Lowering flag a slap in face

Let me get this straight. Mayor Carol Waller takes it upon herself to lower the flag of the United States of America to half-staff in honor of a local businessman, who, at best, is accused by my father, David K. Butler, in his book about Rich, of allegedly covering up a fatal rail accident, covering up drug use by his employees and wrongfully firing the person who made the allegations. (If you recall, he did settle with the plaintiff prior to a costly trial.)

Then, when it is brought to her attention by a decorated combat veteran of those same United States of America that her decision is inappropriate and improper, she chooses to do so anyway. Her actions are a slap in the face to American soldiers, real American heroes, and true Americans everywhere.

Dave Butler is a warrior and a true hero. He is what’s right with America and particularly small-town America. Carol Waller is a coward, and so was Walter Rich, and what’s wrong with America. I feel sorry for Cooperstown.

Donald K. Butler

Suffolk,Va.

Don’t criticize our troops

Please do me one favor. Don’t stand in front of our United States post office with signs saying you don’t want this war. We have this war. We’re there. Out of respect for those who gave their lives today, stay away.

If you must stand there with your American right to be there, thanks to them, do so with a sign that says something more like, "We’re here for you" or "You are in our hearts and prayers." Let’s give the men and women who are serving our freedom with their lives a break from the criticism that they do not deserve.

I am a registered Democrat, but not for a second do I not think about all the American soldiers who are giving so much, so that we can keep our right to be who we are. To them, thank you. We all need to support our soldiers. We need to do so with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

Karen Henry

Cooperstown