You stated in your editorial, “In service to their country” on Wednesday, April 18, “Unfortunately, members of the military are not being so well served by the government that leaves them fighting this war without a clear goal in sight.” I do trust that you write your opinion with full awareness of the impact on the men and women serving in theater and their families back home.

You, who profess to “support the troops,” need to consider the impact on the vast majority of those serving in behalf of your freedom and believing very strongly in their mission. They see on a daily basis what they are accomplishing (unreported by the mainstream media), yet see in the “news” a nation divided, then wonder if they will be allowed to finish their job.

Tell me if they believe that you really “support the troops.” Are you so blinded in your understanding as to see the untenability of supporting the troops, but opposing the war? Give me a break. You are entitled to your opinion that we are wrong to be in Iraq, and free to rail against your president and his administration, but don’t tell me that you support the troops. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see through that fallacy. Being retired Navy myself, and in contact with personnel currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan (both Army and Navy), I listen to their frustration and anger generated by this shallow rhetoric.

Maybe you should write another piece and explain to them how foolish and very wrong they are to be sucked into the faulty thinking of their commander in chief and his desperately misled administration. Maybe that will provide motivation and comfort as they voluntarily and willingly sacrifice to protect your rights.

Gary C. Robinson

Oak Harbor