Commentary—

On The Contrary, It Does Pay To Be A Veteran

By Scott Anders

The title of last week’s commentary piece, “It doesn’t pay to be a Veteran,” by columnist William A. Collins, former state representative and former mayor of Norwalk, was effective, it hooked me as a veteran to read on.

As I read this article my first reaction was anger and outrage; in paragraph after paragraph Mr Collins attacked just about every aspect of what our country stands for: our values, our culture, and our military. He made numerous assertions without evidence that were insulting to veterans, their families, and to anyone who considers themselves proud to be American.

Unfortunately, Mr Collins’ article provided nothing to encourage a public debate about support for veterans. The tone of the entire article is smug and self-righteous, educating the ignorant public about the self-evident evils of our government, society, and military.

It seems that Mr Collins has lost sight of what our country was founded on. While our democratic system of government is not without flaw, it was clearly formed by “We the People...” and it is accountable to them. As a community we have the opportunity to elect our local, state, and national representatives and executives to create laws, appoint judges, and protect and preserve our society and country. Our system provides accountability at the ballot box. If we have laws, officials, or policies that do not reflect the will of the people, then through our democratic processes we have the opportunity to make changes. It is gratifying to see the process works as I note Mr Collins is a former state representative and mayor.

As I read on, my reaction shifted to sadness. Sadness that Mr Collins so hates our country, values, and way of life that he must spew his invective and insinuations in the local press.

Sadness that even as apparently a veteran and former public official, he can see no virtue or value in our government or service to it.

In addition, I felt sadness that The Bee is so limited in it’s ability or desire to get input and perspectives from all sides that it must turn to an individual such as Mr Collins to fill its pages on a routine basis.

Now if the intent of The Bee editors was to stir things up and get more letters, which I noticed were sparse over the holidays, then my kudos as they have skillfully accomplished the goal by insulting the majority of their subscribers.

 I find it a curious disconnect that The Bee, which routinely covers the admirable efforts of the children of Newtown in their sports and education, is almost completely silent on the service of these same children during a time of war. A time when they are putting their freedom and lives on the line to preserve our way of life and this community.

It is the responsibility of every one of us at home to defend our men and women in uniform, as we represent the “country” that Mr Collins enjoys disparaging. We can speak up, or remain silent when we see outrages; and editors can exercise discretion and seek balance, or take the easy route and follow the lead of the major media.

Whenever I see the flagpole I take pride as a veteran. Veterans own a unique piece of our country and culture. They are the fabric that binds our country together, good and bad, left and right, rich and poor. Veterans are a part of a select group that understands what it is like to serve their country for a cause greater than their own self-interest. They believe in our principles and values, and place their trust in the democratic representative system of government, enough to voluntarily go into harm’s way. They do this not for the hope of some economic benefit, but for the sense of pride, that they have stepped up in a time of need and made a meaningful contribution to help preserve our communities. And, when they return home someday, and watch a parade go by on a sunny Labor Day morning, with kids on bikes, bands playing and candy flying, they can smile to themselves, knowing they own a piece of this great country.

In sum I would have to strongly state that yes, indeed it does pay to be a veteran.

(Scott Anders is a resident of Newtown, a West Point graduate, and retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel.)