Dialogue in The Washington Times

Contemptuous (sic)

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from The Washington Times:

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Does Karl Olson really want us to take him seriously after he declares that "[f]ew senior administration officials, right-wing media figures or neocon think tank members personally know any enlisted service members" ("War supporters should serve and [sic] be quiet," Letters, Monday, Nov. 27)?

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How can he possibly know this? Did he take a survey or is he simply trying to justify his own antiwar ideology? [Capt. Wikstrom, we welcome any examples you wish to share with us.]

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The fact is, seven current members of Congress have sons serving or who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. That's roughly 1.3 percent of Congress — about equal to the percentage of those serving voluntarily in the armed services compared to the eligible population to serve as a whole (discounting the too young, the aged and the infirm).

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Perhaps Mr. Olson should do a little homework before making unproven statements that reflect only his contempt for the military.

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CAPT. RAY WIKSTROM

Navy (retired)

Jacksonville, Fla.

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Friendly Fire from Jacksonville

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Capt. (ret.) Wikstrom-

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Thank you for your service to our country. However, you should have read my letter before making yourself look foolish in public. I didn't mention Congress, but the facts you cite (if true) actually make my point, not yours.

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Our governing party controls Congress until January 3, 2007. If the best their own families can do in volunteering for military service in the Global War on Terrorism is no more than average, such clear abdication from their national leadership responsibilities to set a good example for the rest of us certainly contributed to the loyal opposition's election victory in the mid-term elections.

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Perhaps this will be seen as a lesson learned: Don't support wars only if "other people" have to fight them.

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I don't know how you thought I'm "anti-war." I support the Powell Doctrine: If we're going to go to war, let's do it right (enough troops, equipment, a plan, etc.) to win, including full public support. If we're not willing to do it right, we should think carefully whether to try at all.

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Your comment is friendly fire at someone who cares about our troops, with more than a ribbon on my nonexistent SUV. Thank you.

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Karl Olson