Saturday
4/14/2012

(qa4m)
Supreme Court of The U.S.

First, I apologize for such a delayed update to those of you waiting. As many of you probably know, the U.S. Supreme Court denied my petition. That does not mean my fight is over. Nor does it mean my argument has no merit.

Recently, the USSCT heard the case for healthcare law. This issue directly impacts every U.S. citizen. Whether in medical need, taxes paid or jobs related.

Unlike the military who are only 1-2% of our population. Half of which have never tasted the bitterness of war.

Over 50,000 Americans died in combat during the Vietnam War. Over 150,000 Vietnam veterans died after returning home due to combat related issues. Injuries, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, violence and many to what is now diagnosed as P.T.S.D. or T.B.I. These are measured statistical facts documented by the VA and veterans organizations.

So, if America buried the truth, turned their backs, spat on our fathers, mothers, and brothers, denied them jobs and needed mental healthcare and treatment—why should I be surprised that this generation's vets are being trashed and demonized?

Many of us know that the only reason any care is given now, is because the Vietnam survivors are demanding and screaming out, "No way!" "Not our children!"

America, take notice. You will not crap on our children who are fighting now in the way you crapped out on our Vietnam veterans. So, may I say thank you to NamVets?

I have to keep fighting. Only vets and loved ones directly connected to vets have shown the long-term commitment to bring attention and change.

I could not have made it this far without all of you. Your encouragement, friendship, letters and financial gifts have given me great strength.

In Porter v. McCollum, this Korean war veteran spent 32 years fighting in the court system to finally get relief after reaching the U.S.S.CT. for the second time. Does this really help him? Or did he fight to help future veterans?

Recently SSGT. Bales went form American hero to Levenworth. My heart goes out to him, his family, and especially to his children. What happened in Afghanistan is a horrible tragedy. Nothing we do will change the pain and suffering that has happened and will continue for all involved for generations.

A former J.A.G. attorney, being interviewed, said it would take 20 years of court litigation before SSGT. Bales sees any kind of relief. He must keep fighting. If not for himself, for his children, his grandchildren, and future veterans.

What angers me most is that our enemy will knowingly and plan the outright murder of men, women, and children. To create fear and terror among their own people, their own countrymen for the purpose of controlling the people. Weekly bombings will rip into outdoor food markets, churches, and police recruiting lines. Killing seven, fifteen, 50, 100 or more innocent people.

Do the people band together, make a stand? No, they blame the U.S. Now, they desire to kill Bales. American, especially the media, have turned on this guy. Our soldier!

I was so pissed when two retired army officers went on news stations and threw SSGT. Bales under thebus as a rogue psycho. Shame on you, America!

More veterans, and families, and vet organizations need to press onward in the legal system to draw attention. If 100 of us make it to the Supreme Court of the United States, then he represent one thousand incarcerated veterans and speak for ten thousand more.

My simple argument is this: most states (Illinois specifically) have an all-or-nothing view of insanity. You're a total drooling basket-case or you're sane. But we know this is not true. To vilify any veteran who "loses it" is ignoring the real issue, and it only destroys that family's unity and hurts our society as a whole.

A long time ago, the justice system recognized that all murder is not equal. So, they incorporated rules covering intent and separate categories such as:

-First degree
-Second degree
-Third degree
-Manslaughter

It only makes sense to have something similar for mental illness, which is treatable, or due to unusual stressors. And a person's ability to function normally with a usefulness to society.

So, where does that leave my case?

The fight is not over! Unfortunately, when the U.S.S.CT. denied my petition, it automatically triggered a two-four year court process for me to continue this battle. It is exhausting and discouraging just thinking about it.

The only thing that makes sense is to continue my efforts by petitioning to the federal level court. Even if I am released next week, for whatever reason, it is important to keep pushing this issue back up to the U.S. Supreme Court so this issue does not continue to be buried and ignored. Great to know Lemania, mommy of three (Tori) :).

To Siler, Sparger, Smith, and Franklin—I did received your postings. Thank you for the encouragement at a good and needed moment. I've been really down. Character letters are useful at a later stage. I knew there would not be time before the review and decision. Great idea though. I'll still need any court references you come across (PTSD) to continue this fight.

I'll also send in a general update posting. Working on my letters back to you guys (Vaugn, Sanches, Franklin, Dangler, and others) on a more personal level. One day we'll really catch up! Some phone calls, a couple of beers.

Thank, everyone.
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