Contradictions in Pacifist’s Actions

Re “A Pacifist on the Battlefield” (May 18): What was a conscientious objector doing in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve all these years? Why didn’t he resign his commission as soon as he became a conscientious objector? If he is opposed to war, why did he join--or continue with--the military?

There is nothing wrong with being a conscientious objector. I’m sure Dickinson is the fine person writer Brad Bonhall tells us. But it does seem odd that he would take money and training from the military for a number of years, then declare himself a conscientious objector when called to use that training.

Why didn’t he get out when the military had him “sing songs about killing women and children”?

C.L. SHEPARD

Capo Beach