The OpEd from Carl Chase “A gray area of thanking the troops” (BDN, Jan. 18), demonstrates clear thinking and awareness of the false policies of the Bush-Cheney regime which has plunged the U.S. into the chaos of Middle Eastern affairs. A timid and dithering Congress has allowed the grab for power. The oligarchs have replaced Constitutional laws with “signings.”

What’s most needed in Washington today are statesmen, not followers of a false prophet and his henchmen. Chase’s column might enlighten some of the Congressional members as to how things appear to those whom they represent. By having the will to stand up and face facts as they are instead of engaging in flag-waving patriotism, which attempts to prove might is right, he’s a symbol of statesmanship.

May we again experience faith, hope and charity as well as the resurrection of our pre-Bushism U.S.

Anna F. Fernald

Detroit