The first one is about this Kansas based religious group that is going around the country protesting at military funerals. (I know that they have been doing this for some time, I have just chosen, previously, not to comment on it.) They claim that the casualties we are receiving in Afghanistan and Iraq are God’s punishment because of the USA allowing gays (Or to be politically correct, homosexuals. Nah, screw being PC, I’ll let the original stand.) in the military. They say that they have the right to protest how, and where, they want. Which is true. But what happened to respecting these people, these families, that have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one? That, I believe, is above and beyond whatever other excuse these so called christians (Yes, it’s a little ‘c’ for a reason.) could ever offer. To date, they have been lucky that someone at the funeral hasn’t taken out their grief on them for this disrespect. Or maybe, they are either too bereaved to do anything. Or would rather honor their loved one’s sacrifice by not falling to the same level. This last is what I prefer to believe. However; sooner, or later, there will be a confrontation. And I fear that when that happens, those who have already lost something that can never be replaced, will end up going to jail. And all because the Police are powerless, by our own laws, to do anything about the protesting. I know that there is legislation in the works to protect the solemnity of, not only military funerals, but all funerals, from this kind of disrespect. And I urge you to let your governmental representatives know how you feel about this situation.
The next one that got my attention today is the vandalizing of a dead soldier’s home. This soldier, from the 101st, was killed in action last week in Iraq, and his funeral is to be next week. (Also, the group above is planning to be there. Fucking vultures.) His house had eggs thrown at it and flags placed in his memory, have been stolen. The family has also gotten phone calls from people saying “I’m glad your son is dead.” All of this is happening in America’s heartland, Kokomo, Indiana. To my eyes, these people are worse than the group above. They are pure cowards, plain and simple. They hide behind the phone and sneak around at night vandalizing property. At least the protesters above are man enough (I know, but I couldn’t think of a better phrase.) to be out in the open, and even appear on TV to openly state their opinion. But, there is some good news to this as well. The local community has rallied around this family. Though this family lost someone, and have been on the receiving end of these cowardly acts, they will, with the help of their neighbors, come out the other side of their grief. Please, give them a small prayer, and if you’re not the praying type, wish them well.
And, last, but certainly not least, the mayor of Chocolate City himself, Ray Nagin. I have ignored the antics of this man ever since it became obvious that Katrina unbalanced him. As you know by now, New Orleans had Mardi Gras this week. This is great news. It means that, though there’s still a long way to go, recovery is on its way. The people there also needed a chance to unwind and let a little of the stress that has built up over the past six months to bleed off. Anyway, I’m going a little off topic there. Mayor Nagin’s latest “stunt” has just gotten completely under my skin. Take a look at this:
WHAT IN THE HELL WAS HE THINKING? I mean look at this picture. This man has never served a day in his life in any uniform. (Except maybe at McDonadld's) What he did during a Mari Gras parade is inexcusable. Granted, he did not break the law forbidding civilians to wear military uniforms. (Yes, there is one.) And, technically, it isn’t a uniform. (It doesn’t have a service branch name over the left pocket.) But what is he trying to show here? Is he trying to give the military some sort of complement here? But, for someone in his position to appear like this, is disrespectful. If he was my mayor, I would be ashamed of him. I’m sorry, but this has gotten me so frustrated, I really don’t know what to say. Mostly its because of the medals he has on. If you’re going to do it, do it right. Some of those, most of them actually, are earned only in a time of war. He even has the POW ribbon on there. What, does he think that Katrina qualified him for it?
I’ll see ya’ll later.
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