Does This Hate Honor America?
By Thomas D. Segel (09/26/04)
He was wounded, ha received two surgeries and was only out trying to enjoy some music when he was hit, thrown to the ground, kicked and beaten unconscious. This was the greeting a 19-year-old soldier received from his countrymen while on medical leave from Iraq, according to a report by the Columbus Dispatch.
Army PFC Foster Barton had been sent home for some rest and recuperation, following two surgeries on a serious knee wound. He decided to attend a concert, showing up for the event wearing a pro-military T-shirt.
For that statement of his patriotism, Barton was attacked and beaten while his assailant screamed profanities and hate filled language about the United States Armed Forces. What is even more disturbing is the many witnesses who stood by and watched the attack did nothing.
Vietnam veterans commenting on the attack of this wounded soldier recalled the assaults, the spitting and the hate filled language they encountered upon their return from combat. Those attacks occurred at the same time John Kerry was diminishing their service before the United States Congress.
It is their feeling Kerry is doing the same thing again during his presidential campaign….and with the same impact on American service personnel.
The hate language of the left has translated into violence against a young soldier who wears the same Purple Heart medal so loudly heralded by Kerry supporters. It is the anti-war supporters that are John Kerry’s core campaigners who breed such violent outbursts.
When Foster Barton heals from his wound and from his public beating, he will be returning to his unit in Iraq. What kind of message will he be taking back to the men and women of his unit?
Mike Linnane, a retired Special Forces soldier believes we must not allow this attack to become the life-long memory on Barton's feelings about the nation’s gratitude for his service. Says Linnane, “I have spoken with Jeb Phillips, the Columbus Ohio reporter, who wrote this up. Phillips has agreed to accept and forward letters and packages to PFC Foster.” Correspondence can be addressed to:
PFC Foster Barton
C/o Jeb Phillips
Columbus Dispatch
34 South 3rd Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
“I invite all of you to join me in expressing our gratitude to this young American hero”, says Linnane. “Let’s tell him and his buddies what America really thinks about his service.”
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