Letter to the editor: Vote as if your freedoms depend on it

Many young men answered their country’s call and served with honor. Many suffered greatly for their efforts, both physically and mentally. Some never came home at all. All the while, our political leaders failed us. Over 300,000 have died since coming home due to Agent Orange, a product private industry sold our government that proved fatal not only to the enemy but also to our boys.

I am proud of all who served in Vietnam. I feel the loss and the suffering these honorable patriots feel because they served willingly. What others should realize is that a government that doesn’t have the same patriotic blood line that the warriors do is a shame. Political leaders who have never served or were draft dodgers, those whose judgments are swayed by business interests in other countries, and those who influence our government for their own interests, are bad for our future. Should we allow them to prevail, our freedoms and life as we know it will be destroyed.

Think about this in the next election. Are you voting for the best patriotic American who can preserve our freedom? Do not vote for anyone who does not put our country first, has interests beyond our borders or receives money from influence-peddlers.

Freedom is not free. We need a top-notch military and a top-notch government to stay free. We can do it. There are millions of good people in the U.S. Stand together. Eliminate the wars within. Keep other wars away from our shores.

Thomas S. Abraham

Unity