Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day

Last weekend we did MarCon in Columbus. Set up just behind us was a merchant I have known for a number of years. I would not call him more that an acquaintance. To say that we are on different ends of the political spectrum would be an understatement.

There are some who look askance at him for showing off pictures of his 12 year old daughter brandishing a pink AR-15 rifle. I do not. From what I can tell he has taught her a great deal about gun safety and handling. His sense of humor is a bit quirky. Not only does he sell shirts that say 'Infidel' it's also spelled out in Arabic.

But on Sunday morning even I did a double take when I saw his t-shirt which read "I'd rather be waterboarding".

Wow. I know there are far more offensive shirts over at places like t-shirt hell. But for me that once packed a bit of a punch. But unlike so many fat armchair quarterbacks and fighting keyboardists, this guy has actually served. So has his wife. Both have done multiple tours in 'The Sandbox'. So I'll give him some leeway. He's one of the people fighting for his country, for his family and for what he believes is right.

even if he is a bit of a dick...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know the guy you are talking about. He's actually a published sci-fi author. And what's interesting is one of his books features protagonists that are clearly terrorists. But they are on the government's side so that's ok. I've talked to him multiple times and usually leaving wanting to punch him in the face.
But then I imagine there are those who say the same of me.

-Tim

Steve said...

Ah, so you have met him. Like I said, he's okay in small doses. He's an honest merchant and seems to be a hard working family man. Just a bit of a douche. But then some people might think the same of me as well.

I've walked right into conversations and asked if anyone wants to talk about religion OR politics, which most people are polite enough to avoid in social situations.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps we're reading this all wrong. Perhaps what he meant was that he wishes to be waterboarded...anyone up for showing him what all the FUN is about?? I never liked this guy! R~