Air America does not disparage our troops

Oh boy … I think Steve Toye needs to switch over to decaffeinated coffee. His latest rant (Fence Post, Dec. 13) is quite incredible. I am a regular listener of Air America, and have never heard anyone disparage the troops.

Randi Rhodes, the popular daytime host, is a veteran of the Air Force and has actively lobbied for body armor and adequate supplies to protect our troops. Former and active duty members of the military frequently call into her show.

Al Franken, former morning host and current candidate for the U.S. Senate, has traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan numerous times during the past several years as part of the USO tour entertaining the troops over the holidays. He has become so overwhelmed with emotion when speaking about the brave troops he has met and befriended over the years, many who have died, that he frequently cannot physically complete scheduled public speaking engagements.

Has Air America gone after George Bush, Dick Cheney, and the neo-conservative architects of our disastrous foreign policy? Absolutely! Bill Clinton is not a convicted draft dodger or perjurer. As hard as they tried to back on Dec. 19, 1998, Senate Republicans failed to garner enough support to achieve the two-thirds majority required for his conviction. Yes, he lied about a foolish affair with a young intern, but this now seems inconsequential when compared to the lies of the Bush administration and the terrible price our country is currently paying.

Yes, Bill Clinton did not serve in Vietnam, but neither did George Bush (Texas Air National Guard … sometimes), Dick Cheney (five deferments and "other priorities"), or Rush Limbaugh (deferred due to a cyst on his posterior).

I do not personally know anyone, liberal or conservative, who does not support our brave men and women in the military.

Greg Newlin

Naperville