According to nameless, faceless sources, this whole incident took place after this man zoomed up to Memorial Park in Conneaut Lake, exited his vehicle like a wild man, shouted words like “cowards” and “traitors” in to the assembly, stood right up against Fred DeWalt (husband of the convict) and then stated words not fit to print in this family paper directly into his ear! Talk about cowardly behavior! Talk about not respecting your elders and fellow vets as Fred served in The Big One, WWII.
If this poor, injured, defenseless, veteran of the armed services, is crazed enough to purposely aggravate a couple whose combined age is 164, and then press charges when he is “nudged” in the caboose, then what kind parallel universe is this?
Does this person have any hobbies other than tracking down peaceful demonstrators as they travel from place to place? Must he harass those in attendance, verbally assault the group, press against others and cause 5'3” 119 pound wispy women to defend themselves?
Could this have unfolded in a different manner? Could the two have talked things over and then peacefully assembled in two separate corners? Yes, but instead, this strapping young soldier felt it necessary to dial 911 and then to actually press charges, resulting in a courtroom drama and a media frenzy!
During the “trial of the century,” when the “victim” testified, he said that he had some fear that he might have been pushed into traffic but that he was able to maintain his footing and remain in the safety of the curb area. Thank God for miracles! Can you imagine a twiggy, gray haired granny causing a man, other than Willie Shoemaker, to stumble into traffic due to a brutal assault with an arthritic foot?
That poor dear man. The panic that he must have felt! After all, he is only 5'11” and weighs 200 lbs. The little angel has also seen combat but he obviously met his match in frail Ann the ogre! Let me repeat for clarity: he actually FEARED that he might lose his footing and be forced into traffic! This whole thing is the definition of ludicrous.
I was in fear during the trial since I was certain that I might be arrested for the crime of massive eye rolling. This seemed to be a group offense being committed by those in attendance and I'm sure a larger holding cell would have been needed had they arrested all of us for this particular crime.
The bottom line is that this shouldn't have ever reached this level of absurdity. This whole issue has been spun out of control by other media outlets and has taken on a life of its own. Some have even misconstrued the situation and come to the conclusion that Ann kicked this person because he WAS a veteran! If that is the case, hubby Fred better beware and guard his backside in the night!
Thank goodness that a level headed judge presided. She did follow the letter of the law with the verdict but she gave this hardened criminal a very light fine.
So, the next time you see Ann DeWalt, you best keep your distance, especially if she appears to be in “field goal” range!
Lisa Houserman writes a weekly column, Lisa's Rants and Raves, for the Community News in northwestern PA and can be reached via email at: houserman42@yahoo.com.
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