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I am not incompetent, but the article that I read in Stars and Stripes on Dec. 31 about military contractors working with unmanned aerial vehicles (“Contractors’ role with drones grows: Concern among military rises as more civilians pilot unmanned craft”) sure made it sound like I am.

The author seemed to believe that simply because I am not wearing a uniform, I know less than my military counterparts. Every single contractor here at the Air Force Special Operations Command has active military experience, many even having worked here while on active duty. Even I, with only four years, have more experience than most of the young enlisted personnel with whom I work.

To imply that contractors are the reason for mistakes being made is downright offensive.

Andrew Thurman

Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Overpopulation isn’t cute

I am wondering why newspapers that are supposed to be neutral and unbiased and not place opinions in articles (except for the “opinion” section) would have an article that opens up with these words: “The photo was undeniably cute.” The article in question (“ ‘Octomom’ in one-child China stuns public,” Jan. 2) was referring to a woman who illegally gave birth to eight children.

I can think of many people who would not find the photo “cute,” especially the countless activists who tirelessly work to end the overpopulation problem of our planet. Almost every problem afflicting our planet would be eased by cutting down on overpopulation. I am surprised The Associated Press would opine in one of its own supposedly “neutral” articles.

Kristi Kimmel

Pulaski Barracks, Germany

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