Clemson grad is definitely not a ‘Gamecock’ Re: “Early Super Sunday,” Jan. 30
Kevin Dunleavy referred to Clemson grad Kyle Stanley as a “Gamecock,” but anyone who has ever attended the Thanksgiving weekend football game between the University of South Carolina (Gamecocks) and Clemson (Tigers) can tell you that the two rivals should never be confused.
A Clemson grad would not take too kindly to being called a “Gamecock,” and a South Carolina grad would rather die than be called a “Tiger”.
Go Gamecocks!
Shari Darling
Germantown
Not a good time to cut defense spending
Re: “Gutting America’s military is no way to keep the peace,” Editorial, Jan. 29
Over the past three years of the Obama administration, the world has unfortunately become a more dangerous place. Iran is well on its way to developing a nuclear weapon, the so-called Arab Spring has weakened our position in the Middle East, and China — which is bullying our allies in the Far East — has become an increasing threat.
This is exactly the time when we cannot afford to stint on our military or reduce our ground forces, which are the backbone of our national defense. With a diminished military, we will be well on our way to becoming a second-class power, unable to defend ourselves — much less our allies.
While war is not the solution, Ronald Reagan demonstrated that a strong military could bring about the desired results without direct engagement of the enemy. Witness the collapse of the Russian empire during his administration.
Nelson Marans
Silver Spring
Gingrich, Clinton have more in common than adultery
Re: “Gingrich is our Bill Clinton,” Jan. 27-28
Not only were both Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich unfaithful womanizers, they both were also draft-dodgers during the Vietnam War era.
While there can be an honest and legitimate debate about whether or not to forgive Clinton and Gingrich for their private sexcapades, we must remember that the president of the United States is also commander in chief of the Armed Forces.
Given the extreme controversy over the Vietnam War in America at the time, President Jimmy Carter was right to forgive the draft-dodgers after the fact. Nevertheless, it is still the height of immoral and irresponsible hypocrisy to elect a former draft-dodger to the office of commander in chief.
The morale of our armed services personnel is just as important as the tangible assets they should have to carry out their duty to our country.
Lawrence K. Marsh
Gaithersburg
