I am truly sorry the way Mr. Cabrera feels (letter, January edition) about those of us who serve in the military. He states that the military's purpose is "to steal the Iraqi people's oil.'

Actually, our purpose is to ensure that you have the freedom to write such things without fear of retribution.

Military members in the San Diego area helped fight the recent wildfires. We gave shelter, supplies, and medical care to those affected by the fires. We participated in humanitarian missions to the Caribbean and South America. We evacuated a 15-year-old girl with a ruptured appendix from a cruise ship and provided the surgery she needed.

And we have spent countless days and nights away from our families, earning less money than our civilian counterparts. We have missed Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries. We move every three years, uprooting our families to travel to yet another duty station. I can say wholeheartedly that for the past 18 years I have honorably served Americans — including you — and many other nationalities as well. Can you say the same, sir?

         John King

         San Diego

People don't understand the widespread seething hatred for Hillary Clinton. Why this virulent, irrational hatred for the Democratic presidential candidate? Who are the Hillary-haters? The same Bill Clinton-haters for eight years? Tens of millions of religious and social conservatives, GOP's core supporters? It defies reason how men and women of faith and intelligence can spew out such venom and vitriol.

I care for Hillary Clinton and if she is the Democratic candidate next November, I will vote for her because she is far better than any of the Republican presidential contenders. However, Hillary doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of winning the presidency because of the above obstacle and historically high negative ratings, disapproval ratings.

         Ron Lowe

         Grass Valley