Disrespecting The Fallen

Source: Eyewitness news

Due to the ridiculous flap over the cartoons there has been a lot of talk and debate over what is and isn't properly free speech. Let me share two examples that fall outside of the rubric of free speech to me at least...

Dead soldier's home vandalized

Kokomo, February 27 - For the family who lives in a modest home in Kokomo, the fatal Iraq attack came last week.

Then the attack at home followed.

Vandals defaced the home of Sgt. Rickey Jones' family. Eggs were thrown and flags were stolen. Sgt. Jones, a Kokomo High School graduate, was one four soldier's with the 101st killed west of Baghdad last week.

So who, one week before his burial in his hometown, would vandalize a fallen hero's house?

Neighbor Robyn Ousley is at a loss to explain. "I have no idea, somebody pretty, pretty awful."

Another friend, Bill Swaggerty, says there is more than vandalism for the family to deal with. They're calling here and saying, 'I'm glad your son is dead' and it's wrong."

The family's neighbors have closed ranks, bringing food and flying flags at half-staff. All are signs of respect for Sgt. Jones.

There are things civilized people don't do and this is one of those things. You have a beef with this war or the President's handling of it, fine, you have many, many legal and constituitional means to rectify that situation.

To call and say that you're glad a families son is dead is beyond my ability to comprehend. No matter how much you hate the war, how sick and twisted must you be inside for this to seem like a good idea to you?

But when you go after the family you go too far in my book, and I doubt I'm alone in that sentiment. But wait it gets worse...

But there is a threat of disrespect from out of state.

The same Kansas church group that has been picketing soldier's funerals around the U.S. and Indiana will be in Kokomo too. The group claims U.S. soldier deaths are punishment for U.S. tolerance of gays.

Kokomo Police will have extra security and are running extra patrols at the house. Swaggerty, a veteran himself, says he convinced Rickey Jones to join up. He can't believe Sgt. Jones' memory would be attacked in this way. "It's wrong. He would come home on leave. His friends (were) very respectful to my wife and my family. He was a very good kid."

Swaggerty supports a move in the legislature to keep protesters back from military funerals.

Neighbor Ousley agrees. "He just went over there for us. I think it is awful."

Services for Sgt. Jones are set for next Monday. In the meantime Kokomo Police have increased patrols around his family's house.

Sicko Fred Phelps as far as I'm concerned can say whatever he wants to say, but he doesn't have a right to invade the grief of a devastated family to deliver that message. I have joined the Patriot Guard Riders and if you care about the troops and their families you should too.

Also, the good folks over at Euphoric Reality have provided an address for Sgt. Jones family. Let's draw our national arms around them and remind them that we value and appreciate their son's sacrifice as well as their own.

Kokomo High School

2501 S. Berkley Road

Kokomo, Indiana 46902

No matter your position on free speech, as a practical matter we must honor our fallen soldiers and the families who are hurting and protect them form these hate filled voices. Please take the time to send a card and reaffirm your love for this country and those families who have given all that we may remain free.

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