Fort Hood Massacre turned into politics by FOX

While I totally agree that the wounded from the Fort Hood massacre should receive the Purple Heart along with medals for valor, this should not be turned into a political game.

This is what started the reports off.
Wife of Ft. Hood victim: Obama ignores our plight, never called us but when you read it, you know that later on the fact that President Obama did meet with the families becomes clear.

What did FOX do with this?

Wife of Ft. Hood victim leads fight for military recognition
Autumn Manning speaks out

This was the report from November 10, 2009

Obama Fort Hood Visit: President To Privately Console Families, Publicly Mourn
BEN FELLER
11/10/09

Obama and first lady Michelle Obama devoted considerable time to three private meetings with those affected by the shooting rampage, meeting first with families of those killed, then with some of those wounded and their families, and later with those still hospitalized.

"Just the president being here was a great morale booster to show the country he was here for the families," said Ronald Fiveash, a sailor whose brother was shot four times but survived.

Sheila Wormuth, whose husband is stationed at Fort Hood, came with her 3-year-old daughter to show their support. While her husband wasn't at the shooting site, she said, "what happens to my husband's brothers and sisters happens to us."
read more here

Does Mrs. Manning have a right to speak her mind? Hell yes! She should say whatever she feels like saying and as often as she wants to. After all, do any of us know what it is like to have gone through what she and her husband have or will go through? I don't think she's turning it into a political game but FOX sure is.

Purple Hearts proposed for Fort Hood victims

House panel labels Fort Hood victims as combat casualties
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Online Edition, Thursday, May 20, 2010

WASHINGTON — Victims of the Fort Hood shooting in Texas last November could be recognized as combat casualties under a measure approved by a House panel Wednesday.

The move would make survivors and relatives of those killed eligible for certain specialty pays and benefits, although it would not make the injured eligible for Purple Hearts. The House Armed Services Committee included the provision in their draft of the fiscal 2011 Defense Authorization Bill, along with a host of other military spending items.

Under current Defense Department rules, families of servicemembers killed in combat zones receive another $100,000 death benefit on top of the $400,000 maximum life insurance payout, and those wounded overseas are guaranteed additional money for catastrophic injuries. Those specialty pays are not taxed when awarded in a combat theater.