Vet's Letter To Pres:“I Return Enclosed the Symbols of My Yrs of Service"

A Veteran’s Letter to the President
“I Return Enclosed the Symbols of My Years of Service”

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As a young man I was honored to serve our nation as a commissioned officer and helicopter pilot in the U. S. Navy. Before me in WWII, my father defended the country spending two years in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Hornet (CV-14). We were patriots sworn "to protect and defend". Today I conclude that you have dishonored our service and the Constitution and principles of our oath. My dad was buried with full military honors so I cannot act for him. But for myself, I return enclosed the symbols of my years of service: the shoulder boards of my rank and my Naval Aviator's wings.

Until your administration, I believed it was inconceivable that the United States would ever initiate an aggressive and preemptive war against a country that posed no threat to us. Until your administration, I thought it was impossible for our nation to take hundreds of persons into custody without provable charges of any kind, and to "disappear" them into holes like Gitmo, Abu Ghraib and Bagram. Until your administration, in my wildest legal fantasy I could not imagine a U.S. Attorney General seeking to justify torture or a President first stating his intent to veto an anti-torture law, and then adding a "signing statement" that he intends to ignore such law as he sees fit. I do not want these things done in my name.

As a citizen, a patriot, a parent and grandparent, a lawyer and law teacher I am left with such a feeling of loss and helplessness. I think of myself as a good American and I ask myself what can I do when I see the face of evil? Illegal and immoral war, torture and confinement for life without trial have never been part of our Constitutional tradition. But my vote has become meaningless because I live in a safe district drawn by your political party. My congressman is unresponsive to my concerns because his time is filled with lobbyists' largess. Protests are limited to your "free speech zones", out of sight of the parade. Even speaking openly is to risk being labeled un-American, pro-terrorist or anti-troops. And I am a disciplined pacifist, so any violent act is out of the question.

Nevertheless, to remain silent is to let you think I approve or support your actions. I do not. So, I am saddened to give up my wings and bars. They were hard won and my parents and wife were as proud as I was when I earned them over forty years ago. But I hate the torture and death you have caused more than I value their symbolism. Giving them up makes me cry for my beloved country.

Joseph W. DuRocher

http://www.pierretristam.com/Bobst/Contributors/JD030806.htm

return what he earned, but that's some statement!

33 years ago this coming July, I sent my medals to their final home.

They are at eternal rest on the bottom of San Francico Bay, mid-span under the Bay Bridge.

The most cathartic action I have ever taken.

voting your conscience by chucking them, though I wish we had more honorable people who supposedly represent us, so you wouldn't have felt that necessary. :patriot:

Was just about to post this, kpete, but UNC is losing to BC. Got a little distracted. Thanks to truthout to giving voice to those who may have no other opportunity.

:patriot:

No mere flag-waver but a real American-to-the-bone hero.

to inform you that neither of your sacrifices matter to that "man" who occupies our White House. But you do help me regain some of my pride in this country. I'm glad to see some people take a stand on principles, may God bless and keep you safe in the time ahead of us.

or have contributed to this time...

I, for one, hereby pledge to do more! Thank you, Mr. DuRocher.

Stepheni

now that is patriotism.

...and this letter was one of those instances. Wow. What a powerful testament to how far this nation has fallen.

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I applaud his integrity & character.

.... but recognize we come in all flavors.

Thank you, Mr. DuRocher. I address you as "Mister" in honor of your rank and in honor of your humanity. I salute you, Sir.

A warrior and a pacifist, he claims of himself. I can see that and I can understand that. For many in the military, that's why they're there. To protect this country, including protecting us from the very need for war. There is no dichotomy at all here. None whatsoever.

In overly simplistic terms, it is the 'speak softly and carry a big stick' theory. By being strong there is no need to fight. Sadly, today, our armed forces are as weak and demoralized as they have ever been, even as they're feted, used, and abused by the cabal and honored by the rest of us.

"pissed off since January 20, 2001" - that's great! :rofl:

He done laid it out!

Thank you, Joseph W. DuRocher - you are a more honorable man than G.W. Bush can ever dream of being.

:toast:

:patriot:

One of the things about Desert Storm that showed the US in a good light was the humane treatment of prisoners. We watched on TV news as they took people prisoner, treating them humanely in the process.

Even under Bush, Sr., there was respect for international standards, and respect for ourselves that we could do no worse than that.

The Jr. Reign has repudiated all that, in favor of abuse and torture, in favor of fascist actions free of the constraints we have built over 2 centuries.

...during the runup to the invasion of Iraq.

The Vietnam War vets had come of age in a culture of protest, but the Korean War and WW II vets were having a hard time coming to terms with taking to the streets to protest their own government.

But they did take to the streets, and have been working hard ever since to add their voices to the rest of us saying "Hell No" to this evil regime.

To Joseph DuRocher -- thanks and God bless.

Hekate

I have had more than one crusty old Marine refer to * as a "pussy".I love those old guys.

http://www.pierretristam.com/Bobst/Contributors/JD030806a.htm

He looks like a nice man. Genuine smile.

Joseph W. DuRocher is a Patriot!

I feel his pain.

Joseph W. DuRocher`s...."But I hate the torture and death you have caused more than I value their symbolism"....is breathtakingly profound.

read them, he wouldn't understand, he wouldn't get it,he wouldn't care, he never does.