Dear Editor,

I found a kindred spirit in Bob Anderson. Bob and I love this country and we are both proud of the brave Americans who serve in our military. I guess people would call us both “patriotic” – everyone, that is, except Bob.

Bob refers to me and like-minded individuals as “leftist anti-Americans who hate everything this wonderful country stands for.”

Bob appears to dislike the fact that I and like-minded individuals have opposed and continue to oppose our invasion of Iraq.

Bob adds that our “organizers are neo-communist groups and socialist-thinking aging hippies who hate our freedoms and our capitalistic society.”

Bob cautions readers that when folks like me “come out of their holes and raise their ugly heads this fall, remember who they are and what they represent.”

Let’s clear up this misunderstanding, because it’s obvious that Bob and I have a lot in common. I am neither a leftist nor an anti-American. I do not hate everything this wonderful country stands for, nor do I end my sentences with prepositions. I am neither a neo-communist nor a socialist but a firm believer in capitalism.

I am tired of being labeled unpatriotic by people who equate anti-war with anti-American or “not supporting our troops.” To me there is nothing more patriotic, nothing more pro-American, than praying for the safety of our military personnel.

I take very seriously the freedoms for which our country stands, such as Bob’s ability to call me a leftist anti-American. It is this freedom of speech which makes Bob and me proud to be Americans.

Seth Brickner

Glenwood Springs