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The Nation's Pulse
Local Hero
It is probably best we don’t make stupidity a crime.
A local man was one of those killed by an Islamic extremist this month at Frankfort International Airport in Germany. The German-born Kosovo Albanian was targeting American servicemen on their way to Afghanistan.
Airman 1st Class Zachary Cuddeback, 21, was at the wheel when the religious fanatic boarded the military bus, cried “God is great” in Arabic, and opened fire. Two airmen died and two more were injured before the shooter’s gun jammed.
I say, local “man,” but Zac Cuddeback still had those boyish good looks of someone fresh out of high school. Someone still trying to find himself, and hoping the Air Force would aid him in that all-important quest.
It was no surprise that Zac was behind the wheel. Friends say he spent half his time fixing cars. Driving, playing hockey (he played for a season on Old Dominion University’s hockey team), and serving his country were all he ever wanted to do.
At the local newspaper, we argued over the wording of the headline, and whether to label this an act of terror, as in “Terror Strikes One of Our Own.” Was this an act of Islamic terror, a religious killing, or simply cold-blooded murder? Later, at the memorial service, the local pastor called Zac’s killing a “senseless act of misguided religion.” I guess that’s one way to put it.
A week later, Zac’s remains were returned home to Scott Air Force Base. Zac was an Army brat, and his family asked he be buried, with full military honors, next to his grandfather, at the air force base where Zac had been born just 21 years before.
HERE, IN THE TOWN of O’Fallon, Illinois, each time a fallen soldier returns home you find the same reaction: hundreds of people come out of their homes to honor the airman and his or her family. Those who don’t turn out are the ones who never do, those who are too busy at the office, or too tuned into the television, or too wrapped up in the chaos of their own lives.
The turnout was even greater than usual for Zac. It was easy to see why.
O’Fallon is a military town. Almost everyone you meet is ex-military. So it was no surprise that thousands of people turned out as Zac’s coffin was transported along the highways, through the residential streets, and down the flat country roads, all lined with American flags, thousands upon thousands of them, stretching on to the horizon. The day was windy and warm, the only sound the March wind snapping through the flags. Zac’s procession was escorted by the local fire department, police, and 200 Patriot Guard Riders from across the Midwest, the mufflers on their Harley Davidson motorbikes respectfully muffled for the occasion.
There was a secondary reason for the big turnout.
Along the parade route, relegated to a patch of weeds cordoned off with yellow police tape and surrounded by Illinois state troopers, stood six members of the Westboro Baptist Church, of Topeka, Kansas. I counted one man, two women and three clueless small boys. One of the boys held a sign that read, “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.”
The employees of the nearby Circle K gas station had erected a banner next to the Westboro bunch that read: “God Bless Our Troops.” Across the highway, about 100 people had gathered for a counter-protest. They too had signs, only theirs read “God and hate don’t mix.”
One counter-protester seemed to speak for all her neighbors when she jerked her thumb at those across the street and said, “This funeral is for a man who died for their right to be ignorant.”
That’s basically what the Supreme Court said in its recent decision in Snyder v. Phelps. We have a guaranteed right to be stupid. In the long run, it is probably best we don’t make a crime of being ignorant.
After the procession passed, I climbed in my truck and started back to the office. I was thinking about the obvious parallels between the Muslim extremist and the Westboro bunch, and trying not to sink to their level by hating them. It wasn’t easy.
I got back to the office late and filed my story and punched out for the day. Immediately I began thinking about my next story, a piece about two dozen teachers being laid off. I suppose it is natural and expected that we move on with our lives and don’t think about the daily sacrifices these young men and women make. That is, until the next parade.
About the Author
Christopher Orlet writes from St. Louis.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (40) | Leave a comment
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Brian Mc| 3.31.11 @ 6:22AM
The so-called religion chalks up another victory. Another human life is exterminated for their struggle. It astounds me that there are so many in the world blinded by the evil they perpetrate and celebrate murder, calling it good.
I realize that no one gets out alive, but that there are some who believe they have the God-given right to decide who lives and dies causes me to totally disregard Christ's command to "Turn the other cheek". It is a struggle for liberty and our very survival, the very heart of my conservatism that is being attacked from every front makes me to pray earnestly for intercession. Would prayer and showing the other cheek stop the onslaught on its own? I wonder.
jpp| 3.31.11 @ 6:45AM
Ever since the first World Trade Center attack in 1993, the US government and it's PR department, the MSM, have told Americans 24/7/365 Islam is a religion of peace and its only a few "extremists" that have "hijacked" this great religion.
Whether BJ Clinton, Jorge Bush or Barry Soetoro says so, they are all pushing a line that is pure BS.
