After reading Richard Kirschke’s letter regarding John Hess’ Jan. 25 letter to The Pilot, I think it appropriate to point out some facts missing from his comments.

John is a neighbor of mine and a golfing buddy for many years. You couldn’t ask for a finer, better neighbor than John. He heads the Moore County Marine Corps’ Toys For Tots campaign and spends countless hours on this charitable work, plus driving the courtesy van at FirstHealth hospital. He flies the American and Marine Corps flag in his backyard and the service should be proud of his loyalty.

Even though I happen to agree with most of Richard’s observations regarding President Bush, I know where John’s coming from when he writes of the importance of being “respectful” of our president. We have another 10 months (God help us!) to listen to all our political leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, and then cast that one important vote that may send him back to Texas or allow him to stay on for another four years.

The beauty of our democratic system is that we can express an opinion without fear of winding up in a torture chamber. Semper Fi translates to the John Hess I know.

Ben Silvestrone