Greg Leake emails: Hi Luke,
As a former military man who once wore the uniform during our VietNam campaign I confess I’m embarrassed and ashamed.
It is the responsibility of those of us in uniform to take American values of capitalism around the world. We represent something to the girls in Third World countries, and often what we represent is a free and equitable exchange between cash and services.
I would never have dreamed of trying to bargain down the price with a faithful prostitute. My policy, along with the policies of all my noble confederates, was to zip up and pay up. And sometimes with a tip of the hat and a quick “thank you, ma’am”.
So my feeling is that the Green Berets, the Marines, and the Secret Service personnel in Columbia should do more to show the flag, and if the girls ask for $46, make it an even $50. Give them a smile and part with a firm handshake. This is America we’re representing here, gentlemen. And we should not have our reputation sullied by some cheapskates who are not fully apprised of the American ideal.
So, men, zip up, pay up, salute the flag, and be glad you’re an American.
