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

DATE: THURSDAY, July 29, 1993                   TAG: 9307290470
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SAD TO LOSE FAITH IN LEADERS

The top of the military chain of command is the president of the United States, then the secretary of defense, etc. I never considered them to be silly politicians, not knowing what they were doing. We must trust that our leaders know what they are doing. It sounds to me like Kelchner has lost faith in leaders. So sad.

A good soldier will follow the orders of his superior. If not, then our country would never have survived.

Ollie North was following orders from a higher command. He knew beforehand, if the operation was exposed, that the buck would stop with him. He took his licks like a true and disciplined soldier.

Many covert operations do not go by the book. They are carried out in a way that is considered to be the best solution at the time. Thus, we must put our trust in our leaders.

I am also a veteran with an honorable discharge. I served during the Vietnam era.

We need more people like Ollie North, that take much pride and honor in our flag and country. Enough Ollie-bashing. JAMES W. MASON FERRUM