Cartoon demeans soldier sacrifice         

Dear Editor:

I have copied and pasted a recent e-mail I sent to Mr. Britt of the State Journal-Register regarding one of his recent, opinionated cartoons. Please share with the readers of the Lincoln Daily News so they may read about my stance regarding this depiction. Also, below is a link to the drawing.

http://www.lincolncourier.com/opinion/index.asp

The e-mail reads as follows:

Dear Mr. Britt:

This afternoon I was viewing the Lincoln Courier online as I do often. I am from Logan County and my family still remains in that area. Because of this and because I do miss "home," I view the site to keep up with happenings and news from Lincoln and the surrounding towns.

I am currently living in Jacksonville, N.C. If you are not familiar with Jacksonville, then I am sure you are familiar with Camp Lejeune, the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast. Since I have read your brief bio as presented in SJ-R.com, I have every reason to believe that you are a smart man. So you can presume that my ties to the Jacksonville area are because of Camp Lejeune and the Marine Corps.

My husband, Staff Sgt. Charles W. Demling III, has faithfully served in his duties to his corps, God and country since July 5, 1998, when he left for boot camp at the age of 18. Now, years later, he continues to serve -- not for the pride, nor the honor and definitely not for the money; he serves for our freedom, liberty and justice, as all Marines and military personnel have done for over 200 years. He has done this unselfishly and without need for reward. He has spent days awake eating just one MRE a day (and some days eating nothing), to ensure proper training and prepare for war. He has and will continue to sacrifice HIS time, HIS own freedom and HIS own life if need be for the preservation of our country. He has and will spend days, weeks, months and possibly in the future a year away from me, his wife; his two daughters, Maylee, age 2, and Averee, age 9 months; and his mother, Bunny; in addition to his entire extended family, to ensure our liberties are not forsaken. He does this for me, he does this for you and for all the other citizens of the United States of America.

My reason for contacting you is because of the "toon" you had drawn depicting a coffin draped with the American flag, with the remarks. "The White House plan for bringing home the troops... One at a time."

I do understand that this is based on opinions, but I do feel compelled to give my opinion, as I may do so because of the very freedom my husband protects. Your drawing, I understand, is a lash at the political involvement, or in your opinion lack thereof, for bringing our troops home. I do understand that you as well as others feel our courageous men and women serving in our armed forces should be withdrawn from Iraq and that the Iraqis must make a go of maintaining policy, enforcing law and providing for their citizens on their own.

All of this I am fine with -- it's your opinion -- however, when you are drawing a picture of my flag draping a coffin with a presumed American troop inside who died preserving our freedoms, I have a PROBLEM! You are making a mockery of our heroes and their sacrifices. Your drawing, sketch, doodle (or whatever) of this scene is offensive to me and to all wives, husbands, children, mothers and fathers waiting for the return of their loved one who is gallantly fighting in war. You use bloodshed so you can share your opinion. You belittle the sacrifice made. And you make me sick!!!

As I have already said, I did read your bio, and nowhere in the brief description of your education, life and accomplishments did I read that you had served for our beautiful country. It is understandable that some choose different paths and of course some can't hack it (I'm not sure which in your case), but it's just plain sad that you depict such a realization that you have and never will experience.

It's so strange how two people can be so different. One can travel to another continent, defend his people, ideals and beliefs; and one can draw cartoons. I certainly hope that in the future you can and will find a more tactful way to depict your opinions and feelings.

For the love of my country and my husband protecting it,

Larisa Demling
Proud Marine wife

(Posted Dec. 10, 2005)

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