School cancels Vets for Freedom event for being “political” after anti-war parents politicize it; Audio: David Bellavia on the cancellation

posted at 11:10 am on March 25, 2008 by Allahpundit

Uncle Jimbo breaks the news and MM runs it down. Here’s the money quote from K-Lo at the Corner:

The patriots at Vets for Freedom were headed to Forest Lake Senior High School today with Rep. Michele Bachman. That is, until the Democratic Underground got to school administrators…

Planned was an assembly with about 150 Social Studies students. The vets — including Vets for Freedom head Pete Hegseth, a graduate of the school (and frequent NRO contributor) — were to talk about their experiences at war. According to Hegseth, “The venue was closed to the public, and we reached an agreement with the principal not to talk about anything political. We had 2 Silver Star recipients and 1 Navy Cross recipient lined up, as well as a half-dozen local veterans.”

Well, look. I wouldn’t be thrilled if Iraq Vets Against the War decided to drop by my kid’s school for a chat, even one based on an agreement “not to talk about anything political.” VFF’s National Heroes Tour is in fact explicitly political insofar as it’s about “rallying the country to complete the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.” I take Hegseth at his word that they would have avoided that and stuck to a neutral discussion of service and battle, but a parent on the other side may suspect that the political and non-political aspects aren’t as easily compartmentalized as one might hope.

Too bad for the kids, though. Read this phenomenal excerpt from VFF member David Bellavia’s book to see what they missed. Exit question one: Since the left is suddenly worried about indoctrination, what studiously apolitical, scrupulously nonpartisan nuggets might we find in the school’s history curriculum about the Iraq war, do you suppose? Exit question two: Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Update: Courtesy of Mike Gallagher’s producer, here’s Bellavia — whom you really need to acquaint yourself with, if you haven’t yet — talking about the cancellation. One of the subplots here is parents possibly worrying about their kids wanting to enlist after hearing VFF speak. Imagine: career guidance at a high school.

Blowback

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Exit question two: Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Good question. Most likely these kids hearing anti-war crap on a daily basis. Why not allow a pro-war group to make its case?

amerpundit on March 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM

Shocka….not (unfortunately).

Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM

Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Expediency and cowardice.

natesnake on March 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM

While I was saving money for grad school I worked at a local high school just outside Chicago. One of the History teachers I subbed for was a 9/11 conspiracy theorist, and one of the English rooms had a bunch of unflattering pictures of Bush up all over the place. Liberal indoctrination at public schools is alive and well.

Too bad for the kids in this case…

watchmen on March 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM

Local website True North (www.looktruenorth.com) has a contributor on the bus today. There will be updates.

LL

Lady Logician on March 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM

If we give them both sides of the story, they may become free thinkers. That’s way too frightening. We cannot allow that to happen. One side of the story is all they need.

sheesh on March 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM

natesnake on March 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM

Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner!

Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 25, 2008 at 11:21 AM

Exit question two: Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Simple, because IVAW is filled with dirtbags and liars, not medal winners.

Since when is bravery, courage and honor political? Are Republicans the only people who understand the value of sacfifice?

BohicaTwentyTwo on March 25, 2008 at 11:23 AM

Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Seems the school was more worried about the parents protesting the event.

JetBoy on March 25, 2008 at 11:24 AM

The left is all for freedom of speech as long as it’s their freedom of speech.

TooTall on March 25, 2008 at 11:27 AM

Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Expediency and cowardice*.

natesnake on March 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM

*In the form of – “can you picture the kids faces, after some Silver Star awardee comes through in his beret and full camo uniform, and then we send up some social worker PhD candidate with a sissy beard who goes to Greenpeace and Code Pink protests, to explain why he hates Bush?”

Jaibones on March 25, 2008 at 11:27 AM

Exit question two: Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

They’ve probably already been there.

Darksean on March 25, 2008 at 11:27 AM

Now, to the credit of Rosemount High School ( in MN), I and another Vietnam Marine vet were asked to speak with 2 periods of students about Vietnam. The students were respectful and some did question the morality of the war, but it was far better that we said our piece, responded to questions, and a good rapport was built without indoctrination present. A pox on the very few( I suspect) parents who complained( Code Pink and not parents maybe?). The cowardice of the school officials in Forest Lake is more appalling.

