Evergreen has been a negative influence
All of our governments — national, state and county — are only as good as those who vote elected representatives into office. I read the many complaints about Bush and his administration then I am reminded of the fact we’ve had no more attacks on our soil. I am reminded of the economy doing so well.

TJ Johnson and his followers would have us believe that we are all against the war ships, subs, etc., coming into our waters. Praise God for them. We are safe.

Since The Evergreen State College came into our midst, we have brought many people here with very negative feelings for our country and those who die for it. I am a veteran who served during the Korean War. I was given marvelous training in the medical corps. Those whom I met and served with were bright and wonderful people. I am honored to be part of such an establishment.

My husband, my son and I all served and came out the better for it. My husband continues to serve through Boy Scouts, law enforcement and the fire department.

Please do not judge us by the words spoken by those who may never have served.

Ruth S. Richmond, Olympia

Ruth, I'm going to doubt seriously that you are an Olyblog reader, but for reasons known by others, I choose this media to respond, as will others.

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1. You are correct, we've had no further attacks on our "soil" since 9/11 and from Pearl Harbor (kind of "our soil" in the 40s) until the WTC attack in 1993, we had no attacks for almost 50 years. During that time many people protested and opposed the Korean and Viet Nam Wars. Can you draw me an analogy of reasons on this? Was it due to the fine job done by Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, et al? What about the opposition to war during that time? Why didn't it make for a domestic attack? If you think the economy is doing well, ask some of your fixed income neighbors that are chosing to not eat so they can afford gasoline to make trips to the doctor and buy prescription drugs.

2. City Council members vote their own thoughts and if you disagree with them, that's great. In no way would anyone try to imply that we all think alike. I don't understand "praising God" for weapons of death and destruction, especially if your "God" is "The Prince of Peace"

3. Evergreen College came into the picture in 1967, in the midst of the least popular war in our history (well, Bush's Iraq could pass that). Prior to that, the Korean War, of which you partcipated, was unpopular. Evergreen's presence had nothing to do with the popularity of the Viet Nam War. It was unpopular while Evergreen was being built. Many of us that oppose unnecessary war, appreciate the job done by our military people. Don't confuse the two separate issues.

4. Many of us serve the children of our community, as does your husband, but don't confuse the Boy Scouts with a military that is guided by a misguided President, that has access to weaponry, while making Halliburton stockholders (his Vice President) extremely wealthy on the backs of our fine service people that are giving their lives while these men's children sit home in comfort.

5. Judgement of those that served, by those that didn't.......hmmmmm. In America, I think we all retain the right to have and express our opinion. I'm confident that your military supervisors told you that it was the issue you were fighting for.....FREEDOM.

I'm glad you stated your opinion, Ruth, as it allowed me to respond. THIS is the American way.