Simply untrue
I believe Ed Dayhoff overstated his view ("Protesting War Treason" 1-27) making statements about soldiers and veterans that are not factual. While he has a legitimate concern, he wrote things that are simply untrue.
Firstly, he said that all soldiers in battle are demoralized by war protestors back home. That may be often true, but there are some soldiers who are glad Americans are doing their American thing -- trying to shape their democracy by making their voices heard as active citizens. Agree or disagree, they are proud of our American traditions of dissent and believe they are fighting for just such freedom.
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Also, there are soldiers who believe the war they are fighting is wrong, and they hope that others back home are working hard to end it and bring them home. I know this was a fact in past wars -- I've known vets who thought that -- and I know it is true now. I'm surprised Mr. Dayhoff hasn't at least listened to some of his fellow patriots, other vets, even other generals, who oppose this war.
Also, he stated that all veterans view protest during wartime as treason. How could he possible know what every veteran thinks? Again, he is just plain wrong. I know vets from past wars who were glad some Americans back home were making democracy work, who did not view peace activists as traitors. Some believe that this accusation against protestors, this effort to stifle dissent, is itself unpatriotic.
Mr. Dayhoff's concern for the safety of the troops is good, and his interest in how the enemies of freedom view anti-war protest is important. Some think, though, that the best witness to those who suppress dissent and refuse the principles of democracy is to show them how it’s done. Let's have more civil discourse and peaceful protest, not less.
Bryon Borger
Dallastown
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