I debated writing this letter knowing that to many it wouldn't make a difference.
Recently, I and my wife visited a regional fraternal center in North Webster. I won't use the name because what happened was not the organization's fault even though I have received no formal apology.
Shortly after entering and finding a table, I proceeded to the bar to get drinks for I and my wife. All of a sudden a complete stranger came up to me and screamed, "Tom Metzger hates America." I ask what the man's name was to no avail, but I finally was able to find out he was angry simply because of my letters to the Times-Union. To wit, I simply suggested he write his own letters to the Times-Union. That's called free speech.
I turned to walk away as the super patriot kept screaming, "Tom Metzger Hates America." He then grabbed the microphone from the karaoke host and demanded everyone stand and sing a patriotic song and tell Tom Metzger to leave because "Tom Metzger hates America." At this point, I and my wife did exit the gathering.
Several people did come up and apologized, and I didn't get physical with the man in respect for the assembly. But I didn't get a chance to ask the super patriot a few questions.
Did I hate America when I served honorably in the U.S Army with a secret clearance? Or when my post was to watch and service microwave electronic telephone equipment with communications from Europe to the Pentagon? Did I hate America when I worked on the Apollo Space program watching the second stage of the Moon Rocket leave Douglas aircraft plant on its way to the cape? Or did I hate America when I worked in a lab on equipment used on ICBM testing in the South Pacific, with top secret clearance again?
Did I hate America when I ran for various political offices from planning commissioner to U.S Senate? Did I hate America raising six successful children, none of whom were ever lawbreakers?
Too bad I couldn't ask the Super Patriot those questions. He was too busy screaming that "Tom Metzger hates America." Of course, by proxy, I guess the Times-Union editor also hates America for being so subversive he supports the First Amendment.
