  We just got an email from a man who said he's sick of seeing the story about a Marine who assaulted a cab driver. I understand this sentiment, but at the same time, it has becoming national news. Here's his email (name omitted): "Enough already!! How many times do you think the viewers want to see a marine beating on a defenseless taxi driver. Just in the length of time I have been composing this email, the piece has aired twice. I estimate that since the incident occurred, I have been subjected to the video of the beating at least 25 times. I am now an expert on the pros and cons of leading with the left or right. Shame you for continuing to air something that should have been put to rest days ago. I solved the problem by turning my tv off when wect is airing." Here's my response: "First of all, thank you for your email. We listen to all of our viewers. We will continue to report on this case because there is not resolve at this time, and new updates are coming in daily. And while it may be uncomfortable for you to watch, I'd like to remind you there is a young man in the hospital with a fractured face and undergoing reconstructive surgery. He will never look the same again. We are also trying to effort a conversation with the Marine involved in this case. There are a lot of questions regarding his mental state and his behavior. And, there have been recent cases at Camp Lejeune concerning health care and mental health issues, so perhaps there's more to his story, as well. The issue at hand is that someone was assaulted just for doing his job. This is newsworthy. What if the man had not survived? You may remember a recent story about a Chinese food delivery driver, who was killed simply for doing his job. We will cover his accusers when the time comes as well. You have the right to turn off your TV, but we always like to keep our viewers. Perhaps the shame needs to be put on the person who created this awful mess, rather than the news messenger." We recently held a Google Plus hangout with two journalists and two former military members... to give a perspective on this story we haven't seen yet. I wanted to hear from two of my favorite friends online, Marcus Penn (Youserved.com) and Billy Stanley... I asked them about what they think of the incident, the media coverage, and mental health issues in the military. It's a very candid conversation AND it just so happens, Charles Hawkesworth and his girlfriend Brittany Schwartz were watching as well. They have a message for military members, too. (Scroll to about 45:45) CIRCLE SOIREE: + Sanah Sayani + Marcus Penn + Billy Stanley
40 Comments
Shawn E
9/12/2012 05:28:33 pm
like..like....like...like!!
James L
9/12/2012 05:29:14 pm
throw his ass in jail ! end of story ! that's where he belongs !
John P
9/12/2012 05:29:34 pm
exactly well said michelle!
Wendy R
9/12/2012 05:30:01 pm
Yes !!!! :-)
Joella H
9/12/2012 05:30:30 pm
For the people who say they are sick of this store have you ever thought to think if you were in this taxi drivers shoes or if this was a family member of yours. NOBODY deserves to be treated this way. All he was doing was his job.
Amanda F
9/12/2012 05:30:56 pm
Amen Michelle :)
Amy A
9/12/2012 05:31:23 pm
Go Michelle!!!! You have a way with words! Totally agree.
Bud J
9/12/2012 05:31:50 pm
No - he belongs UNDER the jail. That cabby did NOTHING to warrant that brutal assault; worst of all was when the troglodyte marine started saying, "You assaulted me!" -- Difficult footage to watch.
Douglas W
9/12/2012 05:32:15 pm
You ARE The Woman ! Thank You and everyone else at Fox and WECT for keeping us all informed ♥♥♥
Melinda H
9/12/2012 05:32:42 pm
news/n(y)o͞oz/
Chrissy G
9/12/2012 05:33:11 pm
You go girl!!!!!! :)
Ali M
9/12/2012 05:33:50 pm
Had no idea people were complaining. Violence is effecting us all more and more & IS news worthy. When did the local NEWS ever become required to sugar coat or ignore issues? Thank you & the rest of the media for coverage.... ALL of it.
Philip W
9/12/2012 05:34:18 pm
Thanks Michelle for presenting all sides of the story! Like
Ann Hartis-Lennon
9/12/2012 05:34:46 pm
Thank you, Michelle Li, for keeping us updated on ALL the news of the day, and the updates that follow. I really get upset, when there isn't a 'follow-up' to such stories, as these. Keep up the GREAT work at WECT and Fox, and if you speak to the young man (cab driver) again, tell him, that there are SO many people concerned about him, praying for him, and wishing him a speedy recovery. God Bless him, and you too, Michelle, for 'standing your ground', with the awesome job you do !!!
Jody S
9/12/2012 05:35:13 pm
I whole heartly agree with you and appreciate your stand on the issue...I think it is just very uncomfortable to watch and yet at the same time raises some kind of awareness. Thank you for all you do!
Lyn S
9/12/2012 05:35:41 pm
I am so glad you are unafraid to tell it like it is. Yes, there is clearly a problem with our military, and it mostly occurs after they return from war. War is a heinous fact of life, and these guys/gals mostly deserve our love, respect and admiration....but there are those who return, from war, even from boot camp...damaged. Beyond our comprehension. He clearly is wrong, he clearly needs help, but he CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE OFF OUR STREETS right now. Keep up the good work, good lady!
Rebecca H
9/12/2012 05:36:07 pm
This IS news! Michelle and all of the WECT staff is fair and equal in reporting the news as soon as they confirm it. They are professionals. I know...I have seen it up close and personal1
Denise C
9/12/2012 05:36:29 pm
I cant believe people are you airing this story....I live here in Surf City and it is a tight community and we are bonding together to help this innocent man.
