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RESPONSE TO STORIES |
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Response to Veterans' graves desecrated on Orcas IslandDear Editor, posted 06/11/2007 Anna Roseberry Dear Editor, I have been following the letters in response to letters in response to the cemetary vandalism, and I would like to briefly say a few things. First, when I first heard of the vandalism I was shocked and dismayed. There is absolutely no excuse to treat veterans' graves in this manner; it is absolutely despicable. We can't wish the action away by looking at the details of the swastika's; if they were actually Tibetan it's almost certain the perpetrators were unaware of it. Secondary to the desecration, what has dismayed me is how nasty the comments have been between two camps, those who support the current war and those who do not, or, if you prefer (though it hardly follows), the conservatives and liberals. The worst distortion of all is the implication that liberals have no respect for brave and self-sacrificing veterans, and that disgust with current practices in Iraq equates to lack of support for the men and women in the armed forces. I understand some of the history of this viewpoint, in the treatment of returning Vietnam veterans, and the actions of the recent vandals, if indeed their intention was to protest the war in Iraq. I come from an extended family very mixed in our political views, but my father and uncles regardless of their politics have served in various branches of the military, some during wartime. I know from conversations with various relatives, and from public opinion poles, that many conservatives are utterly dismayed at the behavior of our current administration. I also know that being liberal does not mean you are a head-in-the-clouds hippie who can't tell the difference between insulting the memory of valiant soldiers, and objecting to contemporary political actions (or spreading joy and light with ancient Tibetan symbols and purifying fire), at least not most of the time. I hope, though it's becoming increasingly difficult to do so, that being an American in this day and age does not mean you have to choose between two polarized viewpoints, that each view the other as despicable beyond repair and therefore only worth insulting, not worth knowing. Let's not view each other as the enemy, please. Kristin Sherrard Dear Editor, posted 06/09/2007 The kids -I hope they were kids- that did this probably have a ripped feeling of desparation in their hearts. The same feeling that you feel when you think of the swastika being placed on the graves of the veterans. If we as Americans get out of denial about the cost of war, the true costs of war on the people, including the soldiers (and their families) being asked to fight, the animals, the land, our economy - that spends over half of its wealth on war and warlike technology, A government run by heartless Corporations that asks our brave hearts to fight and kill and maim for their corporations stolen wealth, I understand the frustration of the ones who burned the flag. The thing about Empire is that division of the people is necessary, fear is necessary. Fear gets us to hate. Fear is the tactic that will get us to agree to killing in our name. Fear is how the Nazis, got the German’s to behave and to have blind eyes to the cruelty of their government. Be aware that this tactic of division, will be escalated in the coming months. Our hearts will be the target, close them down will be the aim. Focus on your heart, watch how it is played, to get a discordant tune. If you are a Christian, focus on the love of Christ, to bring balance to the hate and discord. Hate is a vitriol acid that destroys communication to your heart and will rule your thinking, making you a danger to yourself and the world. . There is another way. Forgiveness, Love and Peace. War is a waste War is poison. Nancy Brickman Dear Editor, posted 06/08/2007 I will be the first to say in our liberal county to address the fact that yes, I am a Republican and I am proud of it. You sir, however just slapped my family in the face. My grandfather served in WW2, my dad, 2 uncles and cousin were also both in the military and all of them were proud to defend this country. If you do not agree with the war that's going on, that is your choice, but do not dishonor those who sacrificed their lives just so you can open your big mouth and tell us all that we only are mad because we support the war. Also how would you know whose flag it is and why does that matter at all. It is an insult to me and every other proud American. Sir if you had any idea how much of an impact this had on people around the country and to the people's families that were involved I know you wouldn't have said anything like this and for that matter I pity you for your ignorance. Katie Buganski Dear Editor, posted 06/07/2007
Steven Terrell, Sr. Dear Editor, He completely ignored the fact that swastikas were placed on the burial sites of veterans who had fought and served honorably in defense of the United States. Not once did he address that despicable act. The insult to living memories of the dead and to their loved ones was far beyond anything discussed by Joseph Murphy. Joseph Murphy first states that only blind men and elephants conjecture and that we cannot understand the motives of the perpetrators. Then he goes on to conjecture about why the flags and graves were desecrated and seems to think it was o.k. because it falls in line with his own blind unthinking hatred. “This is not your Father's or Grandfather's flag, the flag of Valley Forge, Gettysburg or Iwo Jima. Nor is it their military.” Joseph Murphy seems to lack a basic understanding of the symbolism of the flag and of a gravesite to the loved ones of the dead. If I were to take his disembodied approach to viewing life, I would probably believe that man is nothing more than a microscopic organism living on a speck of dust with no purpose