An Officer’s Duty Not to Vote?

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/opinion/an-officers-duty-not-to-vote.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Why Officers Shouldn’t Vote,” by M. L. Cavanaugh (Op-Ed, Oct. 19):

Major Cavanaugh is honest, ethical and professional. He is, however, mistaken in his view that it is his “duty — and that of my fellow officers, in all branches — not to vote.” In our country even professional soldiers are still citizens.

It is clear that the major will continue to obey the orders of the commander in chief no matter who that will be. However, in our democratic system he has the right to vote for whoever he believes will do the best job for four years.

He is afraid he will have a vested personal interest in the outcome. Well, we all have a vested personal interest in the outcome. That is democracy. We need his thoughtful vote.

HENRY KAMINER

New York