I was disturbed to read Bruce Nanasy's letter, "University must be politically objective" (SN 10/21), criticizing the university for its Midnight Madness presentation at Breslin Center last weekend.

For him to say that the university had to be "politically objective" shamefully takes away from the true purpose of the event, which was to say "thank you" to our troops and others that risk their lives because it's their job.

Did Nanasy neglect to recognize that it wasn't simply the military that was recognized and honored that night? They also honored police, firefighters, first responders and hospital emergency workers.

Did the university have an "agenda" in recognizing and honoring these people Nanasy?

This event had absolutely nothing to do with supporting the war and everything to do with supporting the men and women who are fighting in it.

I personally know several people (some of my students) who are overseas in Iraq right now, risking their lives every day, because they have been asked to go there by their commander in chief.

For you to criticize the "Spartan Salute" is a spit in the face to all of our heroes, whether overseas or right here in our local community.

You have the absolute right to disagree with our presence overseas, but what gives you the right to not support the men and women that have been asked by our country to be there? You're a true patriot.

Tim Homberg
criminal justice adviser