Just got a threat in my town

[Mari333]

went to pick up the mail. My letter against the war was posted yesterday. I did mention I am the mother of a soldier in Iraq.
Its a small town. I went to the Post Office, and as I was driving out, a man in a large truck looked at me with such hatred in his eyes it was beyond belief. He pointed his finger at me ...like "YOU...!" and it was threatening.
I took down his license plate number and called my friend, Trooper in town.
This is scary. I wont stop speaking out though.

[kalian]

1. Sorry to hear that....

but I am glad that you reported it to the authorities.
These thugs have to be confronted and please, don't stop speaking
out. We all need to be brave.

[Mari333]

2. Have a camera mounted on my garage

we will keep a tape going all night long and hopefully these are only cowards who wont hurt us.
I still feel like moving. But I wont stop speaking out. I wonder if they will hurt us as more of bu$h lies are exposed tho.
They can be vicious when their boyKing is shown for what he is.

[Bluzmann57]

3. Gawd ain't life grand

here in right wing Amerika? Hope that bastard gets what he deserves. Keep on speaking out, screw him and others like him.

[Hubert Flottz]

4. People like that don't ever pick on anyone who can whip them!

It's like Bush jumping on Iraq only on a smaller scale! Get you a stunn gun! Set it on Broil and call them like you see them! My brother-in-law leaves for Iraq next month an he's 53 and did 2 tours in Viet Nam! He and my sister hate Bush worse than I do, if that's possible! He can't get out of the ERs because of "stop Loss"!

[Mari333]

7. Im so sorry. Im so very sorry.

this is insane. Its like, November is too far away. Bush should be thrown out now, the kids should be brought home, this has got to end. this nightmare has GOT to end.

[PaDUer]

20. You're so very right..

he should be thrown out NOW..With everything coming out on him now, they're desperate and will go to any extreme to coverup for their boy..I feel we can't wait until November due to the gang letting another event occur, thus declaring Martial Law and cancel the elections..We can't let them get away with this any further..We see how they use their bully tactics, scouring the paths for someone to say what they want--wonder how much they offered the latest guy to say he saw him on base..Remember how fast they worked to get Clinton impeached, WHY aren't they working on getting the imposter out NOW.

[lovedems]

5. Posted in your newspaper?

This is more of that bullshit like the responses to that poor family who lost their 24 year old son, Seth.

I feel for you. I am still smarting from that article yesterday and complained to my husband about it all night.

What in the hell is wrong with people Mari? What has happened that you, a mother of a YOUNG boy in Iraq, gets threats because you disagree with the war? My country is slipping away right before my very eyes and I see so many people who want to vote 3rd party or not vote. I feel desperate. I feel like we need all the help we can get or war will break out on our very streets.

I am sorry that you felt threatened by someone who is obviously a dumbass. So sorry.

[Mari333]

6. If I see him again Im going to confront him

and tell him I reported him to my Officer friend. I will not allow these angry assholes to tell me what I can say or not say. How dare they. How rude.
I also dont want to die, or be hurt, but by god how dare they. what assholes.
San Francisco does sound like a nice place to live tho.
ya it was in my small town newspaper. oh well. Im not going to let some man in a truck tell me what to do.
but san francisco still looks better and better to me.

[stopthegop]

9. his actions sound rude...

but if all he did was point his finger and give you a mean look I'm not sure your policeman friend can do anything about it...

[Mari333]

12. Im keeping a paper trail

just in case

[reprobate]

22. Mari, a suggestion. Send another letter to the paper.

Describe the actions this ass did, and decry the fact that a patriot can be threatened by these stupid people.

[sangha]

47. I suggest you DO NOT confront the man

if you see him again. You have nothing to gain. It's not likely you're going to convince him to vote Dem, and there's no good, IMO, in tempting fate. The man is obviously not to bright, and not very calm either.

You're doing God's work, here. Don't risk it for pride.

And I'm not suggesting you're an egotist or anything like that. It's normal human nature to want to strike back somehow when someone hurts you. I'm just suggesting that you resist that urge, and concentrate on the good work you are doing.

[reprobate]

21. Yes he can. It's called 'assault'

Most don't know that all that's necessary for a charge of assault is to threaten someone and make them fear for their lives. This looks like it could meet that requirement. At least enough to put the fear into that ass.

[kalian]

25. Remind that moron that he is free to enlist....

and go fight in shrub's little pathetic oil grab wars.

[rasputin1952]

32. People like that guy are cowards...

he confronts a woman from a truck! This is what being RW is? Glad I'm not there.

