Slain soldier's mother: Anti-war protests dishonor the dead

[unhappycamper]

Slain soldier's mother: Anti-war protests dishonor the dead
David Edwards and Muriel Kane
Published: Friday September 14, 2007


Fox News spoke on Friday to the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq who is upset about anti-war protesters' plans to stage a "die-in" using the names of actual war dead.

Merrillee Carlson, national chair of Families United for our Troops and Their Mission, told Fox, "When somebody goes and abuses our son's courage and heroism by using it in this manner, it just strikes right to the heart and causes such pain that is unbelievable."

"I think the name 'die-in' is offensive," suggested one of the Fox hosts, "but I want to ask you this. Most Americans, if you ask them, cannot name one soldier or marine who's been killed in combat. ... This arguably, at least, heightens the awareness that there are people, in fact, dying in this war. ... Do you see any merit in that?"

"They're not doing it in a way to honor them," insisted Carlson. "They're doing it in a way to abuse them. to dishonor them, because they're using it anti-war. ... The protesters are going against everything that these young men and women believed in and that's what's disgraceful about it."

The anti-war protesters are not the only ones invoking the memory of those killed in Iraq. In his speech on Thursday, President Bush used the name of one of the war dead, Army Spc. Brandon Stout, to highlight the necessity of sacrifice in "a war of good and evil."


Added bonus! Faux Noise video at end of story: http://rawstory.com//news/2007/Fox_Gold_Star_mom_outraged_at_0914.html

[babylonsister]

1. OK, so let's all stay mum and count the war dead.

Is that a good way to honor them?

I disagree on so many levels, but since she is the mom of a soldier who died, I'll stop.

[havocmom]

2. My sympathies to those who have lost loved ones and can't face the truth

that it was all just so some corporations could make a bundle and steal resources.

[Webster Green]

3. Their dead children would be alive had our voices been heard in 2002..

Blame the people who were cheerleaders for the invasion, slaughter, and occupation, not the people who rallied against it.

[HereSince1628]

4. The point of free speech is diversity of speech.

The gold star mother is entitled to hers and the protestors are entitled to theirs. No one needs to agree with either or both groups.

It's a shame anyone is dying in an illegal war. But the deaths of military in war is not a reason to take away free speech rights in the domestic population.

[beyurslf]

5. I am offended that Bush uses my money and our soldiers to fight an illegal war.

You don't have the right not to be offended.

[iamahaingttta]

6. "Fox News spoke on Friday..."

When an article begins with those words, you know it's going to be nothing but propaganda.

[sarge43]

7. Mrs Carlson, condolences for your loss. I know how you feel.

However, one more time, your son took an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That Constitution, among other things, guarantees the right of We the People to "peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances".

Frankly, ma'am, you dishonor him by using his memory to lash out at people you disagree with.

His battle is over; let him rest in peace.