To reject a Resolution is not a show of support for or against the war; it is not about being a Democrat or a Republican. This issue is about freedom of speech and the role of city government. By drafting a resolution supposedly representing the views of Tallmadge, the Council is stealing our free speech for their own agenda. If Tallmadge residents want to exercise their free speech, they should take a stand and email their NATIONAL representatives about that stand.

As the wife of a soldier who has served, I was under the impression that 1LT Les Stroud risks his life to defend my right to free speech as much as the Tallmadge City Councils and as much as Ms. Lisa Zeno Carano"s. But evidently, Council seems to think their views and opinions are more important than mine. I expect my City Council to address the needs and concerns of city life, not to take on the duties of our United States Congress.

It is my observation that most of the citizens of Tallmadge who were at the Council meeting on Monday night were against a resolution. Many of the individuals who spoke out in favor of the Resolution either had a strong political agenda " like the Carano family, or were from outside of our town. A few of our residents did speak out for the resolution, but just a few.

I believe that this resolution will only divide our town. I think we need to leave national politics to those we have elected for that purpose and leave city government out of it. Because my husband Les has served, and because he will probably go again, I selfishly want my town left out of this. I want to know that my community supports him and supports our family. The individuals who have an agenda do not care about Tallmadge or our citizens. They want a platform for their ideas, and they believe they have found it. Please let them know they are wrong.

Diane Stroud