Coloradans Protest Statue of Fallen Soldier

Men's News Daily ^ | April 10, 2007 | Warner Todd Huston

[buccaneer81]

Coloradans Protest Statue of Fallen Soldier

April 10, 2007 at 12:22 pm When reading about the story of protests in Colorado over the raising of a memorial statue to a fallen U.S. Soldier, one is tempted to feel that Americans have lost every vestige of manhood that it ever possessed. Just the very fact that someone would be so free of patriotism and testosterone that they’d protest this statue should be enough to affirm that there are no men left in the nation… or at least in the state of Colorado. Fortunately, the final analysis of the case tends to affirm the opposite, but the very fact that someone was ignorant enough to protest this memorial to an American hero is enough to rankle the American spirit.

Danny Dietz was a Navy SEAL from Littleton, Colorado who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 28th, 2005. Dietz’ family and the City of Littleton combined efforts to have a statue to his memory erected near Goddard Middle School, Centennial Elementary and Community School for the Gifted.

The statue is a representation of the young Dietz in a kneeling position, in full battle dress, matching one of the last pictures taken of him in the field in Afghanistan. He wears his battle harness with clips and pockets about his chest and cradled in his arms is, of course, his service weapon.

Naturally, it is the presence of the weapon that caused the love of community and patriotism to drain right out of the hearts of some of Littleton’s weakest citizens. Why, we can’t have a statue to a fallen soldier carrying a weapon, right? That would be so gauche, wouldn’t it? And this monstrous statue is to be put near a school, yet! What, they must think, will become of us all if our children could catch a glimpse of an evil, evil gun in the hands of an imperialist oppressor as they toddled off to school each day? Shouldn’t this statue be shoved far off into a corner where no one will have the misfortune to be forced to view it, they probably wonder?

To bolster their fainthearted and self immolating case, the protesters use the shootings at Columbine as a reason for their concerns. It will be remembered that the Columbine shootings were perpetrated nearby and these overly protective and anti-American “citizens” fear that this statue will somehow cause children to relive that horrible incident every time they pass the statue — even though many of the children that will be attending the schools near the memorial site weren’t even old enough to remember the incident, some not even yet alive.

According to reports, the ringleader of the wimp brigade is Linda Cuesta whose child was attending Columbine High School during the attacks in 1999. She claimed that it would somehow be a mistake to put the statue where hundreds of children would pass it every day.

“After our experience with Columbine and the clear message of nonviolence that we teach within the Littleton schools - honestly, what are we thinking?” Cuesta babbled.

Yes, what are we thinking, Linda?

Are we thinking about raising a statue to a wild-eyed, misfit who brought a gun to school and murdered his fellow students before being a coward enough to off himself? Or are we thinking about memorializing the bravery of a fallen soldier who risked his life in Afghanistan to fight for the right of children there to even be allowed to attend a school?

And are we talking about a community of children so feint of heart as to lapse into a state of perpetual fear just at the sight of this memorial? Further, are we assuming that Littleton’s children are so stupid that they cannot tell the difference between a murderer and a member of the U.S. Military who fell in battle?

What are we thinking?

After listening to your tirade Mz. Cuesta, I’m thinking about how badly you have educated your children if they cannot tell the difference between a murderer and a soldier. I’m thinking about how you are teaching them that America is evil, that guns are evil, that the military should be despised, that the desires of the majority of the community should be trampled upon by the tender sensibilities of the mentally unbalanced of your area? I am also thinking of why your husband has allowed himself to be so cowed by you that he doesn’t speak sense to you to stop this foolish campaign?

What are we thinking, indeed?

Needless to say the protests came as a shock to many in the community.

State Senator Steve Ward couldn’t understand the protest of the memorial. “This is pathetic,” he said. “What’s next? Take the bombs bursting in air out of the Star Spangled Banner?”

The Dietz family was also floored by the affront.

Cindy Dietz, the Mother of the fallen, said, “The last few days have been pretty difficult for our family, but not nearly as difficult as losing our son. We understand that a small number of people don’t want us to erect this sculpture. Ironically, D.J. died defending their right to disagree.”

“Difficult”, she says.

During a time when a quite gratitude and resolve should be experienced by the grieving family of a fallen hero, these ignorant fools bring “difficulty” to the family by trying to whip up opposition to the memorial for their son. Bringing an anti-gun, anti-military political argument into the lives of a family whose son has given his last full measure for his country is inexcusable and cruel.

However, I am gratified that the attempts of these few anti-social, extremists to politicize the clearly unpolitical have failed miserably. Despite their attempts to wreak havoc, the memorial will go ahead, the plans not altered by the scare tactics or protests.

After a unanimous approval, City officials are proceeding with the contract for the sculpture and all plans will proceed with no deviation.

City Spokesman Chris Harguth said, “We respect that there are differing opinions out there, and we respect the right of our citizens to voice their opinions.” But he went on to say, “The feedback we’ve received in the city manager’s office has been overwhelmingly in favor of this project.”

So, we can rest assured that the skulking, hatemongers of Littleton got their chance to speak out against the U.S. Military, got to air their vitriol at the Deitz family, and got the chance to try and bring their fringe political agenda to the table to derail this memorial. Their shrill voice was heard.

