I read Mr. McKruit’s letter to the editor (“Law-abiding men, your country needs you,” Jan. 25, Page A4) with interest. He apparently believes the only “law-abiding men” are Republicans. He further seems to believe that “VFW guys” and veterans are the “true American men.”

I served for 35 years and in two wars with soldiers who had political beliefs across the spectrum. They all took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, which is exactly what they did. That includes the First Amendment.

The First Amendment gives people freedom of speech, and the right of the people to peaceably assemble. The government has given the citizens of Minnesota ample reason to have grievances, to speak out and peaceably assemble. Has everyone behaved perfectly? Certainly not.

As of Wednesday evening, Jan. 28, we have had two people killed by the government under highly questionable circumstances.

I did not serve for all those years to support the behavior I see from our government currently.

Mr. McKruit asks where Minnesota veterans are and states that their country needs them. I agree. Veterans need to remember the oath that they took to support and defend the Constitution, not a man.

Retired Col. Dave Roberts, U.S. Army,

Butler Township