Religions > Atheism > A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Michelle Malkin" |
| Date: |
16 Apr 2006 05:03:38 PM |
| Object: |
A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
© Bryan Zepp Jamieson
4/15/06
http://www.mytown.ca/zepp
With six retired generals calling for the resignation
of Donald Rumsfeld, this seems a good place to
stop and take a look at what's going on with
today's military and today's GOP. What had been
an unshakeable alliance just four years ago lies
in tatters, and not only is there a rift, but it is a
permanent rift.
Fred Kaplan of Slate magazine wrote, "It is startling
to hear, in private conversations, how widely and
deeply the U.S. officer corps despises this secretary
of defense. The joke in some Pentagon circles is
that if Rumsfeld were meeting with the service
chiefs and commanders and a group of terrorists
barged into the room and kidnapped him, not a
single general would lift a finger to help him."
That the military officer corps despise Rumsfeld is
probably quite true. But it goes much further than
that.
Oddly enough, the rise of the retired generals was
most immediately sparked by a remark by
Condoleezza Rice, who said "We've made tactical
errors, thousands of them, I'm sure." The message
was both clear and insulting: the strategy was
sound. How the operations were carried out
sucked. It wasn't the leaders, it was the men on
the ground. The oddity lies in the fact that even
Rummy protested that remark and defended how
the troops had performed.
But there is a growing conviction among officers
and men that the problem in Iraq lies with the
leadership, who not only lied America into the war,
but gave no thought to how to conduct the war
once Saddam was toppled, and instituted policies
and procedures that
virtually guaranteed that American troops in Iraq
would find themselves without allies or friends,
the targets of nearly everyone. Lt. Gen. Greg
Newbold, one of the retired generals, summed it
up when he said, "[This war] was launched with
a casualness and a swagger that are the special
province of those who have never had to execute
these missions - or bury the results."
One of the Weasels (a group on Zepp's website)
noted that by attacking Rumsfeld instead of Putsch
himself, the officers made it more difficult for the
GOP spin machine to question their patriotism.
While I think there is truth in that, I think the
significance of the thought lies in a much larger
truth that lies behind it.
The GOP spin machine has been running madly to
contain the damage and defuse the gravitas of the
six generals, of course. They note that the generals
are all safely retired and thus "have nothing to lose"
by condemning Rumsfeld, and add, illogically, that
if the generals really had the courage of their
convictions, they would have spoken up before
they retired. Some retired before Rummy became
secretary and before the occupation of Iraq.
Newbold was on the fast track to become chairman
of the Joint Chiefs, and retired in 2002 rather than
lead troops into what he saw as an unjust war.
Two of the six had actually served in Iraq and were
speaking from first-hand knowledge of conditions
there. So the spin machine isn't gaining much
traction.
That the GOP would even put their spin machine
to work on this right now reveals a political
deafness and blindness that is staggering. For
years, they've had a policy of smearing political
opponents, including one of smearing the military
records of any opponent with a military background.
This began in 2000 with Al Gore, when they tried to
claim that he was a dilettante in Vietnam and never
really saw any action. Had they stopped there, they
might have kept the military as a staunch ally, since
the overwhelmingly Republican officers in the
military saw Democrats as weak on national defense
and military matters in general, and were suspicious
of Gore.
In 2002 it got disgraceful, when the GOP targeted
Max Cleland, triple amputee and highly decorated
Vietnam vet who was running for Senate reelection
in Georgia. Led by such luminaries as Rush
Limbaugh and Ann Coulter, they tried arguing
that Cleland wasn't hurt in combat, and if he
and his buddies hadn't been sitting around
drinking, he might be ok. It was even whispered
that he deliberately let himself be injured because
it would be an asset to a political career. (In fact,
the grenade was triggered accidently by one of
Cleland's fellows. Cleland fell on it, expecting to
die, and doubtlessly saved the lives of several
fellow soldiers).
The Republicans got away with this disgraceful
behavior, partly because they try to pretend they
don't have anything to do with vicious smear
artists like Coulter and Michael Savage, and
because it was a regional race, and it didn't get
much coverage until after the election, and was
treated as a moot point by the ever-compliant
corporate media.
Then came the election in 2004, and a disgusting
new verb in the American political lexicon:
"swift boating." It means "the systematic smearing
of any man's perfectly good military record for
political purposes." Republicans embraced it
joyously, and this time, they weren't smart enough
to stand above it all while right wing trash at Faux
and Sinclair Broadcasting did their dirty work for
them. Vets and active military personnel were
teated to the sickening sight of sleek, well-fed
Republicans at their national convention joyfully
wearing band-aids with purple hearts on them. It
was meant to mock Kerry's wounds. Unamused
vets saw it in broader terms.
The military now knew that the GOP was willing
to smear and lie about military people for political
gain. That didn't sit well.
America has been in futile wars before, and has
frequently started wars for the wrong reasons.
