They say that there's a thin line between Bravery and Insanity.

But, I don't think that's true at all.

Let's rename Fort Lee, after Robert E. Lee, to Fort Doss, after Desmond Doss, the first pacifist to win the Medal of Honor.

Since we need to rename these bases.
#FortDoss.

Desmond Doss was born in Lynchburg Virginia, about 110 miles away from the current Fort Lee. Robert E. Lee, a traitor, slaver, and a coward was born closer to the current site, but, I still think it more than close enough to solicit a change. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doss

Desmond Doss was a true hero. Being a pacifist, but still incensed by the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he wished to join the military, but was met at every turn with scorn from the US military.

They questioned his sanity, as someone who refused to carry a gun in combat.

And who indeed refused to carry weapons at all. They tried to have him discharged, first as "Conscientious Objector" then as a "Section 8" mental health discharge. During his hearings, he was routinely insulted and questioned in his beliefs by his commanding officers.

Eventually, Doss was cleared for duty in the role of a medic.

And without even wielding a single weapon throughout the course of the war, he would save roughly 100 lives.

He gave treatment to both American and Japanese soldiers alike. https://www.army.mil/article/183328/pfc_desmond_doss_the_unlikely_hero_behind_hacksaw_ridge

At the Battle of Okinawa, at the so called "Hacksaw Ridge," under intense enemy fire and artillery, he invented a new rope method to lower the injured down the ridge to the relief station.

Over the course of one day, he would save 75 American soldiers. https://www.military.com/undertheradar/2016/11/hacksaw-ridge-who-is-desmond-doss

He also would provide morphine and treatment to Japanese soldiers in need as well. Records are scarce, but at least 3 Japanese soldiers were descended down the cliff for medical treatment. And we don't know how many Desmond Doss treated on-site in the midst of fire.

Near the end of the campaign, Doss was hit in the arm by sniper fire. He then touched a rifle for the first time. He disassembled the rifle, used the stock as a brace for his arm, so he could still carry the wounded off of the battlefield, even with a broken arm. and bleeding

All the while, being a deeply pious man, he was heard praying constantly; "Oh God, just help me save one more. Just one more." And he would pray this again and again.

Of course, as he saved lives and ran into enemy fire without any kind of weapon at all, just a medkit.

And now we come full circle:

Doss is a true hero.

And we see these right-wing fools brandishing their guns as if it meant anything, as if it was not a symbol of their own, deep insecurity. Meanwhile, often flying Confederate Battle Flags.

I do not consider myself a coward. However, measured against Desmond Doss, frankly, even I am lacking terribly, and realize that I must grow and have much room to improve myself.

So, I hereby formally propose that we rename Fort Lee to Fort Doss.

As opposed to someone who was a slaver and a traitor. If these right-wing Boogaloos wore only medkits, I could respect them. But as it stands, they only prove their own cowardice by their actions.

A wise man once said:

"A weapon is an enemy to the one who wields it."

This is one of the first things I teach my students.

Desmond Doss, free of this burden, is a true American hero.

Also, Desmond Doss was a lifelong vegetarian, because of course he was.

I hope this thread finds you well, my dear friends. These are troubled times, and I will pray for the health of you and your families.

Thank you for listening.
-Ryan

Also, another fact:

Desmond Doss was half-starved the whole while, as he refused to eat the meat in his rations. Being a vegetarian, and all. lol. I mean talk about being a straight badass lol. #FortDoss .