Open Letter to the Defence Minister

Dear Mr Nelson,

You have taken your government's pro-war rhetoric to a new low today, when you compared Australia's involvement in the occupation of Iraq with the battle fought by Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Track during the Second World War.

I am a Vietnam veteran, and the son of a Kokoda veteran. My father fought in New Guinea after having previously fought in North Africa, Greece and Palestine. Mr Nelson, you have insulted the memory of my father, and all of the other Australian heroes who fought in New Guinea.

Mr Nelson, is there a mighty military force in Iraq that has already invaded several Asian nations and is advancing towards Australia? Of course there is not. Is there any force at all in Iraq that is capable of invading Australia? Of course there is not. Is there any threat whatsoever from Iraq that can compare with an imminent Japanese invasion? Of course there is not. No rational person would suggest that there is.

We in the veteran community have a term that we apply to the most contemptible of politicians. I refer to those who refuse to serve in the military themselves, but who enthusiastically send other people's sons and daughters to war. We call them Chickenhawks. You sir, are a classic example of a Chickenhawk. You are a disgrace.

Yours sincerely,

Lachlan Irvine