Debt and gratitude

Dear Editor:My heart was stirred when our pastor announced at the June 21 services that over 600 people attended the funeral service of Lance Cpl. Joshua Whittle, who gave the ultimate gift for our country - his life. I was also touched at City Council when a war veteran, Mr. Johnson, spoke of Whittle's courage and in remembrance of him. Having lost a son a few months ago, I know the pain and grief of losing someone you love dearly. We owe such a debt of gratitude to these wonderful young men and women who choose to serve their country. We don't show them nearly the gratitude and appreciation they deserve - we can't. I'm not sure that I should include this in this letter, but it was almost unbelievable when I read that now in Afghanistan, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), a credible veteran of the Army and FBI, says he has watched the Mirandizing of terrorist suspects. This Miranda warning is based on the Constitution's 5th Amendment, which guarantees suspects the right to not self-incriminate or testify against themselves. Since when did an Afghan terrorist fall under the U.S. Constitution? This edict had to come from President Obama. If Khalid Sheikh Mohammed had been Mirandized, he would never have given the information that saved many American lives. I sometimes wonder which side our president is on. He needs to realize that young lives are in peril and war is war - not some "be nice" game. -Elsa Van Leuven, Downey

********** Published: July 10, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 12