The system worked. Our American principles of freedom of speech and freedom of political expression were fulfilled. Sadly, propriety and comportment were eschewed, but at least the worst of society lost this particular battle.

And the best thing is that the City of Littleton got to prove that they do, indeed, have some resolve left in their spines and that their patriotism is not to be doubted despite the few of their citizens that do not deserve the freedoms they have, freedoms that Danny Deitz died to protect.

The memorial is set for July 4th of this year and if you are anywhere near Littlleton, Colorado, stop by the park and participate in a moment of silence for an true American hero.

Rest in Peace Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Deitz. Thanks for your service from a grateful nation.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Anybody who can’t tell a Soldier from a murderer is a brain-dead moron. This what political correctness has come to. I can see someone objecting to this statue. But in the old days, 99% of the population would have laughed them into shame. Now, half the people support them.

[frankenMonkey]

Having lived in the Columbine area during and after the shootings, I can attest to the fact that there are a small group of people there to whom “Columbine” is their claim to fame, and rationalization for getting their mugs on TV. It’s a cottage industry.

[GingisK]

...so free of patriotism and testosterone that they’d protest this statue should be enough to affirm that there are no men left in the nation...

I have been sorely disappointed with the people in this Nation for many years. We are observing "End of Empire" from a very short distance.

[bravo whiskey]

in pondering the question of whether it was appropriate to present children with frightening images, C.S. Lewis answered:

“Since it is so likely they wil meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.”

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Well, maybe Michael Moron can go back there and make a mockumentary about how “Everybody” is opposed to the memorial.

[Tannerone]

This small group of anti-anti people want to force their beliefs on the silent majority. You can bet your sweet bippie this anti group would be all for a porn statue at the schools entrance.

I personally find the whole of congress gutless and repulsive. They would kill their own family to be reelected.

[buccaneer81]

Now being reported on Fox News...

[Rushmore Rocks]

That wonderful statue could and should also send a message of patriotism and bravery. It is a wonderful tribute to this fine American who gave all he had so that others could speak freely. I just wish those who oppose it would recogize the reason this young man died.

[concentric circles]

"A four-man Navy SEAL team had gone behind enemy lines to capture or kill a key militant leader named Ahmad Shah, also known as Mulla Ismail. The operation known as Red Wing turned disastrous, however, after the SEALS were discovered.

"The SEALS were in the Hindu Kush at 10,000 feet on June 28, 2005, when Taliban sympathizers spotted them and told Taliban fighters. At least 30 fighters arrived and surrounded the team.

"A fierce fight erupted. About 45 minutes into it, Lt. Michael Murphy, 29, contacted Bagram Air Base for help.

"An MH-47 Chinook helicopter loaded with eight SEALS and eight Army soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment took off to rescue the embattled team. But when it arrived the Chinook was shot down. Everyone aboard was killed. It was the worst single-day loss to U.S. forces since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom in September 2001.

"Eventually a rescue team did land safely but it was too late for most of the SEALS.

"The bodies of Murphy and Petty Officer Danny Dietz. 25, were found near each other. The body of Petty Officer Matthew Axelson, 29, was found nearby.

"One SEAL survived and later contacted his buddies' families. He told Dietz's father, Dan, that his son knew he was going to die and "so he fought very hard," Dan Dietz says.

"Dietz's medal citation says he stayed behind "in a hailstorm of enemy fire" and, despite being wounded, "fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight until he was mortally wounded."

"Axelson had multiple injuries, including a badly bleeding head wound, before he died, says his widow, Cindy Oji Axelson.

"The surviving team member "told me about his last moments with my husband," Axelson says. "He told me that Matt had said to tell me that he loved me. He knew he was dying. I think he looked at the survivor and said 'Do what you can to make it out,'"

"His medal citation says Axelson "advised (his teammate) to escape while he provided cover fire. With total disregard to his own life and thinking only of his teammate's survival, he continued to attack the enemy, eliminating additional militia fighters, until he was mortally wounded."

"The surviving SEAL hid out for several days. He resurfaced in a friendly Afghan village and was rescued.

"Dietz, Axelson and the survivor were each awarded the Navy Cross."

[buccaneer81]

Thanks for that post.

[Oztrich Boy]

I can see someone objecting to this statue. But in the old days, 99% of the population would have laughed them into shame. Now, half the people support them.

Actually the e-mails to the paper are running 390 against her, 4 for her. (not that much below 99%)

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Sad, but it makes sense. I should have looked to “follow the money” or 15 minutes of fame. There is always one in every crowd, isn’t there?

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Neat answer from Mr. Lewis. The thing is, the kids can take it. It is these whacked-out anti-war dopes that can’t take it.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Music to my ears. Thank you very much for the uplifting follow-up. Nice to hear that people are still sensible in some places in America.

With all of the ex-Californians flocking to Denver, I never can tell how bad the libs have ruined things there. I live in San Francisco, and I see it every day. Californian liberals seem to ruin everything they touch.

[goldstategop]

There are treasonous libs in Littleton, Colorado devoid of patriotism and love of country. No wonder they don't want to honor a national hero with a statue.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Gondring]

ping