A county commissioner in Blaine County, Idaho, has asked both members of the media and critics of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to give the soldier’s hometown some space. The commissioner says the town of Hailey is tired of being the target of people’s “misguided rage” over the former POW.
Blaine County Commissioner Larry Shoen says not only the Bergdahl family but some community members have received personal threats.
For nearly five years, Hailey was draped in yellow ribbons and "Bring Bowe Home" signs.
Since Bergdahl’s release, the town has been caught up in the controversy about whether Bergdahl walked away from his post in 2009.
Shoen said the community supports the return of its native son to his family. Shoen asked that the military justice system be allowed to take its course. And he urged reporters stop bothering people in town.
"I think people have answered all the questions, have expressed themselves honestly and forthrightly, but I think it's time to get back to normal life," he said.
Hailey canceled its planned welcome home celebration amid the backlash over Bergdahl's release. Meanwhile, a new Gallup poll shows that half of Americans don't have an opinion about the 28-year-old Army sergeant. Most of those who do have a negative view.