Islam is a reglion BUT ALSO very much it is a political ideology and one that is very nearly the complete opposite of Western individual-based liberty.
We are stoopid to allow such high numbers of muslims to immigrate to our country. They are presently building mosques (political centers of power) like crazy. Sharia Law is becoming more accepted.
We are fools.
Chalkdust| 3.31.11 @ 8:08AM
Just let me add to jpp's comments.....we are BIG fools. Soon (15-20 years) it will be to late to do anything about it but shed blood. Europe is paying now in lower living standards for it's socialist stupidity in trying to fill in population gaps, next it will be blood.
Ret. Marine| 3.31.11 @ 8:37AM
Please speak for yourself and you only, ( we are to stoopid) do not bunch me into this pit of vipers and think you will go unchallenged. Some of us where in the heart of this beast, through the carter admin right through G.W. from the start of this horror show, and tried to no avail to warm of the impending dangers of this so-called religion of pieces, only to be swatted away as if we were the crazy from an out of this world reality show. The awkwardness witnessed from this career man's perspective was astounding and borderlines/ was TREASON at the highest levels of three administration to include this poser known as the obamas bin lyn ( when the winds of turmoil go south for the muslims, I will stand by their side) factory of misinformation and whores to the truth of these dangers, i.e. themselves and their refusal to acknowledge what was seen, as far back as the early 70s, as the beginning of this terror show. I spent 32-i/2 years of active duty in the Corps and was there when the carter commie bunch had their asses in a wad over what to do with these criminals, how they would be precieved by the "muslim street" and their own personal political fortunes. Don't come here and insult the Patriots of my Country by grouping us into the same (collective) camp of cowards and abettors of TREASON to this Republic.
Darin| 3.31.11 @ 6:51AM
When members of Westboro Baptist Church face Christ, I don't know if he will welcome them or if he will say, "Depart from me, I never knew you." I don't know their hearts. But eternity is at stake, so I continue to pray for them.
ray bob| 3.31.11 @ 7:12AM
God speed Airman; Rest in peace forever 21.
Instigator| 3.31.11 @ 7:35AM
A short video of a burning Koran shot before the Westboro facility - and this annoyance will quickly go up in smoke.
John Navratil| 3.31.11 @ 9:02AM
Instigator,
So you've found a good use for Islam, have you?
Mimi| 3.31.11 @ 7:54AM
Thanks for such a beautifully written article...It aroused the feeling of Patriotism and gratitude to another fallen soldier.
Why Islam remains in the 7th century is baffeling! Could it be that sane Muslims have not shunned and corrected the evil ones ? Is this out of FEAR?
Johnny H| 3.31.11 @ 9:25AM
Yes, a beautifully written article. On that we agree. But Mimi, please educate yourself, read the q'ran, see what its precriptions, doctrine and dogma are and you will begin to understand why it's so "7th century". The "sane muslims" you refer to are apostates according to the writings of their own "holy" book. It is the duty of every muslim to wage jihad in the name of allah. Wise up, people! islam is on the march, emboldened by our unwillingness to confront it with the only kind of communication it understands. We project weakness with our tolerance of this retrograde "religion".
Know the truth and the truth shall set you free...
http://israelmatzav.blogspot.c.....islam.html
Mimi| 3.31.11 @ 10:24AM
The "BIBLE" itself is older....Religious wars...christian have occurred in the past...We as a people have LONG ago gotten past this history and my hope is that Islam can too. I do...realize the danger and serious threat that the world suffers from these fanatics.
Also, I need to READ more and educate myself more....A LIFELONG job!!!
Teaghan| 3.31.11 @ 7:56AM
God bless you and keep you Airman Zac.
As much as the Westboro idiots make us cringe, they are nothings. They are minute in importance and are just after their 15 mins of fame on TeeVee. They are vile ugly people but matter not. Let's not give them our time.
Ret. Marine| 3.31.11 @ 8:18AM
Let it never be forgotten these fine examples of the ( unarmed) American Patriots were gunned down by an (armed) COWARD. Those on the political side of this issue are the sole earners of our contempt for their words of hate and disrespect. We can also thank any demonrat party anti-American subject, i.e. Reid, piglousy, obamas bin lyn, etc for their courage to allow our sons and daughter to go unarmed into a socially unacceptable hostile environment. "whoa unto those who call evil good and good evil" I salute them, these unarmed patriots for their courage, honor and acceptance to go into a hostile world in which its leaders suffer no consequences for their immoral and ugly stance against their safety and well being. Thank you to the parents, family and friends for your sacrifice, I shall pray for their souls, mourn for my country, and your loss.
