Dear Secretary of State John Kerry,
Those were the days. You, a young Vietnam Veteran, came home from the war disillusioned, heart broken and angry. In 1970 you joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) and fought hard to end that unjust conflict. You testified before Senators at the Fulbright Committee. The next day you threw some of your decorations over a fence erected to shield the Capitol and gave away some more for others to throw. You told those Senators what they didn't want the public to hear. You showed courage, on the battlefield and off.
Word got back to the troops in Vietnam and we were in awe of you. I returned from the war in 1971 and immediately joined VVAW. Together we eventually got the war stopped. In 2004 I voted for you.
So what happened?
The NSA has been caught using unconstitutional methods to spy upon its own citizens. Literally, the whole world is outraged over their spying. Here at home, both political parties are upset. It seems your Department of State doesn't like it's proper protocol broken as it gets hammered by our allies. I read yesterday that you sank to the level of casting slurs at Edward Snowden.
Man up? What the hell is with that? You, especially, should remember the 2004 campaign when the same thing was hurled in your face. Just trust the American system of justice? Is it justice when left leaning protesters go to jail (Moral Mondays), and right wing militias targeting the BLM are catered to (Bundy Ranch)? Sure, that is a wise course.
How about instead, we forget the name calling and fix the problems at the NSA that Edward Snowden exposed. It's not about him, it is about the NSA and our rights.
Mr. Kerry, I supported you then, I cannot now. Times change, and it's a different fight for our freedom today. It's just as honorable for him to fight in his way as it was for you to fight in yours. Please, I beg of you to change your stance.