do not become part
of the war against the people.

The marijuana laws are part of the political attack on citizens
unlikely to vote for the "corporate empire."

Demilitarizing the police and supporting the good officers who believe
in community policing and "citizens on patrol" (instead of the TV
"special forces" cops) would help heal the breach.

Getting rid of bad laws, with the help of those on the enforcement
end, would be worth both sides talking about.

DON CAUGHEY

Corvallis