Your view: Patriot's response

I felt compelled to write this letter in regards to a SpeakOut comment that I read today.

The gutless, spineless coward who made the remark hid behind his or her right to privacy when they said that they hoped America suffered casualties in a war with Iraq, there is no way they or their family could have served in the United States military, since they made that comment.

I wanted to serve but because of medical problems, I couldn't get the chance to serve my country. I have two boys who will be 13 and 16 within the next two months and I would be honored to see them serve. I hope and pray that they, along with all the U.S. military personnel, do not have to die in combat, but I would still support them if they had to go in harm's way.

My grandfather served in the U.S. Navy as a petty officer and later in the U.S. Army as a captain in World War I. I had two uncles serve overseas in World War II in the Army and my father served stateside in the Army Air Force in World War II. My brother served 20 years in the Air Force, part of that time during the Vietnam War. His son-in-law is being deployed overseas again, as he returned home last March or April from the War on Terror. He is serving his last four years in the Air Force, as he has been doing the last 16 years.

Just remember those who died so you can hide and bitch without fear of reprisal.

I get teary-eyed looking at Old Glory, thinking about those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let's also remember those still missing in action. I thank all of you who served and are still serving. You have my support and so does President Bush.

The person who spoke out today is just like Bill Clinton, gutless and spineless.

Paul D. Cohen,

Sikeston