Fred, I was the one who stated he probably knew what he was getting in to! That was NOT meant as a slight to demean him, just that, as a Ranger, he, better than most knew exactly what he was getting in to! I was a Regular Joe MP, and I would NEVER go back without a bigger gun! He thought he was doing the right thing, and I do not fault him for it. It is unfortunate that the animals that have him, do not give two ****s about the good he as trying to do!I have known Peter Kassig his whole life. His father was my biology teacher at George Washington High School in Indianapolis (1978-1982). His father and I have hunted and fished together for over 35 years now.
The Kassigs are good, salt of the earth people. I have always said that if anything ever happened to both parents of my children, I'd want Ed and Paula Kassig to raise my children.
I'm sure Peter knew the dangers of his chosen path; however, he chose to forge ahead to try and make a difference in the world. To dedicate his life to a cause greater than his self. In the end, this dedication may cost him his life. I pray that it does not. You can sit in the comfort of your easy chair and second guess his choices, his religion, and his politics, but you'll never be able to question his character or what he stood for. I remember the speech that coach Bob Springer gave to my freshman class in 1978. He said, "If you don't stand for something, if you don't stand for anything, you'll fall for everything". Peter stood for something. Peter believed in something. You have to respect him and admire him for that, no matter how you feel about everything else.
I think the following article and comments sum the whole situation up very well. Please take a moment to read it. Then take a moment to say a prayer for Peter . . . . . .
I Knew ISIS Captive Peter Kassig- And Yes, He Was a Ranger ? The Havok Journal