Gen. Hayden served to protect Americans

I hate to give Greg Barnhisel the slightest recognition for his letter calling for the removal of the "name blade" honoring Pittsburgh native Gen. Michael Hayden ("Gen. Hayden Doesn't Deserve Such an Honor," Feb. 22), but the absolute tyranny of Mr. Barnhisel's mission requires me to do so.

Gen. Hayden, in the service of the United States and under the direction of President George W. Bush, served to protect all Americans from the certainty of more terrorist attacks. We know they will happen, but we must do what is necessary to stop them where we can. We do not and did not torture. I have nothing to fear from a wiretap ... do you?

If you wish to protest something honorable, Mr. Barnhisel, take your buddies to Iran and protest the killing of innocent people who dare to oppose their dictators. Take them also to Afghanistan or Iraq where women and children are routinely killed in the name of Islamist jihad.

I am not a Pittsburgher or even an Allegheny County resident. No, I am an American, and I salute those like Gen. Hayden and President Bush who stood to protect what so many of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms have died for ... our way of life!

Mr. Barnhisel, stop wasting Pittsburgh City Council's time. It has much bigger issues to deal with.

ANDREW YOUNG
Economy