Sunday night while I was on the radio and unbeknownst to me, a good friend of mine lay in a hospital bed with a broken jaw and a split tooth. Wally Catton and Marcus Chebul were singled out Saturday night by a group of allegedly teenage thugs because of their appearance, and were attacked and beaten by these unknown assailants.

Now, I don’t know Marcus, but Wally is a friend of mine. He’s a is a student at The University of Montana, and an expert on graphic novels. His drawings are incredible, and he has never hurt anyone. He exists for the sole purpose of bringing beauty into the world, and is an amazing human being.

Violence is making more regular appearances in our community, and when we are silent, we are allowing it to occur. We can be silent no longer. Missoula police are looking for leads about the beating on Saturday. If anyone has any information about the attack, please call the Missoula Police Department 24 hours a day at (406) 523-4777 or Monday through Friday 8AM-5PM at (406) 258-4672. The suspect vehicle was described by witnesses as a red sport utility vehicle, with a partial license plate beginning 4-B925.

I hope they catch these guys. Then I hope the police catch them.

datraveler has a little more personal take on the whole situation.

If you or someone you know is a victim of violence, the Student Assault Resource Center (SARC) can help. They have a 24 hour hotline at (406) 243-6559, which is staffed by trained SARC advocates who provide confidential information and peer counseling over the telephone. Advocates can also refer you to other resources to help in dealing with violence on campus or within the Missoula community. SARC is located at the Curry Health Center on the University of Montana Campus at 634 Eddy Street.

This is not the first time an assault of this nature occurred. Stop the violence.

I have an art show coming up in January. By January, many will have forgotten the attacks that have been occuring in Missoula. Wally and Marcus, and their family and friends will not have forgotten. And their medical expenses will not have gone away. I will be donating 50% of the proceeds from the sale of any of my art in January’s show to help defray the costs of Wally and Marcus’ medical expenses.

Wally and Marcus — Our thoughts are with you. You are beautiful.