Although those of us who served in Southeast Asia have become relatively accustomed to the craven, pusillanimous attitude of those such as David Markham of Fayetteville (The Citizen, Sept. 2, 2009, letter in response to Terry Garlock’s column), such an attitude is still annoying.

Did Mr. Markham run to Canada or just hug a tree somewhere? His remarks about Mr. Garlock and his column were disrespectful of Mr. Garlock and the United States military.

Mr. Markham blatantly assumes he is correct when he declares the conflict in Southeast Asia an “unjust war.” How did he earn the right to make such a declaration? Has he ever done anything productive to protect and preserve our freedom?

Mr. Markham assumes an air of superiority and he demonstrates a full measure of egotistical self-righteousness and pseudo-intellectual sarcasm presuming wisdom and knowledge beyond those of us who did not run from our duty.

His cell phone must ring with the lyrics of the Mac Davis song: “Oh, Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.”

We military of that era fought and our military people today continue to fight, to protect his right to say whatever he wants and to be disrespectful if he chooses. Disrespect seems to be his strength.

Ben Backus

Peachtree City, Ga.