Benghazi answers

Many Kansans are outraged with the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2012 in Benghazi, Libya.

They believe the president has not been straight with them and is now avoiding the issue.

Many, especially veterans and those in the military, have expressed the fear that the sacred bond of never leaving a comrade in distress or danger may be worthless as of the date of this disgrace.

As the most senior Marine in the U.S. Congress, I could not agree more. We cannot allow this to fester and infect the bond of taking care of our own.

I wrote the president an open letter urging him to set the record straight.

The letter can be viewed on my website at roberts.senate.gov.

Until the president, as commander in chief, informs Americans of what happened and why, that bond, which has existed as long as the United States of America has fielded armies, is breaking. We must know why American assets nearby were not utilized to save American lives.

This request for the president to set the record straight and restore the bond of "sacrifice for each other" is made with the deepest sincerity. The future morale and effectiveness of our military services may be at stake and the consequences of this broken bond will be a burden the White House this coming year.

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.