by Tina Grazier
I need to say it. I’m extremely offended by certain members of the American media who seem to go out of their way to insult and demean our returning soldiers. We see examples of this negative reporting nearly every day. The seriousness of the problem was highlighted by veteran Steve Russell in the Weekly Standard:
IN THE LAST several weeks I have learned a great deal about myself, thanks to all the wonderful media reports about serving and returning war veterans. For example, I have learned that I might want to kill my wife because of the trauma of war. Or, if I have no beef with my family, that I might go after my neighbors instead. Or if there are no other handy targets for my aggression, I might go after myself. – Steve Russell, WeeklyStandard.
There is no excuse for blanket insinuations against our service men and women. Reports of occassional incidents should be made like any other. The entire real estate profession wouldn’t be smeared if a handfull of realtors were found to be guilty of theft in the neighborhood, why should the entire military be demeaned because of the actions of a few? Very little is reported about the achievements and successes of our returning veterans. Highlighting these would at least offer some perspective. This is a serious offense made by those who have the power to shape opinion and imprint on our society.
The following offers a bit of balance:
KEENE She hadn’t expected him home until April, but last night, Elizabeth Penn cried tears of joy as she embraced her father, David Penn, a New Hampshire Army National Guard soldier home from Iraq on a two-week leave. A freshman at Keene State College, Elizabeth had just walked into a semi-formal dance at Holloway Hall when the song “Hero” by Mariah Carey started to play. ** That’s when Elizabeth saw her father, dressed in fatigues, carrying a bouquet of flowers and a stuffed animal. – Kristen Senz, Union Leader, Manchester,NH
This simple little hometown story more accurately reflects the average experiences of our returning soldiers. They come home to family and friends…they have hopes and dreams of a bright future. They have acquired the discipline necessary for achievement and they are, no doubt, more aware of the preciousness of life than any of us can ever imagine. They deserve to be honored not to be scorned.
David Penn brought “flowers and a stuffed animal” for his sweet young daughter…this snapshot of a soldiers return is nothing like the more sinister images that other stories are purposely meant to invoke.
Yes, I resent the way our soldiers are portrayed…and I resent that they must endure this insult.