Roy Exum
The Marine Times has reported that Purple Heart packages are being prepared for the service members who were killed or wounded after the attack on the Navy Operational Support Center in Chattanooga “if” … the FBI declares the shooter had ties to a terrorist organization.
Thus far the FBI has labeled Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez as a “homegrown violent extremist,” which falls short of the award’s criteria. To receive a Purple Heart, “it must be demonstrated that active-duty troops were killed or wounded by someone in contact with or inspired and motivated by a terrorist organization.”
Fittingly, the first comment from the readers was a terse, “That must be a great comfort to their families.”
“If” the FBI determines Abdulazeez was radicalized prior to his “lone wolf” attack, a Purple Heart will also be awarded to Marine Sgt.
DeMonte Cheeley, who was injured by the spraying bullets the radical Muslim fired into the Amnicola Highway facility, knowing it was a “gun free” zone.
Marines Lance Cpl. Squire "Skip" Wells, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, from Hampden, Mass., Sgt. Carson Holmquist, of Polk, Wisc., and Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, of Burke, N.C. were all killed in the July 16 attack. Navy Petty Officer Randall Smith also died in the attack from wounds two days later.
According to a story in the Military Times, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain told a Washington, D.C., newspaper that he will seek the medal for the service members, but that new legislation may be required to make sure the victims are eligible.
Just for funzies, let’s listen to ‘The Heart of America’ choir after Fox News picked up on the story. Here are some of the comments:
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Larry Miller, U.S. Navy writes, “These awards need to be presented to the families now. We were late on the half mast flags so don't cause the families additional grief by delaying these medals. And why in hell have we let the FBI get their nose in military business? The military sure … has no say in the FBI awards system.”
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A comment from Johnny Be Good’s Facebook page: ‘Having the FBI prove that this was terrorism has the smell of Obama all over it. Sounds to me like he's having the FBI drag their feet instead of them stating the obvious...if we can figure out that it's terrorism, why can't they?”
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Joshisgems comments, “Do we really believe Barry (President Obama) is going to allow the soldiers to receive Purple Hearts? IF it can be proven the shooter had ties to terrorism? IF? Really? The Fort Hood victims were just approved recently, and they are having to fight to get benefits, because the “president” has chosen to call it “workplace violence.”
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From mal2cats: 1. We are at war with terrorism, 2. Terrorism is not restricted to one ethinticity, religion or county, 3. This war has no front lines – it is everywhere, 4. Any military personnel on duty or killed because they are in our Armed Forces should receive all benefits as if they were killed or injured on a declared battlefield.”
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Skinnerton 33 writes, “That …. ‘If the gunman had terrorist ties’ …. should be obvious.”
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Joshisgems is back: “Good morning, Patriots, from the Heart of Dixie. It was another bloody night in the Jungle (Chicago) – another hood-rat shot and killed, 14 more shot and wounded. Current stats from ChiCongo – January 1, 2015 to present: 229 hoods shot and killed, 1301 hoodrats shot and wounded. Total homicides for the year: 263 (80 percent black, 17 percent Hispanic, the rest white or Asian)
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A guy going by the name, everyonehatesanobama, offers: “Obama only lowered the flag to honor the shoooter.”
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Libertyaboveall was indignant: “Well of course the gunman had terrorist ties. Take a look at him … then take a look at what he did. Radical Islam … shooting U.S. military personnel specifically. And you think he was a member of what? Mothers Against Drunk Driving???”
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“Blaaaa” chimes in, “Imagine if they find no terror connection. Then they’ll be forced to recognize the ‘motive.’ And this would open a huge can of worms because millions of people “falsely believe” that motive to be Islam, the ‘religion of peace.’ The ‘religion of peace’ has caused more deaths trying to convince us of its loving tolerant beliefs. I do not need to be decapitated to prove it to me.”
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From Slumbum: “Qualification shouldn’t be necessary in this instance for the Purple Heart. Give it to them regardless! They certainly earned it and more … Arm and equip the military within our borders so they at least stand a fighting chance to defend themselves. Local law enforcement can’t get to them soon enough and is not a deterrent.”
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MaximBoyarsky writes, “Even it they were eligible for the Purple Heart it will not bring them back to their families. America has big problems with security today: any person may buy a weaon, and no one knows what he is going to do with it. (Amendment) 2-a needs to be reworked, I think.
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Happycamper’s view: “Read the firearms purchase form and you’ll see not everyone can buy a gun over the counter. But, yes, anyone can buy a gun. More laws won’t change that. Ever.”
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MaxinBoyarsky fires back: “That was a very bad gun that killed those servicemen! I am sure the person firing it had no control.”
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Reading those remarks makes me believe you get the pulse our country as we still bury those who were killed in – what I believe – was a terrorist attack.
royexum@aol.com