Readers React: Put off by Obama’s celebration of Bowe Bergdahl’s return

To the editor: While there may be no reason for President Obama to apologize for his effort in negotiating Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s release, that does not excuse other related matters, which are most troublesome. (“Deserter or not, Bowe Bergdahl deserved to be rescued,” editorial, March 27)

To begin with, there was the politically expedient and theatrical White House announcement of the release and trade for five Guantanamo Bay prisoners that showcased Bergdahl’s parents. Then, there was the comment of Obama’s national security advisor, Susan Rice, that Bergdahl served his country with “honor and distinction.”

And now comes the shameless defense, advanced by Bergdahl’s lawyer, of the horrific treatment that his client received while in captivity by the Taliban.

Of course, overlooked in all of this is the fact that this all could have been avoided had Bergdahl simply not left his post.

Jim Redhead, San Diego

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To the editor: I have grown tired of people who have never worn the uniform or served in combat proclaiming that “we leave no soldier behind.”

I have served in combat, and as far as I and, I believe, most of my comrades are concerned, a man who leaves his post and ends up with the enemy can stay with the enemy.

It is tragic that lives were lost trying to recover Bergdahl. It was senseless and ill-conceived for Obama to have traded five high-value enemy detainees for him.

Mike McCormack, Palm Desert

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