#loganfranklin

From one veteran to another: Robert Hodge, a Gulf War veteran living in Michigan, takes issue with Logan Franklin’s online “apology” for his recent AIDS jokes and damning subsequent statements, and sent Logan a letter explaining exactly why. He’s allowed me to share it publicly.

Robert served in the United States Navy for six years on-board the USS La Salle (Commander, Middle East Force) and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

First, I invite you to read Logan’s apology itself. https://www.facebook.com/logan.franklin…/…/10209076419339418

Then, read the comments under it. First know that Logan has set his Facebook profile so that only his own Facebook friends can comment, and then notice the particular sentiments Logan has “liked.” It’s rather telling.

How to burn bridges as a model: 1. Tell a lame joke about cardio being AIDS 2. Mock the people who push back as having AIDS themselves

Cool metaphor, brah…

I worked with Logan years back. Sometimes people don’t turn out the way you’d expected. I guess I’m old-fashioned in some respects. I don’t think being an asshole is behavior that should be rewarded. I don’t think mocking people who come to the defense of others is heroic, noble or decent. It’s really just being a douchebag. Chest-thumping about free speech, dismissing other people as snowflakes, while blocking them from commenting on your public posts doesn’t strike me as being even-handed. I’m not mad. Not offended. Just disappointed. But hey, that’s just my opinion.

Of course, no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. But if you refuse to own up to any mistakes to begin with, and would rather sneer, mock and blame everyone else instead, just what kind of example are you setting? Not only as a competitive athlete others look up to, but also as a veteran — someone I’d assume would value both discipline as well as respect? But if acting like an adult — and doing the right thing — is somehow beneath you, how about at least being accountable to the business, organizations and sponsors who invest in you, support you, and that you represent to the public? Building your physique, but not doing much else to evolve your mind and heart? Don’t be a douche-bro stereotype. How forgettable. There’s no substance or longevity in that.

Work on your heart— awareness, compassion and empathy isn’t weakness. Calling people snowflakes or “politically-correct” is just a cop-out so you can keep your fingers in your ears and remain ignorant to the world and the people around you.

Hell, work on your mind a bit and you could eventually come up with metaphors that actually work. 🤔