Bargaining with terrorists for release of alleged deserter was error

To The Daily Sun,

Over the weekend, Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was released in an exchange for his release for five Gitmo prisoners.

I am a mother and would do anything to bring my son home, but was this a huge error in judgment?

CNN reported that some of his closest fellow soldiers said he deserted. One soldier said Bergdahl left his post with a compass, a knife, water a digital camera and a diary. At least six American soldiers lost their lives searching for him.

Non-disclosure agreements were signed by soldiers in the same squad as Bergdahl, and are breaking the agreement to tell the truth about him. They describe him as a deserter.

The president signed into law last year that Secretary of Defense 30 days prior to release telling them the reason and assurances would be made that those released would not be able to go back to a life that would hurt American security. This law was not followed. Congress was not told. Again our president has broken U.S. law — a law he himself signed. Is it time for the president to be impeached?

We released five prisoners to get one back. It seems to be a little lopsided five to one. The U.S. is not very good in negotiating any more.

The five worst of Gitmo's terrorists were released to Qatar. How many American soldiers died or were hurt to capture these terrorists? These terrorists will be banned by the Qatari government from traveling outside of Qatar. Does anyone think they will not think of sneaking out and actually leave the country?

Marine Tahmooressi took a wrong turn and ended up in Mexico. He called 911 and they said they could not help him. Mexico is an ally. The president could call Mexico's president and get our marine back with a phone call and not give up anything. . . Let alone five terrorists. But is the White House doing anything? Not that I have heard or read.

But what does our president do? He breaks a law he signed and brings back an alleged deserter.

I think this is horrible and a slap in the face to our troops. If you were a terrorist, what would you do, to get Gitmo prisoners released? What would you do to get America to do what you wanted? Kidnap an American soldier or citizen? This trade puts our soldiers in harm's way. Just think most of our troops are leaving Afghanistan. But some will be left behind. Almost 10,000. And this is just the troops in Afghanistan. We have troops all over the world. The President just put a target on their backs.

Sargent Bowe Bergdahl must be investigated and if warranted put on trial for desertion. If he is not a deserter, then let the court rule that way.

I have much more respect for our troops, their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons. . .

Linda Riley

Meredith