MNDavenotPC on March 25, 2008 at 11:28 AM

“Public schools” are neither public nor are they schools. They are the sole property of far left Democrats and the exist not to educate, but to indoctrinate and to funnel money and jobs to the absolutely worthless Democrat Party and the teacher’s unions.

I’m sure if a parents group got together and asked that condom distribution and instruction be curtailed, the school officials would have laughed at them.

Or at best, would have said “You can pull your child out of this class, but we’re still going to have this instruction”.

Doesn’t matter that condoms do not prevent STDs or pregnancies, condoms are sacred objects to the lunatic left.

Whereas actual relevant education on the military and a war in which our country is engaged, can be tossed aside when a few far left Democrats object to it.

NoDonkey on March 25, 2008 at 11:28 AM

You’re entitled to your views, but my kids go to a catholic school and have a school-wide campaign of adopting service members as pen pals. When the service members rotate back to the states some have shown up at the grade school in uniform to talk about their military service and how much the letters mean.

The military is a fact of life and a service upon which we all depend. There is nothing inherently wrong with representatives of the military talking to kids anymore than the local fireman or policeman.

We send our kids to school for an education and hope that they are socialized in a way that makes them good, productive citizens. The military embodies valuable attributes, country, service, honor.

I can tell you that in the same town, my nephews and nieces attend a local public school. At least one social studies teacher has made repeated statements in the classroom about her objections to the war and have characterized the administration as the “The Bush Regime.” Which is more harmful and insidious?

moxie_neanderthal on March 25, 2008 at 11:28 AM

Seems the school was more worried about the parents protesting the event.

JetBoy on March 25, 2008 at 11:24 AM

Heh. Same answer as above. Picture the loser liberal parents protesting the soldiers in front of the school, and their son is inside sitting on the Marine’s lap all starry-eyed.

Jaibones on March 25, 2008 at 11:29 AM

My daily reminded why I spend so much money sending my children to private schools.

TheBigOldDog on March 25, 2008 at 11:29 AM

I fear for the future of America.
Our moral compass is broken.
True heroes are being exchanged for media idols.
Audie Murphy has been replaced with Eddie Murphy.

natesnake on March 25, 2008 at 11:29 AM

in the school’s history curriculum about the Iraq war, do you suppose? Exit question two: Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Yes! That would be the best. Teach our children to listen to both sides of a real debate.

And I’d be the first to make a concession for this to be a reality. I think “Intelligent Design” is pure rubish that reflects badly on those who agitate for it. Yet, I’d gladly let students be required to take a course by a propagandist who knows adequate biology and is a proponent of Intelligent Design, as long as the kids have adequate time with a biologist who teaches them about evolution. Let the best ideas win!

thuja on March 25, 2008 at 11:30 AM

Don’t write off the non-DU parents quite yet. Some of those kids are going to go home upset, and we may still hear from the sane parents (even if it’s, sadly, too late for the tour).

Not everyone in MN is liberal. I mean, somebody had to elect Norm Coleman, right?

Tanya on March 25, 2008 at 11:37 AM

An all volunteer force of American heroes is at war with Islamo-fascists and then suffers fascism when they return home. Disgraceful actions by the left, who do not know what honor, integrity, sacrifice, and duty to country means.

infidel on March 25, 2008 at 11:37 AM

Steve Massey, the school principal, said the decision to cancel was prompted by concerns that the event was becoming political rather than educational and therefore was not suitable for a public school.

School administrators are so afraid of life. Zero tolerance because they can’t be put into a situation where they have to use their judgement. This event wasn’t political but there were CONCERNS. Great that these kids are learning how horrible and frightening concerns are.

MamaAJ on March 25, 2008 at 11:39 AM

It’s too bad that most of these usefull idiots will have died of old age before fully witnessing the repercussions of their anti-patriotic activities.

Liberals are the death of American culture.

natesnake on March 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM

Picture the loser liberal parents protesting the soldiers in front of the school, and their son is inside sitting on the Marine’s lap all starry-eyed.

Eee-yikes. It’s a high school, dude. Ix-nay on the aps-lay.

(Otherwise, point well taken.)

