Commissioner in Hailey: Go away and leave Bergdahls alone
HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho county commissioner held a press conference in the hometown of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl on Wednesday to tell reporters and outsiders to leave the town and the Bergdahl family alone. The Times-News (http://bit.ly/1l20PVJ ) reported that Blaine County Commissioner Larry Schoen said people should stop attacking Bergdahl, his family and the people of Hailey for standing by the former prisoner of war. "We only have wanted to support his family and to see Bowe returned safely to U.S. soil," Schoen said. He said people in Hailey are sick of the attention and they're tired of being stopped by reporters asking questions. "They've been answering questions politely and honestly, and hoping for the sake of the family that you all go away," Schoen said.
The commissioner also cautioned people from rushing to judgment about whether Bergdahl should face military charges over allegations that he abandoned his post. "Be patient and allow the military justice process to work," he said. Bergdahl was freed more than a week ago. Since his release, some have criticized the Obama administration for the deal in which five Taliban prisoners were swapped for his release. Some of Bergdahl's former colleagues have accused him of deserting his post before his capture. Hailey canceled a homecoming celebration planned for June 28 due to security concerns. The Bergdahl family and several other community members have been receiving threats, Schoen said.