Denise C
9/12/2012 05:36:51 pm
He was wrongly injured and justice needs to be done..And you are doing your job and a good job I might add of reporting it!!
Jody S
9/12/2012 05:37:15 pm
BTW, it was aired on the "Right this Minute" show that comes on at the 2:00 hour as well! And I would only hope that Michelle Li and WECT could report the issues as well as if it was one of my family members that it happenend too. Taking out the fact that he was a Marine, he is a human who had no right PERIOD to lay his hands on another human to cause harm. Because the story is not complete, I certainly would rest easy knowing that when/if he is convicted that he is off the streets. We seem to forget that as hard as some stories are to watch, we do learn a little from every one of them.
Rebecca H
9/12/2012 05:37:37 pm
I am probably going to get nasty emails for stating my opinion but that is the way I feel. WECT tells it like it is.
Robert H
9/12/2012 05:38:03 pm
Well we appreciate all of you at WECT and FOXWILMINGTON.....y'all just doing your job.
Brian S
9/12/2012 05:38:31 pm
Brian Sullivan It is horribly hard to watch the assault. He WILL be punished.A Crime WAS committed.. We have to look at the extenuating circumstances of a crime. Im NOT excusing him!!!PTSD may or may not be his problem...He may be an alcoholic. PTSD is a Son of a bitch..I know.I was in my group meeting this Morn at the VA. I dont know what cause this experienced marine to snap. Thats the hell part of PTSD..It is a recognized affliction like temporary insanity.Temporary insanity is a defense in NC. His life in the Marines is over. He will be tried.He may pull time. Just in the court of public opinion try to understand his illness is not something anyone would wish to have as a affliction much less a defense. I flew missions in the Coast Guard.
Donna P
9/12/2012 05:38:50 pm
Important story..it is hard to watch..but your doing a great job on this story.
Dave N
9/12/2012 05:39:10 pm
You and I are in a different news market now....however, this is a story that needs resolve. If someone grows tired of the story before it is complete, it says a lot about their lack of character. Keep on reporting my friend....keep on reporting.
Rebecca H
9/12/2012 05:39:34 pm
PTSD is a rough condition to treat. I used to work with patients with PTSD and they sometimes cannot help themselves. Unfortunately, they still have to be responsible fo thier actions.It is a tough call. Wounded Warriors can help these people but sometimes veterans can be resitant to treatment and then one day explode. It is difficult to treat a person with PTSD if they don't want to admit they have the condition or want to be treated. Again, people must take responsibility for thier actions.
Michelle W
9/12/2012 05:39:57 pm
I love you...keep reporting! :)
Maria S
9/12/2012 05:40:16 pm
Thank you, Michelle! I couldn't agree more!
Elli K
9/12/2012 05:40:36 pm
So a few days of this story is too much but it's ok to still talk about some "star's" split from his starish wife and whether he's lost weight because of it?!
LaDonna Edwards- Hunt
9/12/2012 05:40:56 pm
Michelle, I am so glad you said this!! News...is news. Now it may not be worthy to some...well they don't have to read it. Thank you, Thank you...I have been waiting for someone from WECT to speak up.
Bryan C
9/12/2012 05:41:20 pm
Yeah the video looks like the guys just pissed at the driver and acting like a dumbass.....lock em up. He's smart exploiting the mental institution tho
Cheryl S
9/12/2012 05:41:42 pm
Keep up the hard work! and keep us updated!
Kathy B
9/12/2012 05:42:02 pm
Well said!!!
Matt H
9/12/2012 05:42:22 pm
Don't listen to detractors. This is a story that has pulled many people together. This is a story that has interested way beyond the borders of Southeastern NC. The nation relies on the local news gathering crews to get the details and the whole story.
Brian S
9/12/2012 05:43:56 pm
What good do YOU want to come out of this story Michelle? What WILL be the moral to your story? You have a chance to make a difference in a lot of lives in NC...Lot of vets with PTSD and their families in that area..What will you do?
Brian S
9/12/2012 05:44:14 pm
Will you instill fear of PTSD or offer solutions for families who are suffering? This marine has a family who is effected also.
Diana B
9/12/2012 07:32:40 pm
Very well stated Michelle.
Elli K
9/12/2012 07:33:10 pm
But along w/ the point that Brian Sullivan made above of the emotional residuals from multiple deployments for folks in the military, there is the aspect that some people who are extremely aggressive might gravitate to some types of jobs w/ a lot of action or violence (like law enforcement, military combat, etc). This guy might just have reacted like a thug whether he was military or not.
Amanda F
9/12/2012 07:33:44 pm
Michelle, it takes a harsh look at reality to wake people up and there is no shame in following this story. The people who want to stick their heads in the sand and ignore it are the very people who are causing these guys to go unaware they have a problem until something like this and they snap on someone.
Chris R
9/12/2012 07:34:25 pm
I have to give my 2 cents. Michelle you are absolutely correct on reporting this. As for the woman above who said the military doesn't do enough, stay in your lane. As a leader of Marines we have so many program and options to give people the help they need. Its like anything else you can't save everybody. Don't Leave a Reply. |
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