He didn't have the courtesy to confront you on equal terms, he is a coward, and cowards always get their due. Do you know this creep, does he have a child in harms way? Is he too old to enlist? If he feels this war is such a good idea, perhaps he should go fight it, or put HIS kids in the truck and have drive them to the recruiter.

Unless these people are willing to sacrifice what they possess, or are willing to go into harms way, I tell them to shut up. They ALWAYS stand their with their mouths open, a blank stare. It is simply a point of putting them into a position where they have to put up, or shut up. I hold them to the task whenever i get the chance. It is easy to want war, when you don't have to sacrifice anything for it, war comes with a price, a terrible price. If you are not willing to pay that price, you should not want to enter a war, especially this nightmare. It was based on LIES, and this administration is looking to profit from it. May they all spend a fine time in hell.

:grr: I HATE hypocrites!

[davsand]

8. I still urge you to begin a yellow ribbon campaign.

I really feel that what you are doing is terribly important, but I also think you will strengthen your case by focusing on bringing those boys home NOW and on the idea that these are our KIDS--let's work to protect them, and let's respect them for the sacrifices they and their families make.

Peace to you and please keep safe. We've had too many lost to this mess already.


Laura

[AngryAmish]

10. Yellow ribbon campaigns are a bad idea

The song was about a guy getting out of jail. Not fair to the troops and all...

[Mari333]

11. There are yellow ribbons up all over

problem is, they are people who support bu$sh and arent willing to say its his agenda thats killing our kids..they are faux flag waving morons, who say they support the troops but wont f*cking do anything to dump Bu$h

[davsand]

18. How about a campaign to send care packages to the troops?

If the idea of ribbons is not a good one, then maybe THAT would change it for you. You speak out of love for your kids and all the others over there--I can't think of anyone except a Mom who could speak with the passion you carry...

It is a stone cold bitch that the Chickenhawks there locally don't see that.

I offer no criticism of you for what you do or how you choose to do it--OK? I want you to stay safe, and I'd like for you to be able to go to the post office or the grocery store without fear of threats. Please know that you have my support and love.

I will tell you that it is not limited to just you, however. Dissent is the new threat, and we may as well recognize it. We have ALL got to do a better job of pointing out that we speak out of love for our kids and our nation.

Just a week or so ago, I was at the grocery store and my purse was sitting on the child seat of the cart (yeah--It is a small town!) Anyhow, I have several protest buttons on there, and they were showing as I went up and down the aisles. One in particular is a HUGE orange and black one that says "BUSH LIED!!" on it.

Some old lady (looked like she had a lot of cash given the jewelry she was wearing) looked over, saw that button and spits out at me, "IF you hate it here so much why don't you just leave." Luckily, my six year old was not with me.

I started out calmly enough--by reminding her that this nation was founded by political dissent and that I consider it my duty as an American to speak out when I disagree--and she was stupid enough to scream at me that if I don't support the President I have no patriotism.

It went downhill from there with me raising my voice and telling her it takes a hell of a lot more work to read media critically and be informed than it takes to open my head and let Faux news shovel in the shit.

I asked her point blank if she had any idea about the number of lies this administration has spun, and did she realize that this invasion of Iraq was planned BEFORE 9/11...

I asked her if she had any idea that we let the Bin Laden Family members leave the US while our domestic flights were still grounded from 9/11...

I asked if she had any idea of the long standing business relationship the bush family has with the Bin laden family...

I asked her if she had any idea that Daddy Bush was making money hand over fist off this mess in Iraq and that Halliburton was padding the bills for underfeeding our troops...

I even asked her if she realized our boys are over there without adequate body armor--that they are buying it for themselves...

I then asked her if she had a kid or even a grandkid over there.

It was ugly and painful, but I'm like you--I've had enough. The thing is, there are a huge number of people who do not realize this stuff. There are stupid people--that is true--and they are gonna love any kind of war because they love the "glory" of it all. There are also people who just don't know.

My heart to you. We have got to do this for the kids over there.

Laura

[Mari333]

31. what is it with people????

why are they trying so hard to justify this? they still go on and on about 9/11 like Iraq had anything to do with it? they sure fell for the spin!
Gads its insane..who the F are these people? dont they f*cking read?
Ya its time to fight back. No more Mr Nice Guy.

[Blue Gardener]

46. That's the problem, they don't read

They get all of their information from Rush on the radio, Faux "news", or their beer buddies at the bar. God forbid they should try to find out the truth on their own. That would require actual use of their brain.

[YNGW]

13. Threat

Hate to hear that.

He already accomplished what he wanted, he has you scared, and he didn't even have to fire a shot.

