This is in response to the Sept. 15 letter "Military training can save lives" by Beth Booth.

We are writing on behalf of two families. Our issue with the Hunter Army Airfield night maneuvers was not the night training specifically. It was the timing and duration. We had three nights in which the training occurred. Monday in particular, our household awakened for four hours (12:30 a.m.-4:30 a.m.) Our household consists of two adults who rise at 4:30 a.m. for work and a 2- and 10-year-old who rise at 6:16 a.m. Explaining large, loud, house-rattling, low-flying planes to a 10-year-old is one thing; a 2-year-old, however, is upset and scared. Perhaps if the maneuvers had been scheduled to begin at nightfall it wouldn't have been so stressful.

We personally did not turn on any extra outdoor lights during this disturbance, but we do proudly show the American flag daily. We fully support the military through personal, local and national avenues. It is American taxpayers who provide our government with the funding to provide training and equipment for men and women in the military.

As far as not possibly having a connection to anyone serving, that would be false. Our father/father-in-law and an uncle served in the Army Reserves. One uncle was in the Coast Guard, one uncle retired from the Air Force, and another from the Army. Also, at present time, we have a family member serving in Fallujah, Iraq. Master Sergeant Adam McLeod is on his second tour in Iraq. He has also served in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. He serves with honor for our rights while his family and friends worry and pray.

We are proud South Carolinians and Americans. We are not being unpatriotic by expressing our opinion of the training exercises. As active voters, we feel we have the right to our opinions. That is one of the rights protected by those who serve -- freedom of speech.

-- Rowdy & Linda Gleaton, Cordova

Mexican truckers

another travesty

Well, our politicians have done it again. Allowing Mexican truck drivers to transport goods into and through the United States will cost us more American jobs. This is yet another attack on middle class America. When are we going to realize that most of our current politicians are controlled by corporate America and are selling us out for rich corporations to make even bigger profits?

It is time to vote all of these rats out of office and see some new faces. I am tired of "experienced politicians" who smile to our faces to get our votes and then cut our throats once they get in office.

These Mexican truck drivers will not only cost us jobs and wage cuts for American drivers, but there will also be many lives lost from these non-regulated foreigners roaming our highways in big rigs that are mechanically unsound. I hope every one will call representatives and voice objections to this travesty before any more jobs are lost. NAFTA is still growing.

-- Wyman Oxner, Orangeburg

Reese would be

first eliminated

I want to congratulate Mr. Fred Marten of Elloree for his letter praising Lt. Col. Bill Connor (T&D, Sept. 20) while showing the defeatist and cowardice philosophy of Charley Reese. I know there are many Americans who agree with Mr. Marten, and who find Charley Reese's rants absolutely disgusting.

We need more Patriot's like Mr. Marten to stand up and say so. Bill Connor is a friend of mine who voluntarily puts in life on a very deadly line in order to protect the ilk of Charley Reese to discourage and dishearten citizens, and who, I believe, would welcome the defeat of the United States by the Islamic radicals.

An interesting point: Mr. Reese would be the first eliminated by the Muslims when they took over ... they don't allow any dissent in any manner.

Max J. Kaster

Pastor

Calhoun Baptist Church

St. Matthews

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