The Bee Should Not Have Covered The Peace Vigil

To the Editor:

Bravo! Re: “(Newtown) Residents Join Anti-War Effort With A Quiet Vigil For Peace.” I want to say a personal thank you for your support of our troops. Your actions have warmed me to the core and I know you’ll all sleep well tonight knowing you did your part to rally behind our nation and the men and women who protect it. Oops...wrong audience.

As an active duty service member, I was truly saddened to see The Bee run the article I mentioned above. I wasn’t so much saddened by the fact there are people who would, not intentionally, tear apart national unity by engaging in anti-war sit-ins and protests, but saddened by the fact that in the middle of the cradle of US Independence, during the town’s tercentennial, The Bee would run this piece. Whether trying to sever ties with tyrannical England nearly 300 years ago or fighting to protect the very democracy we enjoy today, Newtowners should focus their energy rallying to support our Commander in Chief and focusing on quelling the tyranny that is the extremist muslim world.

I’m sure the Newtowners that supported the anti-war rally felt as though they had done something worthwhile on that day. It’s important to get involved in something you believe in. But just remember when you take a trip up Route 91 to see the leaves change color this fall without having to show ID at the border of Connecticut and Massachusetts that the men and women of the armed forces hope you have a safe and terror-free trip.

CDR Stuart Alexander

25-Year Newtown resident

and 19-Year Navy vet

Jacksonville, Fla.                                                           August 19, 2005