As an officer in the United States Army, I gave the president and Congress a blank check for my life, to be used in defense of the nation. I fulfilled my contractual obligation for 22 years, without hesitation.

In this current financial war with battles every day, the least they could do would be to sign the check they now owe the nation and me for leadership and governance instead of offering a miserable blank check with no signature.

The president and Congress all took the same oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" the Constitution. They should reread their oath of office and discharge their legal responsibilities.

Charles M. Herbek

Spotsylvania