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William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia publishes the Flat Hat, in which a prowar column and this answer by a four-year active duty U.S. Marine appeared.2.21.03 To the Editor: Michael Ruff's column in the Feb. 7 issue of The Flat Hat, in which he attacks "doves" and "peace-niks," sparks the following question: for those who favor the war, are you standing on post ready to die or kill for this cause? If the answer is "no," I highly suggest you either reevaluate your position or enlist, because you are in no position to make ridiculous demands on my life. I am a U.S. Marine of four years and, as such, have sworn to fight when directed to by my superiors. I am the one forgoing the civilian component of my life. I am the one facing attack in the deserts of Iraq. Torn asunder from family, friends and a life I would much rather lead, I am the one facing extreme conditions. I am a Marine who has willingly joined, but I am totally against this war. I am not here to argue the idiocy of this war; the absence of evidence performs that job for me. What I am here to say is how laughable it is for someone to make ludicrous demands on my life when they have little to lose. There is nothing easier than sitting back and casting one's opinion about a volatile situation, in turn giving the impression that one's view is "hardline" or "tough" when you are taking absolutely no steps to enforce your beliefs. If, in fact, you have concerns such as raising your kids in a safe world, I believe your local Marine recruiter would be more than happy to talk to you. I will fight this war and, hopefully, I will return safely to the life I am leaving behind. I must do so because I volunteered for service. But I refuse to let others comfortably opine without retribution and make demands on my life, especially for a cause so intellectually vacant. If your needs are imperative, then stand next to me with your M-16 and face this Iraqi regime that is so "threatening" to the world -- stare down the barrel of the gun you are asking others to do for you. -- Luke Thomas Class of '02 http://flathat.wm.edu/February212003/opinionsletter.shtml |
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