Taking a Heroic Stand Against the Iraq War

Re “Soldier Convicted of Desertion,” May 22: I think Staff Sgt. Camilo Mejia is a hero. He has already “faced the music” in Iraq. The Army does not hand out such promotions and assignments willy-nilly. Yes, I believe Mejia’s action was based on the love he has for our country and humanity worldwide. His bravery in doing so is uncompromised. We should be honoring this man for having the courage and conviction to take a stand.

He is representing all of us who do not have the opportunity and/or guts to do so. Vilify this man? No. A country with its heart and mind in the right place would be scattering garlands before him. Indeed, if this country’s heart and mind were in the right place, the war and Mejia’s reaction to it and suffering because of it would never have happened.

John Brickley

Los Angeles