Richard Baker| 3.31.11 @ 8:24AM
Do you ever wonder where these Westboro clowns are getting the money to be at all these funerals? Traveling around the country "attending" all these burials is expensive. Wonder where the money is coming from.
Periwinkel| 3.31.11 @ 12:44PM
The Westboro Baptist Church is headed by Fred Phelps, a democrat who has run for Governor of Kansas at lease five times. Although they probably deny it, I'll bet the sponsor is a Liberal/Progressive/Democrat...like maybe George Soros?
Ken (Old Texican)| 3.31.11 @ 8:28AM
Christopher,
thank you for allowing us to share in the tribute to this young man.
We can pray for his family.
Louis Jenkins| 3.31.11 @ 9:16AM
Dear Mr. Orlet:
A great article, the laurels of victory for the dead are touching, and we cannot help but be incensed at the barbarity of an armed muslim attacking the unarmed. Unfortunately there will be many more as long as we allow the leftists, and some of the rightists, to continue to allow our service personnel to walk amongst the unwashed. How much longer oh Lord will it be allowed? The religion of peace? It is the religion of death. We are at war with Islam!! Get it right.
Sean| 3.31.11 @ 9:22AM
Kosovo Albanian aye? Aren't you glad we bombed the Serbs for them? Remember Clinton telling us that it was in NATO's interest? Now we freed the Muslims to shoot us in Germany how nice.
Stormzeye| 3.31.11 @ 9:54AM
This political movement called "Islam" only poses as a religion. It's goal and purpose is purely secular: world domination through submission on the part of "infidels". Remember that at the heart of Judaism is The Law. At the heart of Christianity is Love. At the heart of Islam is The Sword.
RIP Airman Cuddeback. You were a casualty of war and killed on the worldwide battlefield.
Ken in Tyler| 3.31.11 @ 9:55AM
Another reason why we should not be in Lybia: when they are busy killing each other, the world is a safer- and dare I say better- place.
In the gigantic struggle between good and evil in this world, there is no doubt in my mind which side the disciples of allah are on. And for anyone who believes in the fantasy of their "innocent" civilians, you should watch the vids of these civilians dancing in the streets after the 9/11 attack or the celebrations after the recent slaughter of an Israeli family in their sleep. Innocent indeed.
Petronius| 3.31.11 @ 9:58AM
Good stuff Chris
If ignorance was a real crime and our courts and legal system functioned properly. A majority of the populace would be doing life without parole. But the opposite is true. The greatest ignoramuses on earth write, pass, and enforce our laws, plunder our earnings, and ruin the quality of our lives.
bcintn| 3.31.11 @ 10:48AM
I notice this Westboro bunch is a Baptist church. I am not familiar with the process to charter a church or expell a church that does not follow church doctorine, so I have been wondering for some time about why the Baptist denomination doesn't expel them. Shouldn't we then assume the Baptists accept and approve their actions? I would think if not, then Westboro could be sued to ceast and desist and removed as a Baptist church. This could possibly accomplish two things: 1) Eliminate their tax-exempt status, and 2) Tie up their funding in court battles so they don't have it for travel expenses. Speaking of funding, where does it come from?
JKS| 3.31.11 @ 12:37PM
They call themselves Baptist, but are not associated with any of the Baptist Conventions that I am aware of. None would have them. They call themselves Baptist to get their religious exemptions when what they are is from hell. I've read some about fred phelps and he is an abomination.
bcoleintn| 4.1.11 @ 3:56PM
Agreed - that's my point. So it would seem the Baptist Conventions could put them out of business by suing to no longer allow them to carry the Baptist name. As I mentioned earlier - tie up their money in court and eliminate their tax-exempt status. Plus, I think this is more of a problem for the Baptists, and ultimately Protestant Christians, than they realize. I recently heard one of those "man-on-the-street" interviews on a college campus and the students were equating these folks as the Christian equivalent to the Muslim radicals.
jstwndring| 3.31.11 @ 1:25PM
Islam's founder, Mohammad, was a thieving, murderous, pediphile and a coward who killed those who refused to submit to his lunacy. The terrorist who murdered Zac was just following Mohammad's example. Beautiful, peaceful religion? More like violent, hellish, death-cult.
Jeremiah| 3.31.11 @ 2:32PM
Funny thing about the Arabs...they really once were to the sciences what the Greeks were to philosophy and culture. So when did they lose their spirit of inquiry and innovation? About the time that Islam rose.
I know many very good Muslims. They are captive of a religion that is a satanic deception and can only offer barrenness. Pray for their conversion - which would mean their liberation from that ugly, satanic deception. And remember, not all who say "Christ" have anything to do with Him. Exhibit A; that hideous, blasphemous parody called the Westboro Baptist Church.
