U.S. military has proud tradition of nation building
Re: “Obama outlines Afghanistan buildup and exit strategy,” Dec. 2
As a veteran, I humbly and honorably serve at the order of our commander in chief. It therefore dismays me to see him qualify our troop surge into Afghanistan not for what is it is, but for what sounds politically pleasant. Hearing our president simultaneously announce a quick Afghan exit strategy smacks of isolationism and shows a misunderstanding of our history. The U.S. military has a long and glorious record of nation building. Every major war we have fought began as an effort to defend not only our own freedom, but the citizens of other nations. In the end, we helped rebuild their cities, schools, and governments. We should be proud of our accomplishments and ensure that our legacy in Afghanistan is also positive.
Michael A. DeCicco
Fort Belvoir
Mayor, Council disregard voters wishes
Re: “D.C. Council votes, 11-2, to legalize same-sex marriage,” Dec. 2
The D.C. Council is now attempting to completely redefine a venerable institution that has existed for thousands of years and is universally accepted as a legally-sanctioned union between a man and a woman. This decision defies reason. The people of my native city have always been wise enough to determine what is best for all its citizens. Yet the Council has determined that we are somehow not intelligent enough to decide what should constitute a legitimate marriage. Instead, they have chosen to contradict our deeply-held beliefs. Disregarding one of the fundamental tenants of Home Rule, council members decided by fiat to accept marriages that have been redefined in other states. A combination of excessive arrogance and homosexual activism corrupted what was once the jewel of local government. Domestic partnerships provide homosexual couples with 95 percent of the rights granted to married people, so it is disingenuous for them to claim they are somehow discriminated against. They believe their behavior should trump the rights of the majority. My wife and I stand with the billions of people in countless civilizations whose actions are consistent with nature and with nature’s God. To the mayor and eleven council members who have chosen to disregard the people’s wishes, I have this to say: Washington agrees with me. This will be demonstrated in the upcoming elections.
Eric DeVant Sims
Washington
Churches cannot be coerced to abandon their beliefs
Re: “The church should be forced to compromise,” From Readers, Nov. 30
In what country does Charles Bright think himself to be living in, to say that any church should be forced to compromise anything? Our nation’s founders came to this country for religious freedom from civil government coercion. The First Amendment states clearly that Congress shall make no law concerning the free practice of religion. Our federal government is monopolistic and we all must live with it, for better or for worse. However, there are numerous religious institutions out there. If we don’t like one, we can easily change our membership to another if we wish. We are not coerced into supporting religious establishments as we are coerced to support the secular federal government It appears that Mr. Bright either does not understand, or cares to ignore, our nation’s past history.
Lawrence K. Marsh
Gaithersburg
