Pico Rivera councilman insulted the military members who defend his freedom of speech

Pico Rivera City Councilman and El Rancho High School teacher Gregory Salcido was recorded making anti-military remarks to his students in January.

Feb. 16, 2018 4 AM PT

To the editor: I am a veteran of the United States Navy who served during the Vietnam War but saw no combat. I had friends whose names are now on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. I tear up hearing our national anthem.

Mostly, I’m saddened by Gregory Salcido’s comments because they indicate he has insulated himself from the real world where we, the “lowest of the low,” operate nuclear submarines, missiles, jet fighters, bombers and military hospitals. (“Pico Rivera councilman who bashed military members urged to resign: ‘He’s disgraced us,” Feb. 13)

If he were to make the effort to get to know us, his views might (or might not) change.

I took an oath to defend the Constitution. Even though I can’t stand what Salcido said, I would defend to the death his right to say it. Other than sacrificing one’s own life, defending our rights is the military’s highest calling.

Thomas Michael Kelley, Newbury Park

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