NaturalBorn Texican| 3.31.11 @ 2:43PM
I would like to be there to see the looks on the faces of the Westboro bunch when the are directed down the path to eternity that they least expected.
Darin is right. God is NOT about hate, and that is what these people do....they hate and they teach their children to hate.
Hmmmm.......Isn't that what the Islamists do......?
Nancy in NC| 3.31.11 @ 2:50PM
Apparently those Westboro folks didn't read the part about "judge not, lest ye be judged." It sure seems as they are the judge and jury...really think that's above their pay scale.
However, I do think the Supreme Court made the right decision regarding free speech. I can see the lefties using an adverse ruling to shut us up here at AS and across the country.
ABNCP| 3.31.11 @ 4:34PM
The radical muslims want to kill everyone who is not a muslim. The "sane" muslims only want to kill all the Jews! You can't make this stuff up. Pay attention to the overwhelming majority of these 7th century nuts when they are speaking and writing outside of the USA, that is of course when the lame stream media even give us a chance to read or hear them.
TODO| 3.31.11 @ 5:15PM
Islam: Stupefyingly ignorant savages immersed from birth in a toxic soup of neverending hatred and their death-cult beliefs. This proud infidel awaits their coming. Ready, aim..........
Aln Brooks| 3.31.11 @ 7:49PM
"Farrakhan: Gadhafi no monster, has helped Muslims (AP)"
This is punishment for slavery in America long ago-- a FarraKKKan.
A black racist intent on revenge rto the point he will defend even Gadhafi..
Alan Brooks| 3.31.11 @ 9:52PM
FarraKKKhan cannot make up his little mind:
" 'I love Moammar Gadhafi, and I love our president,' Farrakhan told several hundred cheering supporters at the Nation of Islam's headquarters. 'It grieves me to see my brother president set a policy that would remove this man not only from power, but from the earth.' "
Frisbee| 3.31.11 @ 9:59PM
Is it true what Periwinkel said, that Fred Phelps is a Dem who has run for office several times? Is he just a poseur, trying to make Baptists look bad?
Rest in Peace, Zac.
Marc Jeric| 4.1.11 @ 1:16AM
Wouldn't it be marvelous if a jihadist lanced a bomb among those "baptist whatevers"?
Pelligrino| 4.1.11 @ 1:31AM
Zac's family is tough, brave and just good people. They were gracious and allowed the people of Charlottesville, Virginia to say goodbye to Zac several days before his funeral. The ceremony was held at the local ice hockey arena where Zac spent so much time prior to entering the Air Force. He was quite an accomplished and skilled ice hockey athlete.
I am sorry for you, Zac. We've let you down. You were just at an airport like any other.
We let you down because a home-grown German guy about your same age was allowed to get radicalized in a local Frankfurt, Germany set of mosques.
We let you down because that is happening here, too.
We let you down because very senior military members like General George S. Casey, four-star general in charge of the US Army (for 4 years now) don't care.
How do we know? Zac wouldn't have been picking up other airmen in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan in early spring 2011. You see, there is no reason for Zac to be going to Afghanistan in year 2011.
We're still mucking around 9.5 years later in Afghanistan because the George Caseys don't know how to wage and win wars.
Message to all Army officers colonel and above: An Army is to wage war. We are at war. And have been since.... the 2d week of September 2001: "ALL of you suck."
And our NCA (present and past) don't have moral character enough to rid this continent of all muslims.
This young man from Virginia and the one from South Carolina deserved worlds better leadership than anyone we have at the Pentagon or at Tampa's CENTCOM.
R.I.P. Zac
scythe| 4.1.11 @ 5:46AM
About your story involving the lay-offs of two dozen teachers...you might want to draw a connection between their profession and the ignorance and stupidity for which this gallant soldier perished. For if ignorance and stupidity has achieved an elevated plane in this country, it can be directly attributed to the efforts of the modern educational/teaching establishment. So I would say the two stories could be woven together. Seamlessly.
Jack| 4.2.11 @ 1:46PM
Politicians make lousy Generals! Since Vietnam I have watched politicians wage war and all we accomplish are our friends and relatives lost. If we are going to fight a war do it with full force and then end it. You wouldn't get in a fist fight and before you do make up a bunch of rules so you can't win. INSANITY!
Liz Cuddeback| 4.4.11 @ 3:56AM
Rest in peace cousin Zac.. wish I had the opportunity to meet you and tell you I am proud to be your relative...
Creative Recreation | 8.10.11 @ 11:07PM
is good