I am tired of the constant criticism that the ROTC and military in general have received on college campuses across the country. Ever since the Vietnam War, there has been a huge section on campuses that think the military can do no right.

It seems that they will use any chance to protest or show disapproval of the men and women who put their lives on the line for them.

The most recent protest was by Time for Peace at Veishea. It is obvious that they were there to push a political agenda. Where was Time for Peace last year, or the year before that? Simple, they had no issue with it then. Yet, now that America is mobilized in armed conflict it is no longer OK for the ROTC to have such a display.

The blatant disrespect of American servicemen and women is appalling sometimes. Milana Richardson’s letter dripped with disrespect ending her letter with a mention of the My Lai massacre.

Since when did we start judging the entire history of the American military, that throughout 200 years has seen millions of men and women in uniform, on the actions of less then 50 soldiers?

That’s like saying the American government is immoral for allowing slavery and always will be immoral.

To say that the men and women, who are willing to lay their life down for me, and even you Milana, are not brave or honorable is wrong. You should apologize to every serviceman or woman who is in uniform you see for your disrespect. Because when America needs to be protected next, it won’t be me or you out there dying. It will be them.

The American military may not be the perfect machine, but then I’ve never come across any one or anything that is perfect. But for what they do, they are the best at and I will thank them for it.

Justin Jackson

Freshman

English