Let’s give Moore a break

The flap over whether Gov. Wes Moore was awarded the Bronze Star seems like political opportunism, at best. In Vietnam, I and, to my knowledge, almost every officer who performed his duties satisfactorily was awarded the Bronze Star. If this policy changed, I was never aware of the change.

Moore’s explanation strikes me as entirely probable. Administrative screwups are as prevalent in the military as anywhere else, perhaps more so.

The paperwork frequently does not catch up with the intentions of an individual or command.

Let’s give Moore a break on this one and continue to monitor his actual performance in office.

— Thomas K. Farley, Lutherville

Fair to question Moore’s honesty

I have not heard anyone questioning Gov. Wes Moore’s military service. What many are questioning is his honesty.

Let’s look back at a few things. Moore said in his book that he grew up in Baltimore, which was not true. (He was born in Takoma Park.) Then, a few weeks ago, he said that he met with President Joe Biden, and he was vibrant and was supporting him in the upcoming election. Now, it’s about the Bronze Star. Do you see a pattern?

I wonder if this same praise would be coming from the editorial board if Moore’s name was JD Vance. I bet not.

Moore is nothing more than a media hound, and he will cost the taxpayers of this state along with the Democrats in Annapolis. It has already happened with the so-called user fees.

— Martin Sadowski, Fallston

Moore lied, but he didn’t hide from combat

Ronald Wirsing of Havre De Grace in his recent letter called for Gov. Wes Moore to resign for embellishing his military service record with the lie that he was awarded the Bronze Star. I would agree with him if he had brought balance to that letter by also asking Donald Trump to resign from his candidacy for spouting countless lies to harm and impugn people — many of whom do not even know him — or for escaping the draft during the Vietnam War by giving a morally bankrupt excuse that he has bone spurs in his feet.

Sadly, it was not enough that Moore served. He self-aggrandized because he thought it would be more impressive if he claimed he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service and if he stayed silent when the award came up in interviews and conversations.

But let’s face it: Trump avoided service when he was required to serve, during the draft. He was not a conscientious objector against the war in Vietnam and in my opinion, he was an unconscionable liar about his bone spurs.

Let us not diminish the valor of those who serve, even as we chastise them for their stories of stolen valor. Being exposed as a liar is enough punishment and we should refrain from recommending them for further punitive damage.

— Usha Nellore, Bel Air

Moore explained away his misconduct

Dovey Kahn is one of the most prolific contributors to the Sun’s letters column. Full disclosure — she is also my cousin. Her recent comment on Gov. Wes Moore’s false claim to have received the Bronze Star is remarkably incisive, even by Dovey’s high standards. She brought all of her eloquence to bear on Mr. Moore’s tortured attempts to explain away his unwillingness to acknowledge his misconduct. Try to imagine how awful the governor’s lack of remorse was for the widow of Billy Kahn — a World War II and Korean War veteran and a bona fide Bronze Star recipient. Thank you, Dovey. Keep your light shining brightly!

— Benjamin Rosenberg, Baltimore

Media should’ve exposed Moore sooner

Gov. Wes Moore reporting that he had received the Bronze Star when he had never actually been notified of it or received it is just one more failure of the media.

Instead of driving the candidates to be candid and truthful, the media actually helps the candidates distort their backgrounds and records. Then they rationalize it, as the whole truth doesn’t seem to matter anymore.

The public should be able to depend on reporters and the media to report facts and the truth. Instead, they just help our elected officials withhold, distort and misinform the public.

— Craig R. Baader, New Bern, North Carolina

Moore flap exposes GOP hypocrisy

It’s a sad case for those Trump believers who have supported his constant lies. Yes, the Maryland Gov. Wes Moore did falsely claim a Bronze Star for his military service. But those who focus on Moore and Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential running mate, who served for 24 years while overlooking Donald Trump’s lies are hypocrites.

— Art Shefrin, Pikesville