ZOT!! Why My Brother Died

The Los Angeles Times ^ | January 14, 2005 | Dante Zappala

[Dusty Rhodes]

COMMENTARY Why My Brother Died After two years, the government has called off its fruitless hunt for WMD. By Dante Zappala Dante Zappala is a part-time teacher in Los Angeles. January 14, 2005 This week, the White House announced, with little fanfare, that the two-year search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq had finally ended, and it acknowledged that no such weapons existed there at the time of the U.S. invasion in 2003. For many, this may be a story of only passing interest. But for me and my family, it resonates with profound depth. My brother was Sgt. Sherwood Baker. He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard deployed a year ago with his unit out of Wilkes-Barre. He said goodbye to his wife and his 9-year-old son, boarded a bus and went to Ft. Dix, N.J., to be hastily retrained. His seven years of Guard training as a forward observer was practically worthless because he would not face combat. All he needed to do was learn how to not die.

[Dusty Rhodes]

As a Vietnam-era Infantry company commander, I see similarities between the failures of this political group and the one in power under Nixon. Soldiers, most of whom are young and inexperienced are being sacrificed for undefinable military objectives. How do supporters of this administration also support the military? Those of you who have served know what I mean. Unfortunately, this question may not be answered in the freerepublic venue because I have heard that the owner of the site has a quirky view of freedom of speech. I'll be happy to discuss the points in the article if Mr. Robinson permits real discourse.

[bikepacker67]

Bubbye Troll Trash.

[TexasAg1996]

In before the ZOT. Yes!

[CAluvdubya]

Ahem, I believe a challenge has been issued.

[bikepacker67]

Those of you who have served know what I mean.

I did serve, and I don't know what you mean, and don't ASSUME that I would agree with your anti-Bush troll scat.

[PilloryHillary]

Welcome Dusty. Zot.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Look, if your sincere in this, DR, you WON'T be booted from Free Republic.

If you are screwing around with us, though, you will indeed be zotted.

It's your choice.

Welcome to FR (yesterday).

We all argure here a lot on issues, even among conservatives.

Write your own ticket and good luck.

[Arkinsaw]

I have heard that the owner of the site has a quirky view of freedom of speech

The Bill of Rights was not written to protect your demoralizing views from Mr. Robinson, it was designed to protect your demoralizing views from the government. I believe that it is YOU that doesn't understand freedom of speech.

[lavrenti]

The difference between Vietnam and the WOT and between me and you is that I hold your views with contempt and find them of no value.

Another difference is that 3000+ Americans were murdered by the same savages our soldiers are fighting in Iraq.

I'd thank you for your service, but y'know ... screw you.

[itsamelman]

bye.


.

[handy old one]

Here kitty kitty I have some aluminum foil.

[PilloryHillary]

Oh, and a Fox News Alert for ya, troll.

[2banana]

My brother stood atop his Humvee, securing the perimeter in front of a suspect building in Baghdad. But as soldiers entered the building, it exploded; the official cause is still not known. Sherwood was struck by debris in the back of his head and neck, and he was killed.

As a Special Forces Soldier in OEF I can tell you your brother died doing his duty. His country called him and he voluntarily went. Our country would be nothing without men like your brother. He died a hero.

[bikepacker67]

Look, if your sincere in this, DR, you WON'T be booted from Free Republic.

His freakin name is proof enough that he's a liberal lovin' puke.

[kika_chuck]

Of course by 'real discourse' he really means 'agree with everything I say'

[KoRn]

I see bad things in your future Dusty

Very bad things.....

[Drew68]

[Nasty McPhilthy]

Seems like I saw a similiar post over in DUmmyland?

[mountaineer]

the owner of the site has a quirky view of freedom of speech. I'll be happy to discuss the points in the article if Mr. Robinson permits real discourse.

Blahblahblah. If you knew anything about the Constitution, you'd know that the First Amendment guarantee of the right of freedom of speech applies to the government, not to private citizens.

Having said that, you're free to "discuss point" as much as you like, as long as you don't try to conceal your agenda and remain civil. Good luck.

[nicmarlo]