Even if Kerry is elected, this war in Iraq and other nations is not over, so November won't matter at all. We can't pull our troops out or there will be chaos The UN can't handle it, nor will any new countries suddenly "discover" they want to help out. We're in this for a long time.

[loudnclear]

14. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be sure to VOTE in Nov.

There comes a time in everyone's life when you just have to stand up to bullies!

[dand]

15. Don't be intimidated,

This coward will turn to jello if your trooper friend confronts him, if you were a male he would tuck tail and run. God bless you for speaking out, we need more like you.

[Cleita]

16. Remember that this is why Jesus was crucified because he

dared to question the lies and corruption of his times. You may not want to become a martyr and no one would blame you for backing off so think carefully how far you are willing to go with this.

[Ilsa]

17. Consider organizing a blood drive for the troops instead.

It will remind people of the truth.

Please be careful, Mari. Those people are nuts.

[rasputin1952]

34. These people would not give a drop of blood...

either in a blood drive, or on the fields of battle; they are cowards.

In a small community though, they would be shamed by not showing up for a blood drive, and it is one more reason to question their 'fakeriotism'.

O8)

[loftycity]

19. Organize care packs for the guys in Iraq and write the newspaper again

Maybe you should write the editor about the scary story and write that you had to call a trooper.
That might help with putting these right wing nuts in their place.

I'm so surprised by their self righteousness and ignorance..it is so out of control. They celebrate their stupidity and they think they're so hip..it is so weird. And, I see it everyday. It is so sad that this country is turning into a fascist nation.

[Mari333]

23. Maybe Ill do just that if this happens again

usually they do it by keying my car and stuff.
when bU$h talks about evildoers who are cowards, he is projecting about himself and people like this.

[Mari333]

30. I started a military families support group

so Ive done that anyway. They are all furious and many of them feel so alone. specially in THIS small disgusting town.

[stepnw1f]

24. I've gotten a bunch of threats beginning last night

It actually began after I had sent an email to some group providing Scholarships to White people. I was infuriated. So, I emailed them, letting them know people of all types were watching them. Well, soon after I was receiving all kinds of mail. Some threats, but mainly rants against gays and lesbians. One guy apologized, which was cool, and almost hired me to design a brochure for him. I also received an email from a radio talk show host wanting to speak to for 5-10 minutes. Probably regarding the email I had sent this group.

[Mari333]

28. gads! well at least one person apologized

I have a feeling things will get worse as the boy king is exposed.
People will look for anyone to scapegoat as lies are uncovered.

[ninkasi]

26. I'm so sorry, Mari

It's bad enough that you and the others who have loved ones in Irag are in daily agony, wondering if their loved ones are safe; now you are being subjected to the vicious hatred of these ignorant low lifes.

I'm furious. I have never been so ashamed of the actions of some of my fellow citizens. The cons have bullied, pushed, shoved, crammed down our throats, lied, you name it, and I'm sick of it. It has to come to an end this November. I feel as if my country is the traitor. It has changed so much from the country it used to be when I grew up.

Mari, I'm 60, and I can assure you I have never been so disgusted in my life. Bush and his thugs are ruining this country, and shattering the lives of too many.

I know you worry constantly about your son's safety. It's too much to know that you also have to worry about your own. Bush is ruining this country, and sending our loved ones to die for his lies. Stay safe.

[Calico4000]

27. Hmmm...

Are you sure about this? Do you know this person? How do you know he read your article, and personally knew you wrote it?

Sounds like the guy is just your typical nut case, assuming you read him correctly.

[Mari333]

29. Its happened before. guys screaming at me

or revving their trucks up and pulling over into my lane then swerving away at the last minute.
I told the police, I think they are just cowards.
Its my Jeep. Its covered with anti war stickers and my stepsons picture. Im not the only one in town who feels this way..there are other people with REDEFEAT BUSH on their cars. Mine is dangerous I guess, because of the fact I am representing the military mom. It destroys their illusion.
Tough shit. My husband wants me to buy a gun and get a permit to carry.
Maybe I will.

[davsand]

35. At least then you aren't a "gun grabbing liberal."

I'm sorry--I know this is terribly serious, but look at it this way--if your hubby wins out at least nobody will call you a "gun grabber" or any other term for the folks who want to see stricter gun control.

I have to admit, sometimes I reflect on that old Webster quote about an armed society being a more polite one. Makes me wonder if the crap would stop flying if anyone ever DID snap...


