[an error occurred while processing this directive]

LATEST SUBMISSIONS

Serving his nation, even in death

Wednesday, April 11 at 12:01 AM

By Lewis Thompson, Denver

There is so much that I find disturbing about the story of the controversy surrounding the memorial to Danny Dietz ("Memorial set in stone/Parents of slain SEAL surprised by all the flak" and "Let the hero tribute stand," both April 7). Surely the circumstances of his valiant death are deserving of the deepest respect and honor among all Americans.

To die virtually alone, surrounded by a vicious and fanatical enemy in a country half a world away from family and friends, is horrific to contemplate.

Surely, Dietz's life should be revered and celebrated. Unfortunately, the statue in question and its placement have turned what should have been an inspiring and poignant memorial into a source of disunity and bitterness.

The Rocky Mountain News editorial does nothing to enlighten this tragedy heaped upon tragedy. The Rocky's charge that "trying to conflate the horror of Columbine with the courage of Danny Dietz is insulting" is, itself, not only insulting but also totally off the mark. Wasn't the death of Dietz, in its own way, just as horrific as what happened to each and every victim at Columbine High School?

Isn't it more than a little confusing to impressionable minds to suggest that emulating Dietz's ultimate devotion to the defense of his wartime comrades is something to which every red-blooded American boy should aspire while, at the same time, condemning the use of similar weapons and tactics by two boys at Columbine High School because they chose the wrong enemy?

Is the difference so morally clear-cut as to make it plain to every teenage boy that sets his impressionable eyes on that statue that the use of violence in the one case is deserving of public honor and in the other total opprobrium? If so, we had better do a darn good job of teaching them how to distinguish an enemy. (Conflating Saddam Hussein with al-Qaida does not help.)

We had better teach him not to bully others but rather to treat others as he would have them treat him. We had better teach him that violence should only be used as a last resort, after all other peaceful means have failed. Finally, we should teach him that heroism has its unglamorous side by placing another statue next to the one of the living Danny Dietz - the Danny Dietz of July 4, 2005, the day his body was recovered.

I in no way wish to be disrespectful of Dietz or his family. I mourn with them. Yet, I strongly feel that the best way to honor him is to work to make the world a place where fewer and fewer warriors are necessary and heroes are women and men who achieve via the pen and a handshake what the war in Afghanistan could not at the point of a gun.

READER COMMENTS

To whom it may concern am awfully glad to hear that gay bashing has not died off what a misplaced plutocracy, just like your mediacy oh! how are those incessant whinners on your staff, about three years back who brought litigation agains't the rocky mountain news and sucessfully sued because they had their feelings hurt (probaly niggers) you think I'm provincial this Goddless, profane, and perverse society will take a first place in line into the lake of fire; will you?

Posted by paulhjones on April 12, 2007 03:16 PM

I can't believe that any american in your community would have a hard time with a statue of Danny Dietz. It sounds to me like the parents want to be freed of their responsibility of parenting. Kids are exposed to guns in this society...that is a fact. It is up to your parents to explain the difference between a saggy pants wearing thug carrying a stolen gun to rob a drug store and a noble warrior protecting their freedom. Come on parents pull your heads out of the sand and quit being prudes! Show some respect. I don't see you protesting your freedom!!!

Posted by scott bradley on April 11, 2007 05:01 PM