Tanya on March 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM

Sorry, but the VFF should not be balanced by “an opposing group”.

What, so they can regurgitate Democrat talking points and far left lies about the Iraq War?

We’ve all heard these until our ears bleed. I can recite them note by note.

We’ve heard all too much from the pro-Jihad, pro-treaon and the anti-American elements within our society, especially from Democrat politicians.

It’s high time actual patriots were allowed to speak. And not about politics, but about their actual experiences. “Opposing groups” would cynically and irresponsibly attempt to indoctrinate, like the lying lunatic left always does.

NoDonkey on March 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM

Since when is the military, or pride in service political? All I’m hearing is that its Democratic political agenda to be against national heroes. We need to colonize the moon so we can get these spacecases a new home.

blankminde on March 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM

I can tell you that in the same town, my nephews and nieces attend a local public school. At least one social studies teacher has made repeated statements in the classroom about her objections to the war and have characterized the administration as the “The Bush Regime.” Which is more harmful and insidious?

That’s not right. I understand that is hard for teachers to keep the students’ attention day in and day out. It’s tough. But how about instead of ranting about the “Bush Regime,” perhaps they can ask their students if they’ve been keeping up with current events. Quiz them on that. I know I had one government teacher in high school that would give us impromptu quizzes and asked students, for example, who’s currently the Secretary of State and so forth.

terryannonline on March 25, 2008 at 11:42 AM

It was either before or after Veterans Day in November at my high school. We had an assembly where a Vietnam vet gave a talk about his experience coming home from the war. The highlight that my brother and I always talk about goes something like this…

“I got off the plane and was walking across the tarmac when this girl vomited into a little plastic baggy and then threw it at me…

“WELCOME HOME, SOLDIER!”

I have no recollection who that guy was or where the school got him, but his harrowing speech really drove home for me at least just how disgraceful the left has been, is now and will continue to be in its treatment of our men and women in uniform.

If you’re expecting any kind of rationality from them, don’t get your hopes up.

Vatican Watcher on March 25, 2008 at 11:42 AM

The public school system is nothing more than a valueless pit of cowardly nothingness. This poor sick Republic is eating itself alive.

rplat on March 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM

They day we are uncomfortable having our children look at role models is the day this country is over

EricPWJohnson on March 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM

…here’s Bellavia — whom you really need to acquaint yourself with:

He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross, and received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star (v), and the Conspicuous Service Cross. In 2006 he was invited to attend the President’s State of the Union address as an honored guest. Bellavia has been the subject to some notoriety in the military for action he took on November 10, 2004, where he singlehandedly stormed a house full of insurgent fighters at night. He not only fought the attacking insurgents off, he managed to kill them all. Out of ammunition, Bellavia stabbed the last attacking insurgent to death with his pocketknife in a hand to hand combat.

What the heck, AP, right? Might as well help the kids out.

Jaibones on March 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM

Picture the loser liberal parents protesting the soldiers in front of the school, and their son is inside sitting on the Marine’s lap all starry-eyed.

Er….High School.

Imagine: career guidance at a high school.

Their concern isn’t career guidance. It’s the concern of the military competing with such lucrative careers as professional protester for Code Pink.

amerpundit on March 25, 2008 at 11:48 AM

Imagine: career guidance at a high school.

Well, obviously. Bellavia, being a hero, would distract the students from the other careers being showcased, like prostitution and drug-pushing.

All good American should line up and kick that school board in the….

emailnuevo on March 25, 2008 at 11:51 AM

NoDonkey on March 25, 2008 at 11:28 AM

Public schools, are in general, socialist incubators where children are forced to recite the propoganda of the left (including liberal Republicans like McCain). We are raising a generation that believes global warming is caused by man, that it is racist to build a wall to defend America from illegal aliens (migration of undocumented workers in the terminology of political traitors like McCain). Etc.

Forget about critical thinking skills or even the ability to write a simple paragraph. Students today don’t have time for the three “Rs” since they spend all their time on the three “Ps” (propoganda, progressivism, and populism).

highhopes on March 25, 2008 at 11:53 AM

Reason #96,118 to privatize education.

