Anthony Mantova Embarrasses President Bush

Paul Beard of Seattle got the top spot in the Eureka Reporter's Letters to the Editor today:

Dear Editor,

Patrick Bell complains that a recent column, written by a former paratrooper, was “unhinged” in its criticism of a young war supporter who refuses to serve in a war he supports. Bell suggests Mr. Ash “should put his life on the line to support his view — and volunteer to be a human shield in Iraq, Iran or North Korea.” What Bell fails to realize is that Mr. Ash has been a human shield — for all of us here at home. He has been in harm’s way and understandably hopes that others who value a strong America would follow his example.

It’s easy to cheer for a war that someone else will fight: for someone who works for something called the Leadership Institute to refuse to lead by example tells me what kind of leader or soldier they would make. Perhaps that’s why Anthony Mantova and his fellow cheerleaders are steering clear of the recruiter’s office; they realize they don’t have what it takes. But I think they should give it a try, basic training might be the making of them.

Well done, Paul. Click here for Operation Yellow Elephant's letter, published August 30. "Give it a try" is an excellent suggestion. We know that the military is not for everyone, but isn't it better to see if they want you, before giving up? If they don't, you're off the hook with Operation Yellow Elephant, because you're not yellow.

We're still waiting for the Humboldt County [or Northern California] Republicans, or the Leadership Institute, or - gasp! - Anthony Mantova himself to attempt to restore credibility to our governing party in its national leadership responsibility to set a good example for the rest of us.