Letters to the Editor

Another great Fiesta week
As the dust begins to settlefrom the week’s events, we are amazed once again by the continued generosity and support of such fantastic people. Montevideo Fiesta Days is made possible each year because we are fortunate enough to live in a community that gives so selflessly to others.

We take this opportunity to sincerely thank every person that volunteered in any way to make this festival a success. To the businesses and organizations that support us financially and to the community for supporting and attending each of the events. Without you, Fiesta Days simply would not be.

We look forward to continued traditions such as the community barbecue and Grande Day Parade and to our newest events like The Amazing Fiesta Race and tug of war to bring us together.

We are thrilled to present your 2011 Fiesta royalty, Queen Manda Bertrand, Princess Bethany Crosby, Princess Ashley Rodeberg, Junior Prince Tyler Blue, Junior Princess Ashton Pauling, and Senior King and Queen, Dick and Nancy Ryman.

Many thanks to our 2010 royalty and their families for representing Montevideo with pride, poise and grace. You could not have made us more proud. We look forward to our 66th year!

— Angel Molden
Montevideo Fiesta Inc. President

Toxic attitude unacceptable
Lincoln had his McClellan, Truman had his MacArthur, and Obama has his McChrystal.

As one who enjoys military history, I’m not surprised by the recent events, but as an Army officer, I’m embarrassed. Using the excuse of “poor judgment” in this case does not hold water.

It’s poor judgment when a leader is caught off guard in a stressful situation and chooses his or her words poorly. This obvious pattern of disrespectful and insubordinate comments demonstrates an attitude – not a spur of the moment mistake in judgment. What’s even more telling is that the toxic attitude is permeated throughout his aides and inner circle.

Americans should not assume that this example is perpetuated throughout the services or the Army in particular.

I have served for over 21 years on active duty in the Army and have not seen this type of behavior demonstrated by my senior leaders. Of course, there is the occasional spiteful comment here or there around the water cooler – just as I’m sure there is in any place in the country, but it’s not a substantial part of my culture. Leaders, with character, immediately correct anyone whose comments or behavior steps over the line.

I’m submitting this to the paper on Tuesday evening and it’s unknown at this time what the outcome will be, but it’s my hope that the good general submits his resignation and steps down from his post. He has done irrevocable damage to the international effort and even though he’s provided a lifetime of outstanding service to his nation, his arrogance and pride have “cometh before the fall.” His opinions of those in the current administration could be accurate, but that’s not the point. Expressing those opinions openly around his subordinates and even publicly in speeches is unacceptable. The bottom line is there are consequences for misbehavior, and a swift kick in the pants isn’t going to change the behavior of someone with such a poor and deep-rooted attitude. If he didn’t feel that he could serve, he should have stepped up and admitted it to his superiors. Backbiting may be a popular technique amongst politicians, but it’s not acceptable in the military, especially not from officers.

These comments are mine alone and do not represent an official government, Army or United States Central Command position.

—Lt. Col. Tom Sachariason MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla.
Montevideo HS Class of 1985