"Keep diversity at all costs?" The letter by that title (Nov. 18), is absolutely deplorable, and Stars and Stripes should print a front-page apology for placing such a letter into print, anywhere within its pages.

According to the editor I spoke to on the phone, the letter was intended as "tongue in cheek," and that, in my opinion, is even more deplorable and irresponsible! Nowhere was it ever indicated that "tongue in cheek" was the intent of the letter. But even if it had been, in agreeing to print such a letter, Stars and Stripes has cheapened the lives of every one of the 13 murdered at Fort Hood, Texas, and it has devalued the excruciating grief and loss experienced by their families, friends and fellow servicemembers during this tragedy.

There is nothing "tongue in cheek" about a soldier who is [accused of] turning a gun upon dozens of unarmed servicemembers, and is charged with [killing] 13 of them in the process. And the letter writer had to completely misconstrue Gen. George Casey’s remarks in order to form the basis for his comedic attempt. So I also believe that the letter writer himself owes the military community a sincere apology.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dean BaileyCamp Taji, Iraq

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