Disgraceful Treatment of an American Hero

This shouldn't be much of a surprise, but it still is very sad and will likely anger many in America that an event like this occurs in America.

At Columbia University, the same Columbia University where Professor Nicholas DeGenova wished for "a million Mogadishus" in the leadup to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, student and former Army Staff Sergeant Anthony Maschek spoke at a university town hall meeting where he supported the return of ROTC to the campus. Because of the viewpoints he articulated, Staff Sergeant was shouted down, booed and heckled by the students gathered at what is supposedly a forum for a free exchange of ideas. It should also be noted that Maschek was gravely injured in a firefight in Iraq and went through a grueling rehabilitation process.

This tells me two things about the individuals gathered. First, they are ungrateful. Staff Sergeant Maschek and many others like him risk their lives and give up time with their family and friends to fight for their country and protect Americans so that evil does not come on American shores. If they knew what he and others like him did for this country, whether sleeping in a tent, carrying around heavy loads of equipment in 100+ degree weather, having eyes in the back of their head 24/7 to protect against the enemy, along with constantly worrying about coming home in a box, they'd shut up and instead say "thank you for protecting my right to speak my mind." Second, they're hypocrites. If somebody stood in their way to speak their minds, they'd protest them or attempt to take up the issue in court, as these protesters only deem THEIR point of view as willing to be heard. As a result, they do not have a true understanding of the 1st Amendment and interpret it to suit their interests.

It's very unfortunate these young adults lack the class their parents should have taught them, and I wonder if these young men and women at Columbia University, whose parents are spending $45,000/year+, are truly being educated. To be truly educated, they must receive both sides of the issues and on their own make an educated decision. With professors like DeGenova and presidents like Lee Bollinger who condone this behavior, they are doing their students a disservice, and in turn, their country, as it is these students who may one day be in leadership positions. If that is the case, it's time to be very, very afraid.