Today marks the 67th anniversary of the execution of Private Eddie Slovik. His is a story that government education is often too ashamed to tell. Eddie was convicted during World War II of desertion after he told superiors that he was too afraid to participate in combat. Then-Supreme Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower felt the need to make an example out of Eddie, as desertion rates within the military began to rise. He was tried in a military court in November of 1944, and shot to death on January 31, 1945. He is the only American to be executed for desertion since the American Civil War.
As he was being led to his death, Eddie said to his fellow soldiers, “They’re not shooting me for deserting the United States Army, thousands of guys have done that. They just need to make an example out of somebody and I’m it because I’m an ex-con. I used to steal things when I was a kid, and that’s what they are shooting me for. They’re shooting me for the bread and chewing gum I stole when I was 12 years old.” Eddie Slovik was 24 years old at the time of his death.
1. LENCO Bearcat to have a public hearing on Feb 9th.
2. War On Drugs featuring in-studio guest Bob Constantine and videos of Nurse Patricia by Jason Talley and footage of Richard Van Wickler’s committee testimony at the state house thanks to Biker Bill (https://www.youtube.com/user/bikerbillnh)
There is a specter haunting our nation — a specter of fear.
To me, and I know that in this evaluation I am not alone, it is apparent that since Sept. 11, 2001, fear has been the motivating force for change across the United States.
Where do I see fear? For the present I use but one parameter — despair, the need to arm one’s self, seek protection against the “other.” The “other” is too often an illusion than a reality but what a powerful one it is. (more…)
I was pulled over while driving 50 mph in a 55 mph zone. The officer alleges I was going 72. That is impossible because I was stuck behind a slow-moving pickup truck for about 20 miles, and that truck was keeping me slowed at a pace of 50 mph.
To learn more about why I take the time and energy to fight arbitrarily-written tickets, click below:
Glenn Jacobs is not only a humongous man who is known worldwide for crushing his opponents in the WWE wrestling ring, but he’s also a brilliant thinker who loves liberty. Here’s his speech at the 2009 Liberty Forum, courtesy of videographer Paul Gibbons. You can come to the 2012 Liberty Forum and meet all kinds of interesting liberty-minded people there. Get more info on the event and register using code FTL2012 to save 10%!
Today marks the 67th anniversary of the execution of Private Eddie Slovik. His is a story that government education is often too ashamed to tell. Eddie was convicted during World War II of desertion after he told superiors that he was too afraid to participate in combat. Then-Supreme Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower felt the need to make an example out of Eddie, as desertion rates within the military began to rise. He was tried in a military court in November of 1944, and shot to death on January 31, 1945. He is the only American to be executed for desertion since the American Civil War.
