Today I opened up the Daily opinion page to get my usual dose of entertainment and news with the usual jabs at foreign policy, the economy, etc. What I found instead was a cartoon that was not only angering, but it sickened me, (Cartoon, Feb. 23).

I found the image portraying four military men jeering over a fallen soldier’s grave repulsive. First, let me explain that I myself have served on active-duty and look forward to an extended career after college. In that time, I have not met any finer a person in character, dedication, and selfless duty than that of one who wears the uniform.

I find those creators of the cartoon to be severely lacking in how the military views its people. The military does not do its job out of want to bring harm to its people; we do it out of an obligation to carry out the policy of our elected officials. We are a family of brothers and sisters that have committed ourselves not only to the ideals of our country but to one another. We have voluntarily committed ourselves to the hardships of a military life and, if need be, to dying for those liberties that are taken advantage of by our civilian counterparts. To the creator of the cartoon and to those of the Daily that let it be published, you have not only disrespected those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for your freedoms, but have also disgraced yourself by abusing your right to degrade that dead solider, his family, and everyone that has had any connection to the military.

I am usually very complacent when it comes to those that decide to speak out because I do believe that everyone has the right to be heard. With that being said, there is a point where you go from speaking your opinion to being utterly tasteless. I, like many of my counterparts here at Iowa State, will stand up and speak for those that will never again, in saying that these kinds of degrading images are not welcome at Iowa State and will not stand for them to continue.

Mark Moret

Senior

History