The Gazette editorial (September 30) made the point that the risks taken, and the sacrifices made, by British soldiers in Afghanistan are beyond the comprehension of most people living safe, secure lives in Colchester.

All the more reason, therefore, that the cause for which these troops are fighting ought to have universal support, as in the war against Hitler.

But the unpalatable truth is that it does not. Far from it.

Most of us had, and still have, profound reservations about Iraq and Afghanistan, despite the sleight of hand deceptions and falsehoods from pro-war politicians and the specious claims made by “can do” generals, spooks in thrall to No 10 and variegated experts.

Few now defend the decision to attack Iraq. The public doesn’t understand why we had to invade Afghanistan in order to detain one man (Osama Bin Laden) and it doesn’t accept the claim we are fighting a war against terror, in which the Taleban, or its affiliates, will roll up in Colchester if we don’t defeat them in Helmand province.

Opinion polls show clearly only a minority support the war, at most about a third, while large majorities are opposed to it and want troops out as soon as possible.

If Britain had still had a conscript citizen army, or some form of the draft, during the last decade, this opposition would almost certainly have spilt over into civil unrest, as in the United States during the Vietnam war.

Unfortunately, the media and Parliament have doggedly ignored the findings of these polls, and mounting evidence from objective insiders, and continue to pretend the public is behind the war.

The Gazette is, in fact, a minor example of this. The BBC and national newspapers are far more culpable.

The Gazette’s coverage of the conflict in Afghanistan, and before that in Iraq, has consistently lacked the impartial, even-handedness you ought to expect.

It has abdicated its responsibility to provide a proper adult discussion of the issues and has instead stuck its head firmly into the sand.

It has, in fact, failed its garrison community at a time of greatest need.

Instead of the truth, all the soldiers have got are useless medals.

Michael Wagstaff
Causton Road
Colchester