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Let's Help Vets Avoid Extremist Urge

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2009 1:00 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The recent Homeland Security report detailing right-wing extremist recruitment of veterans is “true, true, true,” Charles M. Blow writes in the New York Times. But “conservatives reacted by throwing a knee-jerk hissy fit,” suggesting that vets “were being vilified by a partisan document.” Instead of playing politics, writes Blow, we should be figuring out how to save our soldiers.

Given the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Street Disorder in veterans and “minimally adequate” treatment, returning troops make a “fertile ground" for extremists. The “only debate we should be having,” Blow writes, “is about the best way to protect our newest veterans from falling prey to this handful of military apostates.”

A loose-knit group of motorcycle riders, including U.S. military veterans, known as the Patriot Guard Riders.
A loose-knit group of motorcycle riders, including U.S. military veterans, known as the Patriot Guard Riders.   (AP Photo)
An American Nazi party member salutes during American Nazi Party rally at Valley Forge.
An American Nazi party member salutes during American Nazi Party rally at Valley Forge.   (Getty Images)
A volunteer wears a shirt with motivational slogans as veterans of the U.S. military meet prospective employers at a job fair.
A volunteer wears a shirt with motivational slogans as veterans of the U.S. military meet prospective employers at a job fair.   (AP Photo)
A military helmet, rifle and combat boots are shown as visitors visit a display of headstones near Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
A military helmet, rifle and combat boots are shown as visitors visit a display of "headstones" near Independence Hall in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Toon
Apr 20, 2009 3:27 AM CDT
The number one way to help vets avoid extremist groups is to get Fox news and Rush Limbaugh off Armed Forces Radio.
justme
Apr 19, 2009 11:58 AM CDT
Exactly right. As a Vietnam era vet, I can tell you that there was much more radical violence coming from campuses than there was from returning vets. Most vets were proud of their service despite the shameful reception they received.
Shannonals
Apr 19, 2009 9:28 AM CDT
Just because returning veterans are having a difficult time upon their return to Conus does not make them a target of extremist recruitment, only a couch warrior would believe that

 
veterans • US military • recruitment • Department of Homeland Security • white supremacism • PTSD • right-wing extremism

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