(Marine Corps Times) Opinion: Hate messages should be banned on base

[unhappycamper]

Hate messages should be banned on base
By Josh Gibbs

I recently read an article about retired Gunnery Sgt. Jesse Nieto, now a civilian employee working aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., whose personal vehicle is adorned with bumper stickers displaying slogans such as “Islam = Terrorism,” “Disgrace my country’s flag and I will s--- on your Quran,” and an image of the popular cartoon character Calvin urinating on a Muslim (“Freedom of speech? Nov. 24). This displays ignorance, not patriotism.

I understand the source of Mr. Nieto’s frustration; he lost his son, a sailor, in the attack eight years ago on the destroyer Cole. However, his displays of hate speech dishonor the memory of his son’s sacrifice.

Our military fights for freedom from intolerance, standing against those who would subject a group of people to ridicule or harm simply based on the color of their skin or the faith in which they believe. And so long as he works on a military base inhabited by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike, those people should not be subjected to his false bravado.

Dead center on Mr. Nieto’s rear windshield is a large Islamic symbol, circled with a red slash through it. It reads, “We Died. They Rejoiced.” My wife is a Muslim, as is her family. There was no rejoicing from them on Sept. 11, 2001. They mourned alongside the rest of us.

Nor did they rejoice when I was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2004. Instead, they prayed for me and all of my Marines and sailors to return home safely. They did not rejoice during the numerous funerals for fallen comrades that I have attended. No, they shared my grief and ensured that I never took their sacrifice in vain. It saddens me to think that despite all of their love and support, there are still those like Mr. Nieto who believe them to be our enemy in the war against terrorism.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/community/opinion/marine_backtalk_hate_122908/%2e

[Divine Discontent]

1. K&R

they shouldn't be subjected to macho bullshit. I'm a Christian, and I feel horrible every time I see someone died in India from religious intolerance - our fighting forces are supposed to be fighting for freedom - what the HELL do some of them think that really means? They never took the time to think about it, obviously. It's so people who are Muslim, Jewish, Christian Atheist, don't have to have clear hate speech directed at them through things like "I'll S*** on your Quran".

Good to see where this appeared online!