I saw this story for the first time at Smash's last night. Then I had an email from Kat and saw the write up at her place. Then I pop over to The Donovan's and see a great write up there. And even with all of these great posts out there, spreading the word and taking a stand - I have something to say.
This Soldier, Foster Barton, was home on medical leave from Iraq. He almost lost his leg due to an IED explosion. He's healing and was preparing for the return to his unit.
So, he takes a bit of time and goes to a Toby Keith concert. As many know, Toby is a HUGE supporter of our troops and has made several trips over to the sandbox(es) to show them how much he appreciates them. (picture via HillClimbers B Co. 214th Aviation Regiment website and photo album.) Reviewing this story at Blackfives, I gotta think Toby would NOT BE PLEASED.
So....Barton took the opportunity to attend a Toby Keith concert when it was in Columbus Ohio just recently. He wore an Iraqi Freedom tee-shirt. He was attached from behind. Now, his return is delayed until his nose (which was broken) has healed. His biggest issue - that he wants, NEEDS to get back to his unit - The First Calvary Division. They've been hit recently and suffered some losses and he wants to get back there as soon as possible.
Bartons is 19 years old, has been awarded a Purple Heart for his service to date in Iraqi and is heading back to be with his unit.
WOW.
I wonder if Toby Keith knows what happened in the Parking Lot after his concert? It might not seem like much, but I want to think that He would want to know that something like this occurred following one of his events, and would have something to say. But that's not my main point.
What I REALLY want to know is when is the DNC going to come out and ask their supporters to stop with the violence?! Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not hearing about any Bush supporters relying on violence to make their point. Think about it for just a moment. DNC protestors vs. RNC protestors, which convention had the biggest issues with protestor? Hmmm, just a thought. Wait, there's more - what about a Soldier abused while marching in Parade, soldier attached while wearing a Iraqi freedom tee shirt while leaving a concert, child harassed at protest, are you seeing a pattern here, folks?! I am.
If I am a leader, the point person, the rallying point - I should also be a spokesperson. You know, really lead, not just be a figurehead.
For better or worse Kerry IS the rallying point for the Democratic Party for this year's election. He Da Man, as it were. SO....many of these actions are being perpetrated in the name of anything BUT BUSH, or Pro Kerry (2 different areas of the same group). So they are being done in the name of the campaign, in the name of the DNC, in the name of Kerry for President. Now, I don't know 'bout ya'll but I take ANYTHING done in my name pretty serious. I'm pretty big on honor, and don't like it much when my honor, my name is drug through the mud due to actions I did not approve or support.
There is a pattern emerging on these attacks on our service men and women. Kerry has chosen to run on his status as a Veteran. He claims that he will be the BEST Commander and Chief, the leader of our Military. Then WHY ARE WE NOT HEARING HIM TELL HIS SUPPORTERS TO STOP THE MADNESS?!?!
Speak up man! Let me hear you say the words that it has to end. That disrespecting our military men and women is NOT the way to settle anything.
The animals that are taking these actions are supposedly Kerry supporters. I hear Kerry say the words that he supports our military, I see his lips moving but somehow I still just don't see it - I Don't See The Actions - and to me it's always been what a person DOES not what just what a person SAYS. Kerry needs to be a leader and speak up - unless he doesn't care. Unless he doesn't think what is happening is wrong. Hmmm....do you think that could be the case?
So....this is my point. Mr Kerry - I need to hear from YOU. I want YOU to take control of your supporters, your party and show exactly where you stand in regards to all the abuse our military are taking from the very citizens that they are sacrificing all to protect. Don't you have a problem, an issue with what is happening? Don't you think it's wrong? Be a leader, be a man. Or don't you know how?
Posted by Tammi at September 22, 2004 07:23 AMTell 'Em Sister! Just saw the story at Jen's and posted there, but the attacker is nothing short of scum, and any who hide, encourage, support, or fail to stop him and those like him are scum too! BTW, the union guy who tore up the little girl's sign has supposedly been identified and will be dealt with by the Union. Right. Meantime, W heard about it and sent the girl a new sign, a nice message, and a signed picture. Class. Pure Class.
Posted by: Laughing Wolf at September 22, 2004 07:59 AMAnd those are all good things. Important things. But I still want to know when and IF we will hear from Kerry, as the leader of his party, on these issues. They are being done in the "spirit" of the democratic party so in my mind, he should speak out against them. I'm not going to hold my breath.
Posted by: Tammi at September 22, 2004 08:07 AM