Letter: Village trying to crush local businessman

For generations, people have purchased trees, plants, landscaping plans from Beeson's Nursery on the corner of Half Day and Waukegan Roads in Bannockburn. Customers not only get advice, but if they are lucky, they meet and hear amazing stories from Its owner, Tom Beeson, a Vietnam War hero who swooped in flying his helicopter and rescued an untold number of American soldiers.

But these days, the veteran is in trouble. After years of frivolous lawsuits seeking his land, the village and real estate developers with clout have apparently succeeded in getting his property, a longtime family homestead and loved business.

Tom Beeson sold some of his property next door, where a grocery store was built. But they wanted it all. Their assault wouldn't quit.

Not only did they force the auction of the nursery, but they threaten to crush him out of spite, seizing other land he owns in town and more. It seems humiliation and bankruptcy is their target for Tom Beeson. How does this happen in America?

Karen Wehman (Kennedy)

Winnetka