Oh, where to begin with this one? Grab your coffee, folks, because this story is a prime example of our world turned upside down.
A Night That Shouldn’t Have Ended This Way
Picture this: Under the bright lights of a pro-Israel demonstration in Newton, Massachusetts—a state that’s practically the poster child for liberal policies—a disabled Iraq War veteran named Scott Hayes decides to show his support. You’d think a veteran supporting an ally of the U.S. would be a non-issue, right? Well, think again.
Enter Caleb Gannon, an agitator who thought it’d be just peachy to charge through traffic and tackle Hayes. Yes, you read that correctly—a civilian attacking a disabled veteran at a peaceful rally. In a split second, Hayes did what any sane person would do: he defended himself. But, oh boy, defending yourself in today’s society is apparently a cardinal sin.
“National Grid tried to hold me guilty until proven innocent and kept me out of work for one month because of optics,” Hayes told The Daily Wire. “Then, at about the 30-day mark, while I was honoring the hostages, I got a phone call telling me that I should go collect unemployment.”
Ah, “optics.” The magic word corporations use to justify throwing their employees under the bus.
Punished for Self-Defense
Let’s talk about National Grid for a moment. This is a company that, instead of standing by a veteran who acted in self-defense, decided to distance themselves faster than you can say “public relations nightmare.” They terminated his employment because, heaven forbid, they be associated with someone who actually stands up against aggression.
It’s a sad day when a veteran who served his country is tossed aside because a company is more concerned about their image than basic justice. But hey, that’s the world we live in now—where the feelings of the mob outweigh facts and loyalty.
“National Grid tried to hold me guilty until proven innocent…” Well, isn’t that just the way things go nowadays? Guilty until proven innocent seems to be the new mantra.
Legal Battles in the “Justice” System
As if losing his job wasn’t enough, Hayes now has to navigate the murky waters of our so-called justice system. Charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, because apparently defending yourself is a crime. They released him on $5,000 bail, slapped a GPS ankle monitor on him, and imposed a curfew. Meanwhile, actual criminals are roaming the streets because bail reform is all the rage.
And let’s not overlook the irony of prohibiting him from possessing firearms. So, the guy who lawfully carried a weapon and used it to protect himself is now stripped of his Second Amendment rights. Makes perfect sense in this topsy-turvy world.
Community Support: The Silver Lining
But here’s where the story takes a turn. The community rallied around Hayes, raising over $260,000 through GoFundMe. It’s heartwarming to see that common sense and justice aren’t completely dead.
Hayes didn’t retreat into the shadows. Nope, he continued to attend pro-Israel demonstrations, proudly waving American and Israeli flags. Talk about resilience.
“If my life has to be ruined for trying to help the Jewish people to survive, then that’s the price,” he told The Daily Wire. “It’s a much bigger issue than me. What happened to me brought a lot of local Jewish people together and got them out and active because of the reality of what’s happening.”
Now there’s a man who understands the bigger picture, unlike some companies we could name.
Conclusion: Time to Reevaluate Our Priorities
Scott Hayes’s journey is a glaring example of how we, as a society, are failing those who have given so much for us. A veteran defends himself and others, and instead of being supported, he’s vilified, unemployed, and fighting legal battles.
It’s high time we question why corporations like National Grid prioritize “optics” over justice and loyalty. When did we decide that appeasing the loudest voices was more important than standing by what’s right?
Maybe, just maybe, we should support those who have the courage to stand up against aggression. Perhaps we should honor our veterans not just with empty words, but with actions that show we truly value their service and sacrifices.
Because if we don’t, we’re sending a clear message: that bravery is punishable and cowardice is rewarded. And that’s a slippery slope none of us should be willing to slide down.
Key Takeaways
- Defending Yourself Is Now a Crime? Scott Hayes, a disabled veteran, acted in self-defense and faces severe repercussions. Is this the kind of message we want to send to those who protect us?
- Corporate Cowardice at Its Finest. National Grid fired Hayes to save face, proving that “optics” trump loyalty and justice in today’s corporate world.
- Legal System or Legal Quagmire? Hayes battles legal restrictions that seem to punish the victim more than the aggressor. So much for justice being blind.
- Community Backbone. The overwhelming support for Hayes shows that the average American still knows right from wrong, even if corporations and courts don’t.
- A Call to Support Our Veterans. Hayes’s story highlights the urgent need for better systems to honor and protect those who’ve sacrificed for our freedoms.
Source: The Daily Wire