beyond immediate survival. I believe humanity is better than that and that there are some noble purposes in this life that we need to espouse and defend. How is it possible for any truly thinking person to view the history of attacks throughout the world on the United States by Islamic “extremists” and not believe that we are under an organized attack by cruel and vicious means and that the “extremists” kill dozens of innocent civilians daily in pursuit of their extremism? There is not space enough here to cite those attacks. If “extremists” of any ilk in the United States committed mass murder and bombings of innocent U. S. civilians on a daily basis, does Joseph Murphy believe it would be acceptable behavior? Similar events in this country would be investigated and stopped and the vast majority of the citizenry would assist in the efforts to do that. I pray that we would not fall victim to being sheep in the midst of wolves. Does Joseph Murphy think if is acceptable for the former leader of Iraq to torture, imprison, and mass murder thousands of Iraqi citizens for their different religious beliefs? Was it O. K. for Iraqi troops invading Kuwait to rape Kuwaiti women as a matter of policy? I do not know who desecrated the flags and graves. I make no conjecture about whether they were “punks or cowards, skinheads or wayward youth….” I do know that what they did was legally wrong, ethically wrong and morally wrong. I do know that any person who would defend such activity is not a clear thinking person. I also know that the veterans in those graves died defending the rights of idiots to freely express their opinions. Dennis R. Hazelton Dear Editor, posted 06/02/2007 Cause if this is what A. Smith thinks... than A. Smith is seriously mistaken. Then A. Smith goes on to say... "If you want to have any chance of ever getting your good name back I recommend that your take immediate action to cause." Hello!!!!! That's why this was all over the news because since we have no clue whom did this the action taken was to expose these punks for what they are and to bring shame to their actions. I'm sorry if A. Smith decided to cancel their trip to our wonderful islands because of what some punks did cause this person is seriously missing out on all the splendor and the good heartedness that the islands offer. Not everyone shares the opinions of some anti-American punks. Sorry A. Smith but you jumped to conclusions about what our islands are all about and what we believe in. Shelah Coleman Dear Editor, posted 06/02/2007 Please, please make sure that the Commander of American Legion Post 93 gets this as well. As a Commander of an American Legion Post and a former Veteran, I am filled with anger and the way that society allows people to be brought up today. makes me sick to my stomach. I hope that who ever did this is caught and is punished severly and not let to forget what they did to the hallowed grounds of the Veterans' Cemeterey and our National Symbol. I am forwarding all the pictures off the internet to Speaker Pelosi and the other 33 low lifeDemocrats who voted against the Desecration Bill last year. It is before them again this year and if they do not pass it this time, then they are as low in life as the culprits who burned these flags. God Bless your city and your local law inforcement and the American Legion and good luck on finding these low life scum that are the scurge of the earth. You have my email address from this email, so have the Commander of Post 93 write me and keep me informed of the process to catch and punish the low life, OK. Jeffrey B. McBreairty
Dear Editor,
posted 06/02/2007 In no way was the memory of the island’s departed diminished by the malevolent vandalism visited upon you, and I am certain that people nationwide feel sympathy and solidarity with you over the situation. I hope that this was no more than the isolated act of a few misguided and thoughtless people. My community of Olympia has had to contend from time to time from demonstrations and other, worse intrusions, including violent crimes, by self-styled neo-nazis. We have united as needed in the rejection of that and support of our friends and neighbors in many ways, involving school groups, faith communities, and others, affiliating as "Unity in the Community" for that purpose. If there is help that we can offer in sharing our experiences, please feel free to call on us. Again, support and sympathy to you for this unpleasant incident, and many thanks to the veterans and Legionnaires who made the Memorial Day event so lovely and meaningful. J. Reiko Callner Dear Editor, posted 06/02/2007 Long codified protocol states, "When the American flag is no longer fit for display, it should be disposed of in a respectful manner, preferably by burning." This is not your Father's or Grandfather's flag, the flag of Valley Forge, Gettysburg or Iwo Jima. Nor is it their military. Not all American wars have been fought for values of freedom, defense of the homeland or the defeat of fascism. Many Americans - and they are not punks or cowards, skinheads or wayward youth - believe that the current unconscionable war, a conflict that will web out unfathomable suffering across the whole of our children's generation, has defiled that military and that flag, rendering it no longer fit for display. Far more emblematic of this war would be the banner of Halilburton or the Bush family crest, than Old Glory. The dead take no offense -- only do those who allow the war to continue and feel they must rationalize it as in line with the American values of those veterans. When the political process fails, baseless carnage continues every minute of every day and despair fills the void then, well, as the unlamented Donald Rumsfeld put it so decorously, 'Stuff happens.' If the days of rage that marked the height of despair over Vietnam have returned to make landfall here in our leisure class Potemkin Village then maybe it's about time we consider who the real enemies of the flag are.
