SS Scout Snipers

To whom it may concern,

I saw your “story” on Yahoo news this evening. I have close friends that are Marine Scout Snipers and the “SS” symbol is exceptionally well known to those associated with the scout snipers and I am fairly certain it was not hidden from others. Meaning, if one is a Marine for any length of time, they become aware of “SS” symbol and the snipers.

Therefore I find many of the quotes of “outrage” in your story from former Marines hard to buy.

These scout snipers are certain types of people who deal with death in a way that those presumably judging them will never know. For this reason, I suggest your organization find something else to complain about.

(name withheld)

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Dear (name withheld),

You may not see the problem here but I’m curious if you would defend KKK symbols if they were a “well known” tradition. SS may not be as well known to you but to Jewish service members this is a symbol of racism, hate, and murder. The historical significance of the SS symbol is a part of the Marine’s gang-related activity training, so ignorance is no excuse. This should have been stopped by the leadership long before 45 Marines had to stand up and do it themselves. The military isn’t the civilian world and there are rules that govern our behavior and associations. These negligent leaders need to be held accountable for permitting the use of a symbol used by hate groups.

Dustin Chalker
MRFF Non-Religious Affairs Advisor

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Dustin and Mikey,

I think it’s a self-righteous publicity stunt.

Sincerely,
(name withheld)

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Hey (name withheld), can I butt in here for a minute?

Rick Baker here, supporter of MRFF and former Air Force Officer and Rescue Pilot having served two tours of combat duty in Vietnam and dealing with death every day. I hope that qualifies me to make an opinion in this issue.

Dustin is correct in his take on this dust up. There are many Jews serving in today’s American armed forces to whom this symbol is no different than the old hangman’s noose was to African Americans. This is not to mention the many millions who fought and died in W.W.II to defeat the Fascism and Nazism those little S figures represent.

The emblem and it’s use was wrong and should be corrected. This in no way detracts from the Scout Sniper’s importance, courage or ability but gives back to them the honor of not throwing fellow Americans under the bus.

Sincerely,

Rick Baker

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What would be the benefit of a publicity stunt when the response is mostly negative? We’ve taken the unforgivably unpopular position that the US government shouldn’t use Nazi symbols. I know that’s controversial to you, but we’re doing the right thing by standing with the 45 brave Marines who have decided to do something.

Dustin Chalker