Fifth Estate Writer Beaten at Physical

The other day an old friend and FIFTH ESTATE contributor staggered into our office fresh from the local Ft. Wayne induction center. Bruised and bleeding, with chains, jewelry, and iron crosses hanging from his black leathers, he told a gruesome tale of unprovoked assault (well, almost).

At the draft center, our hero had understandable difficulty following military regulations. After several “incidents,” the unwashed beardo was sent to lunch. Calmly reading his FIFTH ESTATE in the cafeteria, he was approached by several MPs who had apparently been called by distraught cafeteria personnel.

“What’s the problem, buddy?” asks the military cop.

“There’s no problem, man. Blow off,” says our hero.

“OK, come with us.” “Screw you!”

“Screw you, eh?”(Lunge) ZAP! POW!

Shades of a Dodge City saloon! The judo-chopping, foot-kicking Defenders of Freedom finally managed to club our defiant hero to the floor. There he was secured with wrist cutting manacles and taken to the brig.

Once there, he watched his captors proudly decorate each other with band aids (Stars and Stripes brand no doubt) and lament their broken wrist watches.

Their captive’s cries of “sado-fascists,” “sick perverts,” and “traitor Toms” were met with threats of further beatings. His requests to speak with the General were denied. Civil authorities (the Detroit Police) eventually came on the scene and escorted our hapless hero, now near hysteria, off the base. They released him without charges, but warned him never to set foot again in the induction center.

Our hero has assured us that he plans no civil disobedience in the matter.

Related

See Fifth Estate’s Vietnam Resource Page.