I am delighted to see your In Focus on Veterans Day. Most of your columnists had very thoughtful and intelligent remarks, with the notable exception of Mr. Brooks.

I understand that everyone is entitled to express their own opinion; that is one of the many things that makes our nation great.

However, I have always believed that the better part of valor is discretion.

I understand that you may have very particular views regarding war, but that does not mean you should always say them.

Equating going to college with military service, which involves great personal sacrifice that may result in the sacrificing of one’s life for his/her country, is not only incredibly disrespectful but blatantly patronizing.

Instead of provoking intelligent debate, you have mocked your fellow columnists as well as looking like sour grapes.

My grandmother once said: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. She may not be Superman or Batman, but I think that is advice you might well heed.

If your views will not allow you to show respect towards Veterans Day, a day which honors a group of people who have ensured that you are allowed to say such things openly, then show your newspaper some respect and use some self-restraint.

That would be courageous indeed as well as a public service.

Paul Fribert

Senior

Political science major

NIU Veteran