We should all realize that your recent series "Suspect Soldiers" from the Sacramento Bee on problem members of the military, due to lowered standards for enlistment, was predicted by Michael Moore in his much-maligned documentary in which he shadowed Marine recruiters on the streets and in shopping malls.

We must also recognize the serious degrading of our military that has resulted from the lowered standards required to meet the needs of a completely unjustified war in Iraq, promoted by Vice President Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld to restore an "imperial" presidency. Many years of improved recruiting programs, possibly including conscription, will be required to restore military standards, hopefully accompanying a more balanced and realistic lowering of our current military budget, which is larger than all other military budgets combined.

The future of our nation requires no less if we are to regain a meaningful position in world affairs.

Bob Stewart, Tarboro

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