Bugler on March 25, 2008 at 11:55 AM

Can you imagine a the faces on the children, sitting at attention, leaning forward to catch every word, of the following story…….. and admiring the veteran who is telling it?

“[Captain Sean] Sims makes it clear that our initial objectives will be heavily defended. The insurgents have deployed foreign fighters on the city’s approaches. They form the outer crust of their defense-in-depth, so we will face them first. Intelligence reports tell us we’ll face Syrians, Iranians, Saudis, Filipinos, even Italians and Chechnyans. They’re well trained, ideologically motivated, and armed with ample ammunition and equipment. They’ve trained for years to kill us infidels. Some have cut their teeth in Chechnya, Afghanistan, and Somalia. They are veterans just like us – a regular Islamist all-star team.”

No, we can not have that! Not in the United States of America!

Seven Percent Solution on March 25, 2008 at 11:55 AM

Why not do the kids a favor and have both groups — Vets for Freedom and Iraqi Vets Against the War — hold a debate? They can share stories and maybe the kids might have something with which to go on.

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:02 PM

Great interview on the Update clip!

infidel on March 25, 2008 at 12:04 PM

I’m a Minnesotan so this sort of thing is old hat to me. My state has a looooong history of out of control liberalism, the Forest Lake school being just another sad example.

The cowardly principle needs to hear, vociferously, that a minority of activist parents don’t speak for the majority; let them protest if they want and rightly be considered fools for their effort. BTW, Im headed to the UofM on Thursday to keep the savages from vandalizing the recruiting offices again.

We have a strange dichotomy here in Minskesota, we produce Paul Wellstone AND the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry (Gettysburg).

Go figure.

Bishop on March 25, 2008 at 12:04 PM

As much as I respect the military, this is inextricably political and has no place in school. Ditto ‘vets against war’. The educational environment that molds our children shouldn’t be abused for political squabble.

But then, I think the whole government school system is unconstitutional and should be completely privatised. Political bullshit soon stops when your paycheck is on the line ;)

LimeyGeek on March 25, 2008 at 12:06 PM

This is a sad country that will not allow true heroes come and talk to their children. The loss is to the children, children who will never be exposed to the exploits and life and times of these service members. I grew up with stories of Audie Murphy, Alvin York and others. My parents hoped that their children would turn out to be half the person these people were. Now, instead of literally spitting on the military they hide behind a wall of political correctness and buttress their positions with legions of lawyers.
Speaking just for me, I think it has just about reached the point where the anti war and sissy crowd needs to be delivered a very forceful, and unforgetable message that we are tired of taking it and quit running from them. I have never run from a fight, but at the same time I don’t go picking them either. But like the Kenny Rogers song “Coward of the County” – Sometimes you got to fight if you’re a man.

Just A Grunt on March 25, 2008 at 12:06 PM

Iraqi Vets Against the War

Oops, Iraq Vets Against the War. But, heck, maybe hearing from Iraqis and their views of the war might be a good thing too. It’s their country that’s being destroyed, after all.

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:07 PM

But then, I think the whole government school system is unconstitutional and should be completely privatised.

The wisest thing posted at HA in months.

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:08 PM

This is a sad country that will not allow true heroes come and talk to their children.

Are you saying that the antiwar Iraq vets — who fought as courageously as any — are not heroes? What makes a hero?

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:09 PM

This is the final straw!! Minnesota liberals?….. you are about to meet the enemy and it’s ME!

MNDavenotPC on March 25, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

You can bet every kid in that school has seen An Inconvenient Truth including indoctrination by outside “experts” and the idolizing of Lord Al and the fear mongering of global warming was anything but non political.

The VFF was the opposing group. The typical liberal non-tolerance in action.

Speakup on March 25, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Why not do the kids a favor and have both groups — Vets for Freedom and Iraqi Vets Against the War — hold a debate? They can share stories and maybe the kids might have something with which to go on.

Because the purpose is to keep it non-political. These men are going to be historical figures one day, it shouldn’t be a problem for the kids to hear from them while they are still alive.

Bishop on March 25, 2008 at 12:15 PM

I heard David Bellavia on CSPAN booknotes over the weekend. His talk was captivating.

purpleslog on March 25, 2008 at 12:16 PM

Why cancel VFF instead of just inviting some opposing group to speak later?