Joseph Murphy Letter to the Editor. More specifically, a letter to the ignorant imbeciles who hid behind darkness and anonymity while placing the despised swastika (this symbol does not deserve a capital!) on graves of Veterans and that during a day set aside to honor the sacrifice of these same women and men. I remember all too clearly that despicable Nazi symbol on flags, banners and armbands all around me and what that stood for; I shall never get rid of the heartrending emotion of seeing a few of the dreaded camps and of visiting the Washington, DC, Holocaust Museum. The English language has yet to develop words to adequately describe the low, bastardly, hurtful, insulting, cowardly, ignorant, stupid, demeaning, sneaky, infantile, insensitive acts perpetrated by one or more behind-the-eight-ball bastards. Call it lowering myself to their level, but I cannot help but feel that the methods used by their role model to get rid of its 'undesirables' would make for proper punishment for these idiots. Forget liberalism, forget political correctness, forget the feel-good philosophy for once! This may be time to apply "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" - catch the perps and use their own methods.
Ary L. Hobbel Dear Editor, posted 05/31/2007 The first letter from an A. Smith, ADM-USN RET somehow seeks to place responsibility for this crime on the community, rather than where in belongs; directly on the hands of the perpetrators. How he came to this conclusion is beyond me. The ONLY way in which he could rightfully blame the community would be, if the community refused to take action against the ones truly responsible. That he canceled his vacation because he feels the community is responsible is unfortunate, but maybe the community is better for him not coming. The second letter, by an Anna Roseberry, is quite interesting as well. I am somewhat aware of the origins of the swastika being good. However, they have come to mean something entirely different over the ensuing years. If, indeed, the spineless, gutless persons responsible for this terrible act had meant “good” with the placement of these flags, they would not have also burned the US flag. So, again, I find it very difficult to figure how Ms Roseberry came to this conclusion.
Alan Dortch Dear Editor, posted 05/31/2007 For that matter, if they were expressing their desire to spread peace, why did they have to commit this CRIME in the shadows of the night? This CRIME was so heinous that it made the national news! I don’t think FOXNEWS and others would be interested in little flags of peace decorating the graves of our fallen heroes. Remember, before placing the swastika flags on the graves, they burned the American flags that were there. What message does that send? I’m sorry, but anyone who sees this CRIME as anything less than a heinous and despicable act of hate needs to spend time talking to the families of those vets who lie in peace. Thank you vets and families for your sacrifices for my freedom. Cathy Cole Dear Editor, posted 05/30/2007 If you want to have any Chance of ever getting your good name back I recommend that your take immediate action to cause.
A. Smith Dear Editor, posted 05/30/2007 In good faith, men and women have served in the US Armed Forces in the defense of the Constitution of the United States. These courageous volunteers (and conscripts during times when the draft was in effect) placed themselves (and remained) in peril, risking and giving their lives, suffering injury and enduring torture at the hands of our enemies while their families at home also paid a handsome price for a greater cause than you will ever fathom - they did so to ensure that they and future generations (such as your own) could continue enjoying the rights and freedoms as defined in the Constitution and its' amendments. While you may not agree with the current policy or actions of the United States Government, you continue to retain the right to express your opposition (in an appropriate manner and venue) to actions taken by your Government as provided in the First Amendment to the Constitution - thanks to the veterans whose graves you desecrated. When your identity(ies) are eventually determined and you are arrested and charged, hopefully for a hate crime in addition to trespass, vandalism and arson, you will still retain the rights as provided in the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution - thanks to the veterans whose graves you desecrated. The Veterans whose service you have discounted and graves you have desecrated did not determine US domestic or foreign policy, past or present - they took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and to obey the orders of the President and the officers appointed over them. They most likely didn't have a choice where they served, many did not choose the job they performed during times of war and NONE of them could unilaterally decide which orders they would or would not follow. I would like to see that in addition to any remuneration for damages, the perpetrators be required to study and report on the Constitution and its Amendments as part of their punishment (education) as well as comparing the punishment they receive to that which they may have received under the regimes (at the times) our Veterans served to protect our Constitution and our way of life.
