I need to set the record straight regarding a letter written to the editor on April 3 by Ms. Declario regarding the peace caravan that traveled down PCH on the way to Santa Monica. The article stated there was an old, red-faced angry man waving a God Bless America sign and giving the finger. That was I, Bob Sutton, the man you wrote wrongly about. What I shouted was, “Go back to Hollywood.” I did not use foul language or inappropriate gestures. I don’t like being mischaracterized. As stated in your article, some people think you are a “Kook.” This is not my style. I have lived on Big Rock Beach since 1952 and have been married to my lovely wife, Jackie, for 45 years. I have six children and 13 grandchildren. We have regular family reunions-the last of which had over 70 in attendance.
In World War II, I fought as a Navy Amphibian, my brother as a Marine. During that war, on April 12, 1945, our Commander and Chief, President Roosevelt, died. When I heard the news, I cried on our Navy landing ship fighting in the South Pacific. At the time, I believed the war would continue on and last much longer. I hate war more then many of you could ever understand.
I wish your parade on PCH could go to the Twin Towers site or the Arlington National Cemetery or the Holocaust Museum and understand why we fight for freedom rather than parade under the protection of Malibu’s trendy, Hollywood antiwar stance. You might be surprised how good life is when you love and support this country. I feel rewarded for sacrificing and fighting for freedom.
Peace marches have had a history of violence. I saw the marchers burn the Bank of America in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, spin Berkeley into a complete mob upheaval and turn UCLA’s Royce Hall into a place of violence and fear. I believe most of the marchers are very good people, but misguided. I will admit that I do get angry and red-faced fighting for freedom, as I did 58 years ago. Please remember, freedom is fragile, handle with care.
Bob Sutton
Having the last word
I want to thank Pam Linn for her enjoyable column, April 10, on the war of words. It shows the insanity in Washington, D.C., which brings us the freedom fries and toast, duct tape and plastic (like the bomb shelters of the 1950s), and the color coded alert signals which none of us understand.
What makes the English language great is the willingness to incorporate new words, whatever the source, as long as it is apropos.
Bill Hoppe