Posted on 08/31/2006 5:31:03 AM PDT by NavyCanDo
A uniformed National Guardsman was beaten by a strangers as he walked to a convenience store in Parkland, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department reported Wednesday. Investigators suspect the man was attacked because of his uniform. “The indication is it’s because he was a soldier,” sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said. “There are some specific questions (the attackers asked) that were military related and what his involvement in the war was.” No arrests have been made in the Tuesday morning attack, and Pierce County sheriff’s deputies were seeking the public’s help in identifying the attackers. The soldier, 22, was walking on 138th Street South between A Street South and Pacific Avenue about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday when an SUV pulled up beside him, deputies reported. The driver asked the soldier if he were in the military and if he’d seen any action. The driver got out of the vehicle, pulled a gun and shouted insults at the soldier, deputies reported. Four others then got out of the vehicle, knocked the soldier to the ground, and punched and kicked him. The five attackers then got back into the black SUV and drove away. The soldier suffered minor injuries and did not receive medical treatment. The attackers did not take anything from him, Troyer said. The driver of the vehicle was described as a white man, 25 to 30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and with a heavy build. He had short, blond hair and wore a black T-shirt and jeans. The passengers were young men. Some wore red baseball hats and red sweatshirts.
"soon as you start punishing people for their state of mind or their thoughts instead of for their actions..."
We've always done that though. Increasing the penalty because of a subjective analysis of the perp's thought processes is a routine part of all sentencing--not just for hate crimes. Sometimes, the mental state is even necessary to get a conviction altogether.
And yes, it is somewhat arbitrary, which is why the legislature has different degrees of criminality, and also why they have sentencing guidelines.
"But we are here at FR going to do anything about this, beyond a few angry words on threads?"
What do you have in mind? Seems to me that the cops are going to be looking for these cretins, already.
When I first heard about this story, Twanna Brawley came to mind; but seeing now this was in Washington State, it has a bit more credence.
I'll have to go check on updates and see if they have more details and collaboration now.
Somehow I still find it hard to believe that anyone could do such a dispicable thing.
I can't type the word that just flew out of my mouth.
What would you expect the description to be? Tall black men in tukes? /sarcasm
Maybe a nicely worded note to the Sheriff's Dept. saying we support them throwing the book at the jerkwads?
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/sheriff/default.htm
But, but, I thought the Northwest was home to the tolerant people? You mean that they are hypocrites?
Sent to pcsheriff@co.pierce.wa.us
Dear Sheriff Troyer,
I read the story about the National Guardsman who was held at gunpoint and beaten, and I hope that you will continue to put forth every effort to find the men responsible for this hideous act.
I also wanted to ask if there's a way to donate to the reward fund?
Thank you!
starcmc
city, state
As far as doing something about this hostile environment toward our troops?
Put on your thinking cap. I know there are a ton of other suggestions. But one of the reasons this crap is occurring (again), is because these sleazeballs think this really is Vietnam, Part II. We all need to get off our duffs and show them it's not.
In other words, no.
That's another great suggestion, Jaz!
"I thought the Northwest was home to the tolerant people"
I would be willing to bet that Washington has more anti-war protest at the gate of military bases than any other state. I have joined support-the-troops groups that have showed up at some of these protest to stand up to these creeps face to face, and I can tell you they are full of hate. Much bolder than the protesters of the 1960's and in much greater numbers.
Thanks for the link Star, I will be contacting.
I have run into some very hateful people here in the Midwest. The other night I was given the finger by a total stranger on my way home from work. She looked normal, mid 20s, but had so much hatred for my bumper stickers that she was forced to role down her window and flip me off.
I feel sorry for people like that.
For many you are absolutely correct.
No problem!!
Hey!! Where in MO are you?? Local to St. Louis area here! :-)
those sorry, no good, stinking, rotten SOBs! May they meet RANGERs from Fort Lewis and try that crap or better yet some Navy SEALS!
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