THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 9, 1996 TAG: 9610090006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 32 lines
I wish to vehemently disagree with the column Guy Friddell wrote Sept. 23, ``Ginsburg set the standards as VMI readies for women.''
I am a military officer and I personally place women as my true equals, and in some instances better than me. Additionally, I have rather mixed emotions in allowing women into a male-dominated environment, such as VMI or The Citadel, for I do believe in maintaining traditions. However, if the funding comes from the government, then it should definitely apply to both male and female.
What has perplexed and totally irritates me is the fact that a Supreme Court Justice like Ruth Bader Ginsburg has no authority or premise to enact such a law. The justices are there solely for the enforcement of U.S. codes and laws, and not to just arbitrarily make up their own. That is one reason our judicial system is in a state of chaos.
Tell me, what does a 70-ish woman, who has never worn the uniform of this great country, know about military discipline and respect? Let me tell you: Nothing!
I want to take this opportunity to wish the incoming females to the first class at VMI all the success life brings. I hope they do their homework and learn well. They have some big shoes to fill in today's active-duty military. I have personally worked with and for some awesome, hard charging, common-sense female officers.
THOMAS MARLETT
Chesapeake, Sept. 26, 1996 by CNB