Town Official in Amherst, MA More Comfortable With GITMO Detainees Than the American Flag
A handful of local town meeting officials in the western Massachusetts town of Amherst are actively campaigning to host a couple of GITMO detainees there. Funny thing is, at least one of them is also responsible for making sure that American flags don’t fly in downtown Amherst on the anniversary of 9/11.
Michael Graham reports in today’s Boston Herald:
“Selectman Diana Stein was uncertain about supporting the article, the Springfield Republican reported, until she realized her fear of the detainees had been “propagandized” into her. The other “yes” vote, Gerald Weiss, had no such qualms, saying the detainees were “suffering because of the U.S. government.”
“Music to the ears of Ruth F. Hooke, who wrote the article and says the detainees “sound like fine guys. They’d fit right in Amherst.”
“She should know. As a member of Town Meeting, Hooke supported resolutions calling for the impeachment of President George W. Bush, the immediate withdrawal of all troops from Iraq and granting the right to vote to non-citizens.”
“What does Hooke oppose? Military action against Iran and the flying of American flags in downtown Amherst – on 9/11.”
“Read that again: Ruth Hooke wants released Guantanamo detainees roaming downtown Amherst next Sept. 11, but she opposes flying American flags to commemorate that horrific day.”
Hey middle America, meet Amherst, Massachusetts where the American flag is (to some) a “symbol of terrorism.”
The volume on this video isn’t great but stay with it. Then walk around for a few minutes counting to ten so you don’t pick up your chair and start smashing things.
Michael Graham is a radio host at Boston talk station 96.9 WTKK. He has more details on this story at his website.
