What could I possibly say that meaningfully adds to what others have already said?
I didn't know him, but there are those in the gun-blogging community who did, and they've written much more eloquent words than I believe I'm capable of. However, I feel compelled, called -- by fate, by patriotism, by God -- to write something.
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| James Wright Foley (source) |
The barbaric execution, preceded by the victim denouncing his country and reciting an Islamic prayer (both almost certainly under duress), was recorded on video and released. I will not do his killers the service of posting or linking that video here; they do not deserve the publicity, the honor, or the respect.
James Foley does.
He has ridden into harm's way with U.S. soldiers in Kunar, Afghanistan, where only the exceptionally brave dare tread, and did so armed only with a camera.
He visited Libya's worst prison -- where political prisoners have been massacred -- and shared the trials, worries, and hopes of one family during the rebellion leading to the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
He then travelled to Syria, and reported on Al Qaeda's role during the uprising there.
Such courage is rare, indeed.
It is especially striking when contrasted with his captors, who talk big and act tough when their victims are disarmed, bound, and helpless.
But I digress; this isn't about them. This is for James.
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and all who knew him, and also with Steven Sotloff, reportedly being held by the same barbaric cowards who murdered James. May they find shelter and comfort in each other, and in the blessing of his memory.
In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.
Farewell, sir, and God speed. The world is a darker and scarier place without you.
Well said, bravely said.
ReplyDeleteHis capture, imprisonment, last moments, horrific, dehumanizing death, the failed rescue attempt, allegations that it failed because the president dithered too long, the growing power of his captors, the lack of a coherent response... something is very much not right.
Thank you. This was hard to write. I was fighting back tears through most of it, and I couldn't quite figure out why, but I think I have now: The man had integrity, courage, patriotism, honesty, humility, professionalism. He and his work were the embodiment of what we all -- myself included -- strive to be and do. And he's gone now, and moreover, he was taken from the world unjustly, and the people (mostly in government) charged to give a damn don't seem to, which expounds the injustice.
ReplyDeleteI believe it's that horrible level of injustice that causes my heart and soul to grieve for a man I've never met, and why this whole thing makes the world seem scarier as well as darker.