Opposing group is there everyday, they are called Teachers

Wade on March 25, 2008 at 12:22 PM

“Public schools” are neither public nor are they schools. They are the sole property of far left Democrats and the exist not to educate, but to indoctrinate and to funnel money and jobs to the absolutely worthless Democrat Party and the teacher’s unions.

Where’s our version of Central High School? If those vets can’t enter the school without parents protesting and administrators quaking at their boots because of Democrats Underground, where the heck is the police?

Send the Gathering of Eagles to guard these vets’ entrance to the school! Let a few of those anti-war hippies shout obscenities at the vets as they enter the school, guarded – and make sure we catch it all on camera.

Then, take the pictures and spread them all over the ‘net. Make them viral! Public opinion of those anti-war hippies will go as down as worm dirt!

newton on March 25, 2008 at 12:26 PM

In the spirit of Forrest Lake High School, the Republican Party should not be spoken of in its hallowed halls and the Constitution should be suspended until the principal reviews all of its political ramifacations.

snaggletoothie on March 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM

Opposing group is there everyday, they are called Teachers

Wade on March 25, 2008 at 12:22 PM

Too true. However, 90% of teachers who nominally oppose the Iraq war would have no problem with another pointless and reckless war just so long as it’s a Democratic president calling the shots.

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:28 PM

Are you saying that the antiwar Iraq vets — who fought as courageously as any — are not heroes? What makes a hero?

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:09 PM

True heroes speak the truth. True heroes don’t go around calling attention to themselves unless it is thrust upon them. There are many heroes walking amongst us who are invisible. Do I think the IVAW guys are heroes? No, they may have experienced the same conditions, even fought in the same battles, but when it comes to their retelling of their stories they come off more like a drunken private at 2 AM in a bar trying to pick up the last women in the joint by making up outlandish stories ddesigned to impress. So many of the IVAW memebers have been discredited as to cast a shadow over all of it’s members.
I don’t think you can say the same thing for the the members of Vets for Freedom and those on the National Heroes Tour.
It all comes down to credibilty. IVAW has none, and VFF has an abundance.
I had a Vietnam vet tell once when I was a young buck, and upon seeing him in his Dress Greens for the first time and noticing among other things, an Air Medal, 2 Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and 3 Purple hearts, he said regarding medals “The living don’t want them, and the dead don’t need them”.
Until that moment you would have never known that that man had performed incredible acts under fire.

Just A Grunt on March 25, 2008 at 12:32 PM

“Public schools” are neither public nor are they schools. They are the sole property of far left Democrats and the exist not to educate, but to indoctrinate and to funnel money and jobs to the absolutely worthless Democrat Party and the teacher’s unions.”

Then why has the Republican Party essentially dropped its opposition to national public schooling (something Reagan ran on in 1980)?

The Dems don’t have a lock on the public schools, though the establishment surely does, and it is all pro war; all pro American intervention throughout the world. Public school kids aren’t being educated, though that’s not the fault of liberal teachers and bureaucrats. It’s the fault of the public school system itself. It was designed to churn out an unthinking cog, and thus has been a huge success.

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:34 PM

The Damus predicts a national groundswell of righteous indignation that will end in a severe but figurative beating for the principal of this school, and ultimately allowing them to speak on campus.

The Damus further predicts that as a means of achieving “fairness,” the 30-minutes or so that Hegseth and his gallant vets bros get to say their piece will be “balanced” by inviting every Bush/Troop/Apple Pie & Chevrolet-hating nutcase in the country to participate in a “day of education” at the school.

Mike D. on March 25, 2008 at 12:40 PM

There is no time, in school, for discussing matters involving war. Which, by the way, usually involves matters involving geography and geo-politics. Stupid things for kids to learn about.

No, there is only time for educating the calves in condom selection and in the normalization and legitimization of important things – like homosexuality and transexuality and any other “alternative lifestyles.” Oh, and, of course, there is plenty of time for educating the calves in hating America and in the wonders of Communism.

OhEssYouCowboys on March 25, 2008 at 12:50 PM

via Hugh Hewitt/Townhall.com:
Watch this new video and $1 goes to Operation Homefront, a great charity for that assists our troops and their families, until they hit 30K. The song is from John Ondrasik’s Five for Fighting, and the man behind the counter is a Medal of Honor recipient.

