
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 5, 1991                   TAG: 9102050429
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DON'T PROTEST, WRITE THE TROOPS

THE PROTESTERS shouting "peace," "no war," etc., can say they are not protesting against our men and women in service, only against war. But those putting their lives on the line do not see it that way.

"I appreciate your card and prayers. It helps me so much to hear people say that to me who mean it. Thanks." This is a line from a poignant letter I received recently from one of the "Any Service Persons" I wrote before Christmas. This Marine knows the difference between caring and not caring. He needs the reassurance that we are behind him and the others. He does not need a bunch of people burning our flag, stopping others' daily work, turning the country they hope to come home to into another war zone.

For pure satisfaction, these "peaceniks" should be doing what I am. Write four or five of the Any Service People and watch your mailbox. Give these soldiers, sailors, Marines and fliers a little peace. They deserve it. And you feel so good when you get a reply that gives you to understand that that is exactly what you've done by writing them.

The only way we can stay free is ensure the freedom of others. It makes no difference who we are or what we are: One person should not be allowed to disrupt the lives of others as Saddam has done. SANDRA TUCKER-MAXWELL ROANOKE

by CNB