Don’t we all love a lively discussion. Charles Steele’s letter in response to Chuck Witt’s in regard to the recent Senate hearing on the Flynn firing from President Trump’s staff enticed me to join in.

While I don’t always agree with Mr. Witt, I do find his opinions generally well thought out, articulate and well argued. I don’t know Mr. Witt, or his political alignment, but I do think his criticism in the lack of honesty on the part of our senior leadership in the intelligence community during the Senate hearings was deserved. We do deserve open and honest answers from all public servants.

As a career serviceman, having served in both the enlisted and officer ranks, I am well aware that the terms ‘veteran’ and ‘highly decorated’ which generally infer respect, do not guarantee integrity or honesty.

Having read Mr. Steele’s letter several times, other than acknowledging his disagreement with Mr. Witt’s viewpoint and his ability to use the words despicable and insulting with regularity, I find very little to counter Mr. Witt’s comments.

Patrick K. Poole, LCDR, USN (Ret)

Winchester