Violence for the sake of violence

There aren't words to describe how detestably vile this story is:

"A candlelight vigil to commemorate the death of the 1,000 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq turned ugly last week when anti-war protesters began heckling the family of a GI who was among those killed.According to NBC's Dallas affiliate, one North Texas family - whose relative, Chad Drake, was killed outside Baghdad on September 6 - were among the mourners at Dallas City Hall Plaza, at an event organized by the Dallas Peace Center.

"A family friend told NBC's News 5 that at one point during the ceremony, several peaceniks began hurling verbal abuse toward Drake's family after they learned Drake had fought in the war.

"The friend, who witnessed the abuse, said Drake's mother was 'harassed and yelled at, booed and hissed, [and] told her son died for nothing.'

"Mrs. Drake reportedly left the event in tears. Afterward, Drake's sister told NBC News 5 that the family thought some of the crowd was blatantly hostile to those who had sacrificed their lives while serving their country."

I don't know whether the "pacifists" were the majority or minority of the crowd, and I've never been one to endorse confrontation for its own sake, but it's a wonder that incidents like this don't become violent more often.

And, in all candor, it's also a shame. Because bastards like this need to be, shall we say, "put in their place."

Preferably with words.

But there are times when a punch in the nose is the only honorable response.

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Such as this one:

"A local soldier and his family have received an outpouring of support from across the country since NBC 4 first aired a story about being beaten at a local concert, NBC 4's Nancy Burton reported.

"Foster Barton, 19, of Grove City, said that hearing from so many people makes him realize he and his fellow soldiers have a lot of support, and that one single act of violence should not take away from that.

"Barton was home on leave from Iraq recovering from knee surgery when he said he was attacked in the Germain Amphitheatre parking lot after a Toby Keith concert.

"Barton said his attacker beat him up because he was wearing an Operation Iraqi Freedom T-shirt. Barton was beaten so badly that he was knocked unconscious.

"Barton has already won a Purple Heart for his efforts in Iraq. He was wounded and nearly lost his leg when his Humvee was attacked, and was home on leave when the alleged attack after the concert occurred."

And this is how he's rewarded - and by a "peace"nik, no less. Makes me wish there was a draft, just so scum like Mr. Barton's attacker could be conscripted, dragged over to Iraq, and posted on guard duty in central Fallujah.

"Barton said the sooner doctors tell him he can go back to Iraq, the better."

I don't doubt it. He'll probably be a lot safer over there.

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Speaking of vile and detestable, here's what "America's sweetheart" whipped out yesterday morning:

"America's morning TV sweetheart, Katie Couric, wasted no time on Wednesday trying to turn the beheading of Americans in Iraq into political ammunition - asking the brother of executed hostage Jack Hensley if he still supported the war.

"'Well, how do you feel about the war in Iraq at this point?' the Today host asked Ty Hensley, after having him describe the devastating impact of his brother's murder just hours before."

No, I don't think Hensley should have socked Katie with a stiff right-cross. And he did a manful job of maintaining his composure while nonetheless telling her that yes, he still supported the war.

But again, I'm not so sure that the Zell Miller approach wasn't a helluva lot more appropriate.

As a matter of fact, I think I'll surf over and watch his speech again. I could use some more fist-pumping.