Reply #29: This is my personal experience with Freeper hate.:

[Aristus]

I attended a protest against the war in April 2003. It was sponsored by a church on the north end of Tacoma. I wore my Gulf War medals prominently displayed on my coat, and carried a sign reading "Thou Shall Not Kill", and "Blessed Are The Peacemakers".

I can't count how many middle fingers shot my way, along with shouts of "Nuke Eye-Wrack!". The ugliness and hatred of our detractors was palpable and frightening. I wondered several times if some nutjob rightwing gun freak would pop a shot our way. However, when a few of these "patriots" would slow down to yell something at us, I would simply smile at the armchair warriors and point to my medals. One guy pulled over to chew us out, and I simply suggested that he drive to his nearest Armed Forces recruiting office and sign up. He hemmed and hawed and then tore out of there. I don't think he took my advice, though.