In "Freeze Trijicon contracts" (letter, Jan. 21), a fellow leader was shocked by the news about Trijicon’s practice of putting biblical references on its combat optics. The writer goes on to state that Trijicon "placed its religious agenda ahead of DOD policy" and furthermore calls for Department of Defense officials to immediately freeze all contracts with the company.

As far as the religious agenda, I think that is somewhat judgmental, and the writer has somehow put the cart before the horse. The company has been doing this a long time, and does it in the spirit of the company’s founder, who originated the idea. I don’t see anything wrong with that. Any fallout from that would certainly be unintentional, on the company’s part. I think Trijicon should be able to do as it wishes.

That being said, there very well might be military ramifications. In these trying social and economic times, this needs to be carefully considered. You can bet there will be ramifications if DOD pulls its contracts from this company. How many people and people’s families will this directly affect? How many people work for Trijicon who had no idea this was happening?

In "Bible verses on rifle sights" (article, Jan. 20), to which the writer refers, it states the Marine Corps acquisition office had set up a meeting with Trijicon.

Trijicon [has now decided] to change the way it operates.

I will support them, and the soldiers who use their equipment, either way.

If, in the face of difficulty, we carelessly tread on the rights of others, what exactly are we fighting for?

Sgt. 1st Class Dennis W. Schatte (retired)Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq

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