As a Vietnam Veteran and a retired Naval Reserve officer, I have a great deal of respect for each and ever one of the persons shown in that picture. They have devoted their careers and their lives to our country.

Regrettably, I do not have the same respect for their bone-spur president and commander in chief nor for their secretary of defense, who is a billboard for bad tattoo work. I don't see much respect in the eyes of the men and women in the picture, either.

Respect is not a matter of right for a superior over a subordinate. Respect can only be earned. Those two I mentioned have not earned it by a long shot.

Mac Carter