Although Al Fonzi and I both share extended U.S. Army careers (Al, 35 years; me, only 34), his politics differ from mine (he’s more “right,” whereas I’m more “left”). I must commend him for his recent piece, “Honors deferred” (July 16). I could not agree more, and I have shared many similar experiences with my Black brothers in arms. My father, a World War II combat veteran, said it best, “Most of our nation’s history is not taught—it must be sought.” I hope all of you have it in you to do some seeking.
Stephen H. Siemsen
Orcutt
This article appears in Jul 23 – Aug 2, 2020.
Anyone who was quick to agree with Al Fonzi didn’t read his opinion closely enough. He had three goals:
1) Pander to the Middle in an attempt to find credibility outside his rabbit hole.
2) Pass off Far-Right Religious zealots as historians because no respected historians agree with him.
3) Attempts to connect Liberalism to establishment conservative racism and bigotry.
If you agree with the use of religious zealotry in the place of history, the end of Separation of Church and State, and believe that Abolitionist Liberals were enslaving African-Americans… then there’s not much to say.