LettersViewpoints

How will you act?

By Joseph Schvimmer, , Pikesville, Md.

As an infrequent visitor to the area I was interested in the JTNews and the opinions expressed in the letters written to your publication.
The letter to Congress written in the J-Teen section (May 27) was interesting in what it did not say as opposed to what was written. All the ethical reasons for not standing by and getting involved in Libya were stated. What was missing was a personal statement of involvement, a statement of what part of “we should intervene” you personally will make. Will you talk from the sidelines, as in “send in the Marines” or will you volunteer to be part of the intervention? Will you join ROTC? Will you enlist to be an active part of the intervention?
The letter was wonderful as far as it went in ethical thought, but it ended leaving me thinking you are very willing to send someone else’s son or husband or daughter to do what you are wanting to be done. The ethical act is incomplete without you personally completing it. The letter by Pastor Niemoller was his regret for not personally acting. I think you missed the whole point.
There was a time that a president of ours said the same things as your ethical commitment. I believed JFK and volunteered. I was never sorry I did.