Chelsea Manning, Julian Bond: Second look

Letters to the editor:

Respect for troops

As a veteran who honorably served in the Navy, I think it’s completely inappropriate for you to use Bradley/Chelsea Manning to represent any person serving in our military (“Cost of treating transgender troops called negligible”).

She was convicted of espionage and is serving a prison sentence! She should not be representing any person who is serving in the armed forces. Shame on you, Paste BN!

Rhonda Walker; San Diego

Manning punishment

Chelsea Manning was given 21 days of prison restrictions. (“Chelsea Manning gets 21 days of restrictions in prison case”) She was accused of possessing copies of “Vanity Fair” and the Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture.

Does anything condemn a government more clearly than its treatment of its critics? Manning deserves a Medal of Honor, her immediate freedom and compensation for her unjust imprisonment. If we are unable to free her, our “democracy” is effete and worthless.

Chip Sharpe; Bayside, Calif.

Civil rights hero

I’ve followed the wonderful career of civil rights icon Julian Bond, who died Aug. 15, for a lifetime. He was the epitome of what a human being of any color should be. He will be missed.

Mel Maurer; Westlake, Ohio