Dialogue re Anthony Mantova

Former U.S. Army paratrooper Rob Ash's guest column in the Eureka [CA] Reporter outing the Leadership Institute's National Field Director, Anthony Mantova, as a Yellow Elephant is part of the great American tradition of the free exchange of ideas.

Seattle [WA] resident Patrick Bell's letter to the editor criticizes Mr. Ash for focusing not "on the war and top decision-makers," but "on an easier target, someone who supports a strong America and is working to ensure the next generation succeeds."

From OYE: Mr. Bell apparently doesn't think that Mantova would make a good soldier. What does that say about Mantova's leadership qualities? Not much. How can Mantova supposedly support a "strong America" if he is himself such a poor example for the next generation?

Mr. Bell assumes that Mr. Ash is "ardently against war," and suggests that he "put his life on the line to support his view - and volunteer to be a human shield in Iraq [Huh?], Iran or North Korea" before calling Ash's column "an arrogant display of the worst kind of character assassination aimed at making a political point."

From OYE: Wow. Rob Ash already put his life on the line for our country as a U.S. Army paratrooper. It's not surprising that his column expresses concern about war with Iran. Now, Mr. Bell thinks that what military recruiters do, encouraging healthy heterosexual men (and some women) to consider serving their country, is "character assassination." If Bell has a young adult son (or daughter), he definitely doesn't want him serving with the likes of Anthony Mantova. Will this kind of leadership win a war with Iran? How?

UPDATE: Further discussion on Patrick Bell's blog.

Eureka [CA] resident Andy Stunich, in his letter to the editor, focused on possible war with Iran, which Mantova has supported, twice, and completely missed the point: In a democracy, leaders must set a good example; Mantova refuses even to consider doing so. Stunich apparently doesn't think Mantova would make a good soldier, either.

The key issue for Operation Yellow Elephant is the credibility of our national leadership. We're trying to Support President Bush by encouraging healthy heterosexual young men like Anthony Mantova to Be A Man! Enlist!

Is this the best President Bush's supporters can do? Check the Eureka Reporter's letters page.