VETERANS: Songs aren't disrespectful

Should I assume that all veterans are “war-mongers?” According to one veteran, the anti-war song “Blowing in the Wind” that was sung at a school concert on Veterans Day was disrespectful to veterans, because they had fought in the war. This infers that anti-war songs are “anti-veteran” songs. I fail to see this.

I know that disrespect shown for veterans during the Vietnam era was misdirected and indeed disrespectful, but that disrespect is not relevant to the beautiful ballad “Blowin’ in the Wind.” This ballad shows respect to veterans, in the sadness of their sacrifices.

My thoughts are that veterans should be the most appreciative of an anti-war song, as war has necessarily made them endangered, wounded, handicapped and subject to post-traumatic stress syndrome, which is to say — they deserve all the respect and empathy they can be given.

I would also say that every anti-war song ever written was written with total respect for the men and women in our armed forces, and veterans in general.

I would also say that every argument ever made against war was made with respect for the men and women who have to risk their lives in that war.

Let us not infer that any anti-war song intimates any disrespect for the veterans of any war.

RON BOOTHE

Kingston