“Freedom Never Cries”
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/706270

Brat on March 25, 2008 at 12:51 PM

I sent an email to Bill O and hopes he gets on this and I sent a news alert to Fox News and hope they get on this, too. CNN and anybody else would be a complete waste of time to alert them to this. We know where they are at.

This is just disgraceful. The military is a national institution. Only the government can build and finance a military. The military is part of our heritage. Look at what they have done for us.

And then past members (vets) can’t come to a school and talk about their experiences because it might be too political. Gag me. They did.

cjs1943 on March 25, 2008 at 12:52 PM

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:09 PM

From my experience, I would be willing to bet that the majority of “vets against the war”, were not actually involved in combat . Just because they were in a combat zone, it does not mean they were in combat. Most of the military serve in a support role.

Johan Klaus on March 25, 2008 at 12:55 PM

Just A Grunt on March 25, 2008 at 12:32 PM

The bottom line is that you’re for the occupation, which is not necessarily a bad thing to be. But, to you (and this is a bad thing) anyone who is against the war and the occupation is dishonest at best, but more likely subhuman.

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:56 PM

Johan Klaus on March 25, 2008 at 12:55 PM

Have you watched or listen to the majority of those who spoke at Winter Soldier last week? Liars? Fakes? Cowards? Traitors?

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:57 PM

How sad and unfortunate for the students. I am happy my late Father, a man who was recognized for his courage in the fight for Guadalcanal, does not have to witness this lack of courage on the part of the school principle.

Zorro on March 25, 2008 at 1:10 PM

I’ve got the email address for the principal.
Here is his email address: smassey@forestlake.k12.mn.us

Time to let him know what a POS he is.

cjs1943 on March 25, 2008 at 1:11 PM

If Obama wanted to speak at this school, would that be too political?

infidel on March 25, 2008 at 1:13 PM

Principal
smassey@hs.forestlake.k12.mn.us
School Board President
bbresin@forestlake.k12.mn.us

sic’em.

lizzee on March 25, 2008 at 1:13 PM

Well I clicked on the Demorat Underground website and got some info. Please tell them how you feel about them caving in to leftist lunatics:
Forest Lake Area Senior High
Dr. Steve Massey – Principal
smassey@hs.forestlake.k12.mn.us

Forest Lake Area Schools
Bill Bresin, School Board President
21363 Inwood Ave. N.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Term Expires 1/7/08
bbresin@forestlake.k12.mn.us

Forest Lake Area Schools
District Office
6100 N 210th St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
E-Mail: feedback@forestlake.k12.mn.us

I will be emailing them right after this post.

p.s…I didn’t misspell Demorat…I knew what I was typing.

bentman78 on March 25, 2008 at 1:14 PM

I was just coming here to post the contact info for Mr. Massey.

Here’s the smail I just sent him:

Principle Massey,

Sir, as a veteran of the United States Army, I cannot tell you how disappointed and disgusted I am by your decision to buckle to a few anti-military parents by canceling the planned visit of Vets for Freedom and Forest Lake alumni Pete Hegseth’s visit to your school.

You claim that you canceled the event for fear that it might become “political”, which only occurred after anti-war parents politicized it!

You’ve made it clear that your school does not honor patriotism, bravery, and service to our Nation. What a sad, sad lesson in cowardice you have taught your children today.

May I ask if you ever served in the Armed Forces of our Nation, sir? I get the feeling that you have not.

In your message you wrote:

“We have a long history as a public school of recognizing and celebrating what veterans have done for our country…”

It looks like you chose today to end that long history.

Please do this old disabled Veteran a favor, the next time you open your mouth to say, “We support the troops…”, just
don’t; the lie dishonors us all.

Regards,

Robbie Cooper
Austin, TX
Veteran US Army

Robbie on March 25, 2008 at 1:18 PM

Here is a post from the Mpls Star Tribune article.

