The last letter I wrote to this paper was about demonstrating against the war in Iraq (“Soundoff,” Dec. 2003).

I can’t believe I’m writing this. I turned into a conscientious objector and an infantry medic helping other medics and calling in Medivac as a RTO. This was in 1969 and ‘70 in Vietnam and Cambodia. Since that time I have demonstrated many times against many conflicts and wars, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now we have Syria, another dictator slaughtering men, women and children as he tries to keep control. This horrible situation has really gotten to me: Killing almost 8,000 civilians with tanks, mortars, artillery, ground forces plus those brave armed militia executing many men and older boys.

Also, the devastating suffering of fear, hunger, separation of families and all other human needs and rights taken away. This makes me sick and very, very angry. You cannot believe how much I hate violence and war but this Syria situation has deeply affected me to a strange point.

A part of me wishes to get a battalion of mechanized infantry, several batteries of 155 self-propelled artillery pieces, six Cobra gunships full of TOW missiles, a SEAL or two and go look for some Syrian tanks.

Tim Deiotte
Coupeville