Technically it's not a letter to the editor. It's what the Minneapolis Star Tribune calls a "Netlet" or website only LTE. I'll have to check the print edition of the paper today just to make sure I'm not incorrect.
I sent it in last week after reading about Senator Mel Martinez's speech about how the Webb Amendment demeans our troops.
Video of the speech is available at the link.
The letter follows below.
I have to say, I like the title they gave the letter.
Senate Republicans filibuster while U.S. troops serve and serve
The Senate Republicans have filibustered yet another resolution that would improve the morale for our troops in Iraq. This latest bill would have required time at their home bases equal to the time spent in Iraq.
In a speech regarding this statement, Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., said: "I think we would demean their service if we were to say to them that there had to be a parity between the time in service out of the country and the time at home."
How would it demean their service if we reward that same service with more time with their families? How would it demean their service if we allow them to re-equip and receive additional training? How would it demean their service if we let them live like normal human beings?
If anything demeans their service, it's keeping them there because there's no plan to get them out and because it's better to keep the status quo rather than to admit a mistake
This was probably one of the singly absurd statements during the debate over the Webb Amendment, and I'm glad to see it got published.
Now, have at me!