Opinion

Saluting dead heroes, shortchanging live ones

THE ISSUE: Pres. Obama’s tribute to fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base.

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While the living heroes wait for reinforcements, Obama uses the KIAs for a photo op. Disgusting (“Obama’s Solemn Midnight Mission,” Oct. 30).

Art Moore

Castleton, Vt.

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President George W. Bush did not support the media photographing caskets of fallen soldiers, because their deaths were a private matter. To my knowledge, Bush never allowed himself to be photographed the way Obama did, yet the press obliges Obama where it scorned Bush.

Obama cares not about the lives lost, but rather the message of the image. Where there was compassion and thoughtfulness, we now have opportunism and exploitation.

Robert Sanfilippo

Roslyn Heights

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Though many will find Obama’s gesture hypocritical and insincere, it’s nice that he honors American soldiers killed in battle.

A more fitting memorial, though, would be to provide our troops with what they need to protect themselves and to complete their mission.

Please focus on changing the dangerous rules of engagement, defining who the enemy is, explaining our goals and resolving the lack of adequate troop strength and equipment, all of which put our brave men and women at risk.

Obama’s primary job is to defend America — everything else is window dressing.

D. Miller

Franklin, Mich.