Letter: Military service is not required

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003 | 9:09 a.m.

In response to the Nov. 11 "poison pen" letter of James J. Poupard, I must reply.

I did not know that serving in the military was a prerequisite to being a good and honorable American. I have the greatest regard for veterans who served in any capacity. My greatest regret in life is that I cannot say that I am a veteran. I wanted very much to serve, but the military did not see fit to take me, though I tried.

Having said that, I want to point out that Mr. Poupard was very careful to mention Republicans who did not serve, while omitting those who served very admirably -- among them Sen. John McCain and former Sen. Bob Dole.

Let me point out that there are far more members of Congress who did not serve than there are those who did. Since Mr. Poupard is so quick to cast aspersions on certain Republicans, let me state that there are some prominent Democrats who he fails to mention. Sen. Harry Reid from Nevada did not serve. Neither did Sen. Barbara Boxer, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Mr. Poupard, do you see the ridiculousness of your condemnation?

GLEN J. GILLETTE

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