Speak up on spending issues

It is time to call an out-of-control legislative mafia to the carpet. This is a call to all citizens to bring much deserved shame to any legislative member, regardless of political affiliation, who attaches a pork-spending measure to any defense-spending bill, particularly so when we have troops involved in ongoing combat operations.

If the need arises to bring forth a spending measure, let it stand on its own and let the legislative body cast an up-or-down vote in support or nonsupport of our men and women who are in harm's way. The political gaming with the lives of America's armed forces has cost us lives in the past, costs us lives today and will continue to do so until the American people say enough is enough.

Be the voice for those who are bound by honor to fight without complaint. This has got to stop.

VERN DAVIDSON Jr., Jackson