Laura

[Bozita]

39. These folks are scary. Here's a freeper with a CCW permit ...

... and without the brains to handle it properly.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=118&topic_id=40508

[lebkuchen]

40. Mari, why not keep a low profile on your car

yet continue speaking out in the papers? Your message will reach more people than on the back of a vehicle, and you will get into fewer (potentially hazardous) altercations on the road.

You must consider your environment. There are just too many gun-toting whackos in the U.S. Even posting something novel, like "Gays against brunch" is inviting disaster in that narrow-minded country.

Consider writing to "Stars and Stripes" for a European/Middle East/Pacific audience. Your son will be proud.

[Tactical Progressive]

33. I don't know what your letter said

but I think a woman being threatened while her son is fighting in Iraq wouldn't go over too big.

You could file assault charges as assault is a threat, not an act of violence. It probably wouldn't fly BUT you might get to hear a judge address your drive-by tuff-guy's actions even if he dismisses the charge, and you can bet that wouldn't be a friendly exchange.

If you're brave enough you could go up to this guy's house and tell him you're GOING to file assault charges and why. I'm guessing he'll be alot more contrite in person than sitting up high in his truck driving by, and that would probably be the end of it.

Anybody who feels so strongly about the war that they actually harass worried mothers of soldiers now in Iraq, should have already enlisted for duty themselves. Everybody knows the troops are stretched thin, so what's their excuse?

[donsu]

36. you are not alone in being threatened

happens to me too. little things that cause me trouble. things like a K being put in front of my last name so the file can't be found, calling me a communist, giving me the finger. posting a check late on purpose. put a snoop in my pc. etc.

but I'm sure other posters at DU and protesters have the same thing happening. Cripe, brown skinned nuns can't fly anymore.

Every time I start the car I wonder about a bomb, etc.

It's scary but I'm with you Mari and I want my country back and I won't shut up either.

here's a hug and a kiss

[WolverineDG]

37. I'm sorry

that happened to you, Mari. When I wrote a letter against the war last year, the paper was flooded with all kinds of responses calling me a traitor & worse, including one from someone I went to church with! I got calls from the pastor & my deacon, asking if anything was "wrong." ::eyeroll:: I guess they thought Satan got me or something. And these are otherwise very nice, sane people! Now what's worse is the paper won't print ANYTHING I write.

Also, Mari, just to let you know, thanks to your posts about the mfso.org, I've put a friend of mine in touch with them. Her son just got sent over & he's already emailed her saying he's now against the war in Iraq, now that he's seen first-hand what's going on & happening to our soldiers over there. He says they are undercounting the number of war-dead by not including in the tally those who are taken to Germany & later die there from their injuries.

I hope your step-son remains safe!
DG

[bobthedrummer]

44. Welcome to DU

WolverineDG!
:hi:

I'm with you Mari333, you are not alone, don't back off anything-I don't urge the CCW though. Even though I once had to do that for a couple of years.

When you have the truth no weapon can silence you. Share it.

[newyawker99]

45. Hi WolverineDG!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[CO Liberal]

38. I Stopped Writing Letters To My Local Paper.....

...because when I got one published, our phone would get swamped with the nastiest messages imaginable from "good Christian patriotic Americans" inviting me to "go back to Russia" and other such crap. And of course, they never left their names and called from phones that couldn't be revealed by "*69"....

[lebkuchen]

41. Write here instead:

[e-mail]

Your audience will be the DoD, US State Dept, WH, and all the deployed troops.

[rasputin1952]

42. Like I said earlier, they are cowards...

not much different than the Klan or any other group based on hatred and ignorance.

Over the years, I have seen that when in a one-on-one situation, the individual backs down in most cases. However, if there is a group, regardless of color, creed or political persuasion, they suddenly feel empowered. It is sad, truly sad, that hose who hold such convictions cannot express themselves without trying to lower themselves to a base mode. They won't discuss things with others, they will go home and call their 'crowd', complaining about a person.

I have never been afflicted with cowardice, (this has gotten me into some precarious situations), but I feel that if it is a core value of mine that is being attacked, I have no alternative but to bring the argument to their side of the court. Actually, I'm a nice guy, but I will NEVER back down from my core values: Love, Forgiveness, Compassion, Truth and Dignity. If I did, I would be just another cynical hypocrite, and THAT I could not tolerate.

O8)

[Room101]

43. Mari333 - Keep a Camera in the car

I have had many experiences similar to yours. Buy one of those cheap cameras and snap a picture next time. Never back down from these Brown Shirts I love your courage.

[sangha]

48. An excellent idea!!

Carry if around your neck, and make it your habit to take everyone's picture. When someone pulls up next to you, take their picture. They'll think twice about doing it again.