Lexington Herald-Leader

June 22,2001

Readers' Views: "Army is failing citizens"

To protect our service people and civilians, U.S. Armed Forces have the privilege of withholding information. Like all special privileges, this one comes with responsibility. Time and time again, high-ranking military officials put the PR of their branch above the best interests of all citizens--military personnel and civilians.

The Army's nerve gas debacle is just another example of military officials' unwillingness to let go of privilege to make the United States safer. Citizens have a right to know that the Army is taking their well being into consideration.

The Army failed in its responsibility to protect local communities by lying about the cost and delays of chemical weapons disposal to save face.

Honesty on the part of Army officials could achieve much good. It would foster trust between the soldiers and civilians who live side by side. It will allow the Army to use scientists and environmental experts from outside its ranks to find a better solution than incineration. Ultimately, it could rid Kentucky of dangerous chemical weapons faster and less expensively.

In lying to the public about chemical weapons disposal, the Army dropped the ball. Let's see the military pick it up and play nicely with Kentucky communities.

Terri Barger
Lexington