Pfc. Matthew Maupin - US Soldier Taken Hostage

[SupaTroopa]

I live, literally, right next to the high school here in Ohio the 20 year old graduated from in 2001. I look out my back patio window and can see the school and stadium just across the street. Batavia has a small town atmosphere, just 5 min's away from here, lots of news people hanging around and small groups of people holding vigils.

I don't know him as i just moved out to this part of town in December. Hopefully like the other hostages recently, he is released or exchanged for prisoners.

But it seems American hostages are disappearing and not being let go compared to those from Europe and Japan.

[RHooks]

I feel badly for the young man and his family. One of our local stations reported that the people holding him where willing to make a trade. However, considering the hard line this administration has taken against terrorism, I think we will not negotiate.