I spent six years of my life in service and defense of my country. From 1992-1998, I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. After decorated and honorable service, I decided to re-entered the civilian sector in order raise my children and attain my goal of a college degree. I choose to continue my service toward humanity through knowledge.

Yet, I am made to feel by Spc. Dacus and others that I am un-American due to my anti-war views. The risks I endured during Somalia while surviving small-arms fire and a mortar attack is not proof enough of my loyalty.

Spc. Dacus, I have a pair of olive green socks that has spent more time in the field than you have spent in service. I didn’t just sign on to play soldier one weekend a month and two weeks a year. I sacrificed six full years of active duty service. I too “…was pulled away from my family, friends and life.” I walked the walk and talked the talk, so don’t come to me with slurs against my patriotism.

I have seen combat. Now I fight against this war so that you may continue to see the horrible images only in class, not relive them for the rest of your life as I. Your column has two paragraphs in it describing the horrors Saddam Hussein has committed. Yes, he committed them, but these actions occurred years ago. He is not currently invading Kuwait. He is not currently committing genocide against the Kurds.

I don’t think he has changed as a leader, but to use events that occurred a decade ago to support this war is a weak argument. I don’t want to be known as a vigilante nation that wages wars of aggression simply on the premise of probability and fear. You also state the argument “if we leave them alone, they will leave us alone” was proven wrong. You are correct.

The TERRORISTS who attacked us did not leave us alone. But the attack was not devised, organized nor carried out by Saddam Hussein and his government. To attack this country for the actions of others is not only ludicrous, but immoral and illegal. Beyond this, isn’t our government an extension of the people and therefore subject to the standards that govern us?

I may hate the person that abuses spouse and kids, the drunk who gets behind the wheel and I completely loath the pervert who molests children, but I am not entitled as a citizen of a civilized nation to let my fears and emotions dictate my actions.

I am not authorized to become a vigilante. I am expected to go through the proper legal channels and obey our laws. Even though we know these laws seem to protect the perpetrators more often than the victims, we must abide and trust in the system and heed the judgment of our peers.

As a nation, I feel that we must be held to the same standards.

We must act as an equal member of an international community, just as each individual is an equal member of his or her local community. We had global support after 9-11, but now, global disdain. This should tell us something, if we would take the time to listen. I don’t pray for Hussein and his regime. I don’t like nor do I support the man. But I refuse to allow the attacks of 9-11 to stir so much fear and hate within myself that I embrace terrorism, whether state sanctioned or not.

To do this would be a slap in the face of all who have died in service of our country. To do this would be admitting the terrorist’s acts of 9-11 were effective in their goals against our country. We must not let ourselves sink to their level. I guess it is hard to see how one can so vehemently be against an action but still support those executing the action. Yet we reside in a complicated world. The situation we find ourselves in is no less complicated. I do not support Hussein. Neither do I support setting such a far reaching precedence. This precedence would enable future presidents to attack and risk the lives of service personnel, possibly my children.

I do not want to see us in China, North Korea or who knows where because that country has weapons and MAY sell or use them against us. I refuse to allow the terrorists to terrorize me!

I pray daily for success in the mission, safety in its execution and speed in our troops return. My Espirit de Corps is just as strong today as the day I graduated boot camp at Parris Island. Although I am an only child, I morn daily my brothers and sisters serving. These men and women who I have never met but would gladly give my life to protect. That’s what the Marines are about, sand unless someone has earned the right to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, they have no clue as to the lifelong devotion we feel. You may be an ex-soldier, ex-airman, ex-sailor, but you are always Marine green!

So don’t come to me with words like traitor, un-American, disloyal and the like. Don’t attack my character because you are afraid I might have a valid and reasonable point to make.

Don’t allow terrorism to bring you to the point where reason is abandoned and actions stem from emotions. Don’t disrespect those patriots who died for freedom of speech.

And especially you Spc. Dacus, don’t lay your life on the line for this freedom and then tell me I should not exercise that right. I have far too much love, gratitude and respect for you and all military personnel to remain silent.

To do so would be disrespectful to those past and present who have made the sacrifice, and THAT is truly un-American!

Jon Spencer is a senior Computer Science major from Weakley County.