Honor and the Prince

from the New York Times:

[published March 4, 2008]

To the Editor:

Re "A Soldier Prince and the Secret Kept by Fleet St." (front page, March 1):

Imagine a society where it is considered an honor and a duty for sons of the elite, like Prince Harry, to serve their country in a difficult and dangerous place like Afghanistan.

Now picture two other sons of privilege, President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney; when called to serve their country in Vietnam, they pulled every string and called in every favor to avoid going to combat.

And today President Bush and Vice President Cheney get credit in the media for being tough guys or strong on national security, while they send other people's children to die in Iraq.

We could learn a little bit from the honor of Prince Harry.

Charles C. Wall

East Setauket, N.Y., March 1, 2008.

OYE Comment: Not to mention encouraging one's own relatives and friends, or political supporters and campaign contributors, to volunteer for military service (if eligible) or, if not, encourage their own circles of influence to Be A Man! Enlist!