Rioters and WWII Vets: Shared Valor This D-Day?

As patriots across the republic share stories of valor and celebrate one of history’s most celebrated victories this D-Day, remember the courage it took to storm the beaches in Normandy. But don’t let those courageous acts distract from a similar bravery today: the courage of those who smashed windows, set fires, and yelled at cops after the police killing of George Floyd. One might wonder how opportunistic rioters who flee at the first signs of real resistance are in any way comparable to the soldiers who ran headfirst into German bullets. But the elites say that they are brave, and the elites are all honorable, honest folk. They love the downtrodden and marginalized, loathing only the privileged oppressor.

On June 6, 1944, around 156,000 American, British, and Canadian troops stormed five beaches in Normandy. Some areas were less fortified than others. Some of the Omaha Beach units had over 75% casualties in the first wave, while other units lost 10% or less. What could drive a man to land on a beach under heavy fire and charge toward the enemy’s easily defensible position along the cliffs?

A Hero

Richard Overton was America’s oldest veteran when he died in 2018 at the age of 112. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, he was there. In an interview featured by National Geographic, Mr. Overton explained the warrior mentality. “So when you go in there you just say ‘Well, God has got me now,’” he said. “See … He gonna take care of you. If it’s your time to go that bullet gonna get ya … If it ain’t your time to go, that bullet’s goin’ over your head. It ain’t gonna hit you. So, man will kill you but God is the one keep you alive.”

Not Heroes

When Antifa thugs imported from out of town showed up in Minneapolis as professional rioters and looters, they confronted the police. They yelled and threw things at them. They had no fear of the officers who were being recorded and had an obligation to mind their manners carefully. They were turned aside, however, by four “heavily armed rednecks” standing outside a small strip mall, protecting the local businesses. They looted and burned Dollar Tree and Target and many other stores that weren’t guarded, but not these. In St. Paul, they didn’t mess with the black-owned businesses – so long as the owners were standing outside with guns. A horde of looters descended upon a bakery in Cleveland – until the owner and his two sons stepped out with shotguns and rifles. Then they decided to take their “business” elsewhere.

But the elites say that they are brave, and the elites are honorable, honest folk. They are the champions of the oppressed.

After the war, Mr. Overton didn’t bother to lock his door at night in Austin, TX. He slept like a baby without fear. After all, what would scare a man after his experiences? The Antifa rioters across the nation, of course, cover their faces. If exposed, they might have to face the consequences of their actions.

But the elites say that they are brave, and the elites are honorable, honest folk. They have the best interest of the people at heart, and we can trust them entirely.

In her D-Day special, Liberty Nation’s Sarah Cowgill tells the tale of Marion Robert Goff, as related to her by Marion’s little sister, Mona. Mr. Goff intended to become a minister but was drafted into WWII instead. He came under fire while transporting German prisoners of war after the assault on the beaches of Normandy. Despite the urging of some of his fellow soldiers, he refused to “get rid” of his charges. He was later captured himself. One of his captors, however, had been among the German POWs that Goff had treated honorably – and he returned the favor. On faith and sheer determination to see his family again, Marion Goff survived and came home.

Rather than donating to rebuild businesses destroyed in the riots, celebrities like Steve Carrell, Don Cheadle, Seth Rogen, Harry Styles, and several others gave their money to the “Minnesota Freedom Fund.” As rioters engaged with the police and were arrested, they were bolstered by the knowledge that their bail and legal costs were covered.

But the elites say that they are brave, and the elites are honorable, honest folk. They are the compassionate and guileless ones.

~

Read more from James Fite.