I was moved by a very powerful letter published in today's Orlando Sentinel newspaper and I wanted to share an excerpt with you. The full letter is available here:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/...
Dear Mr. President:
As a young man I was honored to serve our nation as a commissioned officer and helicopter pilot in the Navy. Before me in World War II, my father defended the country spending two years in the Pacific aboard the USS Hornet (CV-14). We were patriots sworn "to protect and defend." Today I conclude that you have dishonored our service and the Constitution and principles of our oath. My dad was buried with full military honors so I cannot act for him. But for myself, I return the enclosed symbols of my years of service: the shoulder boards of my rank and my Naval Aviator's wings.
As a citizen, a patriot, a parent and grandparent, a lawyer and law teacher, I am left with such a feeling of loss and helplessness. I think of myself as a good American and I ask myself what can I do when I see the face of evil? Illegal and immoral war, torture and confinement for life without trial have never been part of our constitutional tradition. But my vote has become meaningless because I live in a safe district drawn by your political party.