To the editor,

In the Nov. 22, 2023 issue of the Pierce County Journal, Ken Peterson, Ellsworth, WI exercised his free speech rights in criticizing a previous Journal letter in which 3rd District Congressman, Derrick Van Orden's profane public outbursts (documented on several occasions) were challenged as examples of poor leadership. Peterson basically says "get used to it" because gutter language is common throughout our society. Well, such language use is, in my opinion, absolutely unacceptable in most settings of personal expression.

Mr. Peterson, I too live in the real world, and as a Vietnam combat veteran, I have heard it all, just as we all do in some but not all of our personal dealings. However, persons in Van Orden's position are still called upon to operate with decorum and courtesy in public issue debate and conduct. Van Orden sports his military service as affording him "special consideration," but I believe he instead has shown a great lack of honor to country as well as personal failings when he goes “off the rails.”  

As a life-time citizen of Pierce and St. Croix counties and as a veteran who takes seriously my duty to country, I believe that Rep. Van Orden has shown a great lack of leadership via his choice of words and actions. And, to Mr. Peterson, Ellsworth, WI, I have just one word to you: "tough." 

Sincerely,

Richard Timmerman

River Falls