OUR SYMPATHY: Even before the funeral of Army Master Sgt. Thomas
D. Maholic on Friday, The Era has been receiving a steady stream of
comments from our online readers.

Some of their thoughts today:

Tom Davis writes, “As I sit here in Dover, Pa., and I read the
story about the Kansas Church group, I just get sick to my stomach.
As a vet myself who served in Iraq it really upsets me that we have
people in this world that would be so cold-hearted.”

“If it wasn’t for the armed forces and heroes who lost their
life in wars, then people wouldn’t have the freedom they have now.
God bless the United State and the soldiers who fight for US.”

Amy in St. Marys: “I hope that your residents are going to
respond to this picket of the soldier that was killed in action.
Those people have no right coming to your community and doing that.
The military is doing their job, they were sent to war by their
commander-in-chief, right or wrong.”

“I would definitely go to jail before I would allow that at a
funeral for one of my loved ones!”

Neil Hoffmier: “My deepest sympathy to the Maholic family at
this sad time and I join our country in thanking you for his life.
The ‘trash’ from Kansas does not deserve to live in this country.
They are a disgrace to humanity and the sad part, finance much of
their sick operation ‘tax free.’ I have seen them in action in
Punta Gorda, and with small children. Might be time for the
‘Baptists’ to clean up that filthy mess?”

Beth Canterbury: “While I understand the ‘newsworthy-ness’ of
your lead article in today (July 6)’s edition of the online Era, I
feel that any publicity given to this so-called ‘church’ only feeds
their insanity. My heart, and I’m sure yours, goes out to the
Maholics.”

“I was so pleased to see that the Patriot Guard would be there,
but I worry that the people from Kansas will keep this insanity up
as long as they continue to receive their 15 minutes of fame.”

“As the parent of a daughter whose unit is currently stationed
at Fort Suze, these people make me see red.ðIf I could by any means
speak to them, I’d tell them my kid is risking her life for their
right to be stupid.”