Your view: Thank soldiers

As a former sergeant in the U.S. Army, I can assure everyone that there is no way the torture of Iraq killers in captivity was carried out as accepted Army interrogation or treatment of prisoners. Instead, a few frustrated soldiers took some individual action, probably one act leading to another that got out of hand in one particular holding area.

The officer in charge of the holding area may have, or may not have, known that this took place. If he did know and did not stop it, he should be charged as well as others who actually took part in these activities. This is as high as the investigation should or needs to go. What these soldiers did was wrong and those involved need to be held accountable and punished.

It is 100 percent political to be talking about the lack of integrity concerning the Army's leadership. Instead, we should be very thankful that we have the dedicated men at this time in history leading the fight against these demon-driven people who are determined to do away with our freedom and trying to destroy us.

Our enemies are being encouraged and our troops unnecessarily discouraged by the likes of John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton and others who really do understand what is going on, but still belittle our armed forces, intimidate every leader they can get in front of a camera, and try everything possible to undermine every honorable thing we are trying to accomplish for the benefit of this country.

Our brave soldiers who have given their lives, as well as those who will make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us, deserve more than this from these power-hungry career politicians. Memorial Day this year will be so sad for everyone whose heart is with our brothers in the military.

Meanwhile, every day, these ungrateful Democrats take their hate for George Bush and his success and spread that hate into every part of society that they can influence. And, the news media is more than willing to provide all the air time these critics need to run down our country.

You know, it really won't matter which political party is in charge if and when we allow the kind of attacks these crazed people are trying to inflict on our country. I hope every independent-minded person is evaluating what is taking place.

Jack Nelson, retired