Some FLHS students still will attend!
As a student at the High School, I was shocked to learn that the Vets for Freedom Tour stop had been canceled on such short notice. Not only does this trouble me on a personal level…with my dad serving in Iraq and as I prepare to go into the Army this summer, but also it sends a negative message to the community and to other students. I’ve been calling friends all night urging them to miss class to attend this event. We owe it to our men and women in uniform to show our support and gratitude…especially from young Americans!

Keep Hope alive! And, I’m not talking Obama b.s.

cjs1943 on March 25, 2008 at 1:20 PM

Do not post phone numbers. E-mail is fine but I don’t want our site used for DU harassment. And needless to say, you should be polite in your communications.

Allahpundit on March 25, 2008 at 1:21 PM

Robbie on March 25, 2008 at 1:18 PM

Thanks Robbie and thank you for your service.

cjs1943 on March 25, 2008 at 1:22 PM

Do not post phone numbers. E-mail is fine but I don’t want our site used for DU harassment. And needless to say, you should be polite in your communications.

Allahpundit on March 25, 2008 at 1:21 PM

Good point! I don’t waste my time harassing people.

newton on March 25, 2008 at 1:23 PM

My uncle is good friends with David and I got his book signed for my birthday. It’s an awesome read.

V15J on March 25, 2008 at 1:24 PM

I already called the principal and left him a 3:53 message on his answering machine.
“American Soldier” by Toby Keith.
Yes it was long distance and charges apply but what the heck.

Just A Grunt on March 25, 2008 at 1:25 PM

Here’s another interview with David Bellavia March 14 with Hugh Hewitt. Starts with Pete Hegseth. Bellavia starts around 10:49 and ends 18:39. Listen carefully around 16:50 as he talks about hand-to-hand combat with the enemy – “…I smelled his breath…”

http://www.townhall.com/TalkRadio/Show.aspx?RadioShowID=5&ContentGuid=c67b9658-5be4-4a19-a1cd-21b93e5fb142

These guys are heroes. They need to be heard by our children and young adults, not to mention most adults in general.

Brat on March 25, 2008 at 1:29 PM

Amazing, public schools have no problems with introducing Sharia law, Koran studies, foot baths and Muslim day where the kids get to dress up like Sheiks, segregated by gender and have a grand time acting like barbarians, how noble and enlightened. But, God help you if you have anything to do with the military. I just hope our ultimate destruction is quick and total!

dmann on March 25, 2008 at 1:29 PM

Term Expires 1/7/08

Um…

Tanya on March 25, 2008 at 1:35 PM

Do not post phone numbers. E-mail is fine but I don’t want our site used for DU harassment. And needless to say, you should be polite in your communications.

Allahpundit on March 25, 2008 at 1:21 PM

Allah,

Again an apology I should read before I leap sometimes.

nwsseeker on March 25, 2008 at 1:39 PM

Drum on March 25, 2008 at 12:57 PM

That still does not necessarally make them combat veterans. Look at all of the proven liars at winter soldier one and the guys like Scott Beauchamp ect., ect., ect. ……

Johan Klaus on March 25, 2008 at 1:39 PM

Johan — what and whom are you talking about? What is the “that” that you refer to?

Robbie on March 25, 2008 at 2:53 PM

I just spoke with Assistant to the Principal Karen McCurdy at Forest Lake HS. FLHS is blaming the cancellation on VFF for the event morphing from an indoor presentation in the auditorium into an outdoor ‘political’ rally. I wonder how this squares with VFF understanding of the agreement they had with the Principal?

mick90gt on March 25, 2008 at 3:11 PM

Bellavia — whom you really need to acquaint yourself with

Read that book months ago, it’s pretty good, especially the climatic one on one ending. But for more action read Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell (VFF) and for more story read Hard Corps by Marco Martinez (VFF). I can’t wait to meet all three of these guys and get their books autographed! I’ll be at the Vets on the Hill rally Tuesday, April 8th. I hope I get to meet some of my fellow HotHeads there.

Tony737 on March 25, 2008 at 5:39 PM

Actually, Vets for Freedom got to see their younger supporters.

Hat-tip: Atlas Shrugs commentor mxdg

HotAirJosef on March 25, 2008 at 9:15 PM

I see they posted on DU at 11:22 a.m. I’m just shocked those bedwetters were up before noon.

oakpack on March 25, 2008 at 9:59 PM