To the editor:

I must respectfully disagree wholeheartedly with Marty Kennedy’s position in the Journal-World of Sept. 5 that “what Kerry did upon returning (from his service in Vietnam) is unforgivable … he dishonored not only his service but also the service of all veterans.” Who, of all persons, should have more right to criticize the political and military policies of our country than a U.S. soldier who risked his life in Vietnam, and witnessed firsthand the atrocities there? Whatever happened to “free speech”? I’ve heard that it’s a concept our democracy was founded upon.

Mr. Kennedy goes on to ask, “As commander in chief … which man would show up (for duty), the Naval officer or the war protester? … you cannot have it both ways.” My answer is, I would hope that one man would show up who has both the courage to lead and the intelligence to recognize and act appropriately when the ship of our nation morally strays from its course, a man who has the guts, backbone, and brains to admit when he or his country is on the wrong track.

Let us never forget that blind acceptance of governmental and military policy under the banner of patriotism led to the rise of Nazi Germany.

Clark Jamison,

Lawrence