Letters to the Editor

A medal, not a court martial, for Col. West

While Lt. Col. Allen B. West may have “pushed the envelope” of Article 32 when he discharged his weapon to extract information from a prisoner of war (“Army files charge in combat tactic,” Page 1, yesterday), he was communicating with the enemy in a language the enemy understands. Force speaks, while talk too often is considered a weakness to exploit.

Communication in a combat zone — especially for protecting one’s own personnel assets — is paramount. U.S. policy-makers and U.S. forces on the ground ignore this precept at their peril.

MIKE BRASSARD

Toronto

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I am not only enraged but embarrassed that our military would even consider charging Lt. Col. Allen B. West with aggravated assault.

His concern for the safety of his troops and the nonlethal interrogation technique he used to gather information that ultimately saved American lives should be applauded, not prosecuted.

“Peace activists” and Democratic presidential hopefuls complain about the deaths of American soldiers on a daily basis. Where is their outrage now that an American officer is being punished for preserving the lives of the men he leads? As a veteran, I do know this: The families of the troops in his unit will forever be grateful to him for his actions.

Col. West will be forced into resigning one year short of his retirement or be court-martialed for doing what any competent commander would do to protect his troops and complete his mission. Some “reward” for doing the right thing rather than the politically-correct thing.

This is one time when our leaders should step in and do the right thing rather than allow a career patriot to be lynched for his heroic actions. It surely will be a sad day in America if they do not.

DAVID BLANKENSHIP

Alexandria

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