Daniel White Editor's note: Daniel White grew up on Orcas (Deer Harbor) and served in the US Navy. Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 After comparison with Wikipedia.com and About.com of the pictures, I conclude that the swastikas are not of a Nazi nature but of the older intention of good. The ones on the flags are red and on the horizontal and vertical axis that are indicative of the Hindu/Native American intention. Ones that are of the Nazi intention are tilted to the left and black. Perhaps you have heard from other people of this variation of the appearance and meaning of the swastika. Thanks you and have a good day! Anna Roseberry Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 If they think they're right in what they do, they should show their faces, take responsibility and identify themselves. Perhaps they could learn about bravery from the soldiers who have sacrificed throughout history for the freedoms we all enjoy. We have visited Orcas several times a year for over a decade and love the relaxing island life. We shop and support the local Orcas businesses, restaurants and Saturday Market, however we were disappointed several years ago while at the July 4th Parade to hear about a soldier newly returned from Iraq who was publicly jeered and mocked during the event. Even if you don't agree, please don't be disrespectful of those who fight for the principles that give you freedom of speech. We will be following the news and will not support any individual, business or organization involved in this horrible incident during our future visits. This may not seem like a big financial impact, but if others did the same thing, I'm sure the consequences would be felt and a strong message be sent. Additionally, it would go a long way toward healing the wounds that have just been inflicted by the vandalism, if this year for the Orcas July 4th festivities and Founders Day Parade, instead of the dominate pink theme we've seen the last several years, locals made a strong showing of the red, white and blue and some good old fashioned patriotic support and honoring of veterans and soldiers currently serving. I am proud to have a husband who served in Viet Nam and despite being one of those who was mistreated upon coming home, he is still proud of his country and service time. When someone finally thanked him publicly a few years ago, he was overcome with emotion and said it was the first time anyone had expressed appreciation for his service. I am also proud to have an Army Medic son who just finished a year in Iraq. I don't imagine he'll be wanting us to take him back to Orcas for a vacation anytime soon if the cowardly flag burning and Nazi symbols are the prevalent political expressions on the island. I'm sure he had his share of anti-American sentiment overseas. He shouldn't have to experience it here at home. To all our men and women who have served, thank you. You are my heroes! Rhonda Madison Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 Patricia McKay Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 My deepest sympathies go out to those families and friends who have laid to rest some of America’s hero’s there where these ignorant ungrateful dirt bags played their childish pranks. My thoughts and prayers are with you. As for the cowards who did such a horrible and disrespectful deed, may you someday have the courage to face a true American and tell them what you have done and may the courts punish you to the fullest extent possible!!!!!!! Senior Airman Gutierrez, Amy E. Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 My family was some of the first settlers in the Mohawk Valley in Northern NY state. They fought with the British in the French and Indian Wars and then they fought and died for the formation of this country during the American Revolutionary War. America's sons have always fought wars for the reason of freedom. I think of World War I and II where they died to help restore the freedom of many European Countries. We have left sons of America buried all over the World fighting for the very freedoms that we enjoy today, including the right to disagree. I know to many that flag is just a symbol. To me when I see those red stripes I think of the family, friends and the sons of America who shed their blood for that symbol. I was in Vietnam and was recalled for Operation Desert Storm and the thought hits me that yes that flag is just a symbol, but it is a symbol of the freedoms and what this Country is all about and you know it is time to stop turning a blind eye to the facts. If in fact we can't honor that old symbol or even protect it, maybe we don't deserve those freedoms that so many have died to secure and protect for two Centuries.
Gary A Gibbons Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 Bob Myhr Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 Leo Michael Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007
Alan Dortch Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 I only hope that this was an out of character prank by adolescents poorly led by parents, teachers and other community leaders. Hopefully outsiders on holiday. Should these persistent acts have been carried out by OCRs Islanders, it's an awful and disgusting situation that needs to be corrected by any means necessary. Is there anything I can do to help? Lynn Coffelt Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 Now living in Medford, Oregon, my first veteran's day here in 02, I had to watch some Ashland college kids burn our flag thinking how funny it was. The tears welled in my eyes, as I remebered the haunting memory's of that era. I didn't have to do a thing, as, some other folks chose to step in and take the situation in hand. I can't imagine how much you folks were not only embarrased, yet horrified to find it done not just once but twice that day and morning. I hope to track this story each morning as I have my cofee while watching them raising our flag across the street at the Elks Lodge and stand in reverance. I can imagine how angry you must feel. I like so many of my fellow Veteran's that live here at our apartment house really hope that these mis-lead pervert's get caught, and special circumstances can be allowed in their punishment. How dare they ! So a big hello to all of you from this misplaced Californian, and, a very big Happy belated Memorial Day to all of you from my fellow veteran's And a big Brox Rasberry to all of the misled swastika drawing traitors. Mike Hinkes Dear Editor, posted 05/29/2007 Shelah Coleman |
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