Topic: Barry Winchell

An Open Letter to Senator Bob Corker regarding the Matthew Shepard bill

By David W. Shelton | May 21, 2007 |

Dear Mr. Corker (And staff):

I’m extremely disappointed to know that your office is more concerned about protecting your image than in protecting those that have been abused, beaten, and even killed. Your refusal to support Senate Bill 1105 is as heartbreaking as it is wrong.

You already know of the events surrounding the death of Matthew Shepard, after which this bill has been named. You might also know of the murder of Alabama teenager Scotty Joe Weaver, who was killed by his own friends because he was “a faggot.” Mr. Corker, this isn’t a rare thing at all. In fact, there have been people in your own state that have been killed just for being gay. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics | 1 Comment »

Fear is no way to remember Pfc. Barry Winchell

By David W. Shelton | October 28, 2006 |

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network recently reported that Justin Fisher, the man who conspired with Calvin Glover to kill Pfc. Barry Winchell, was released from prison after serving 7 of a 12-year sentence. Barry’s murder brought national attention to Clarksville and Fort Campbell. It also gave new life to the call to end the failed “Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell” policy

Conservative bloggers have also commented on Barry’s death. One went so far as to say that Barry deserved what he got since he violated the DADT policy. That’s a lot like blaming a rape victim for her own attack. This kind of ignorance is as staggering as it is revolting. Unfortunately, it’s also a lot more common than we might think. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, Opinion, Politics | 1 Comment »