I am a veteran of the U.S. Army. I was proud to say I am a veteran, mainly because when I was in training, I was given a Geneva Conventions card to carry in my pocket. I was told to follow the Geneva Conventions at all times, whether or not the enemy honors the Geneva Conventions. That told me that I was expected, as an American soldier, to uphold higher standards of behavior, even when it was hard to do.

Recently, I saw in the news that the Army is taking those sections against torture and humiliation out of the training manuals. Are we legalizing torture, becoming terrorists?

I would not be able to be proud to be a soldier today.

I also have heard that U.S. troops are actually at the border of Mexico. That’s an order I’d have trouble following if I were a soldier today. Do we really think poor migrant laborers are dangerous? Are we preparing for war against Mexico? Why follow the lead of the Minutemen Militia, instead of outlawing vigilante terrorism and arresting them all?

Are Americans willing to get all riled up about the president’s statements against gay marriage and not notice what is happening? That amendment won’t happen anytime soon, but the militarizing of the southern border and relaxing the Geneva Conventions is happening today. This is a terrible day.

I could not be proud to be a soldier in a country run by leaders spouting bigotry.

Brenda Akers, Lewiston