Compared to Korea or Vietnam, Iraq is still a
relatively minor affair. Retired generals didn't
revolt in 1952 or in 1968, and they wouldn't now,
were it not for the fact that they know the GOP,
sneering chickenhawks willing to disgrace the
military for trivial reasons, are in charge.
It has continued unabated, as the GOP tries damage
control on the growing dissent about this war. They
tied painting 37-year Marine John Murtha as a coward
and a traitor, and that didn't work. They mocked
Cindy Sheehan as a bereaved mother, even
suggesting that her son was lucky to have been
killed in battle rather than have such a mother.
Every person who has lost someone in Iraq, or is
dealing with a returned soldier with permanent
injuries, is wondering if the GOP will treat them
the same way if they voice their doubts about the
war.
They disparaged Jessica Lynch, who did nothing
worse that come out and say that another soldier,
not she, was the true hero in the early days of the
war. When it came to light that Pat Tillman was
killed by friendly fire rather than as a hero, the
right suddenly decided he was a bffoon after all.
The military noticed all this. Soldiers read about
such behavior, and wondered when the GOP
would target them.
The same Weasel who noted the acumen of the
Generals in targeting Rummy instead of Putsch
also described the dissent as "a warning shot."
And to be sure, it is. They would not be speaking
that way unless they were doing so on behalf of
the rest of the Pentagon, those who are forbidden
by military law from dissenting.
The GOP is facing a military revolt. Not a military
coup, one devoutly hopes, but a revolt at the
ballot box. The GOP adopted a policy of disgracing
the military, and have created a deep fury among
officers and enlisted personnel that will take
generations to heal. They can no longer count on
political support from the military, and if they don't
back off soon, the military might present them with
far greater challenges. It's no coincidence that of
the nine returning Iraq vets running for public
office this fall, eight are running as Democrats.
One returning Iraq vet, Christoper H. Sheppard,
wrote the other day, "As I watched the Iraq war
begin, I completely trusted the Bush administra-
tion. I thought we were going to prove all of the
left-wing antiwar protesters and dissenters wrong.
I thought we were going to make America safer.
Regrettably, I acknowledge that it was I who was
wrong. I now know I wrongfully placed my faith
and trust in a presidential administration hopeless-
ly mired in incompetence, hubris and a lack of
accountability. It planned a war based on false
intelligence and unrealistic assumptions. It has
strategically surrendered the condition of victory
in Iraq to people who do not share our vision,
values or interests. The Bush administration has
proven successful at only one thing in Iraq -
painting us into a corner with no feasible exit.
"I will never trust any of them again."
--
http://www.zeppscommentaries.com
For news feed, http://yahoogroups/subscribe/zepps_news
For essays (please contribute!) http:yahoogroups/subscribe/zepps_essays
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| User: "Fred Stone" |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
16 Apr 2006 08:27:30 PM |
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"Michelle Malkin" <hypatiab7@comcast.net> wrote in news:W5adnSA_
3ritIt_ZnZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d@comcast.com:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
© Bryan Zepp Jamieson
4/15/06
http://www.mytown.ca/zepp
With six retired generals calling for the resignation
Gee, a whole six. Gosh. And they're complaining about the same things the
media has been finding people to complain about since the *beginning* of
the war. Not enough troops. Disbanding the Iraqi army. Blah blah blah.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
--
Fred Stone
aa# 1369
Master of Orion 3 lives!
Patch 1.2.5 - http://moo3.quicksilver.com/official/patch071803.html
Strawberry Mod - http://www.moo3.at/mods/link.php?id=142
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| User: "Kate " |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
16 Apr 2006 11:36:02 PM |
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On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 01:27:30 +0000 (UTC), Fred Stone
<fstone69@earthling.com> wrote:
"Michelle Malkin" <hypatiab7@comcast.net> wrote in news:W5adnSA_
3ritIt_ZnZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d@comcast.com:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
© Bryan Zepp Jamieson
4/15/06
http://www.mytown.ca/zepp
With six retired generals calling for the resignation
Gee, a whole six. Gosh. And they're complaining about the same things the
media has been finding people to complain about since the *beginning* of
the war. Not enough troops. Disbanding the Iraqi army. Blah blah blah.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Yeah, Amazing - wasn't that - we have soooo many retired 5 star
generals that served in Iraq and oh geee - look - they all agree with
the liberals - that Rumsfield is an abusive idiot and responsibility
is more important than stamping your feet and leaving your men to die.
Sorry you are such a rectum dear. But then you knew that, didn't you?
.
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| User: "Fred Stone" |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
17 Apr 2006 07:17:12 AM |
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(Kate ) wrote in
news:444d19ad.133425000@news-west.newscene.com:
On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 01:27:30 +0000 (UTC), Fred Stone
<fstone69@earthling.com> wrote:
"Michelle Malkin" <hypatiab7@comcast.net> wrote in news:W5adnSA_
3ritIt_ZnZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d@comcast.com:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
© Bryan Zepp Jamieson
4/15/06
http://www.mytown.ca/zepp
With six retired generals calling for the resignation
Gee, a whole six. Gosh. And they're complaining about the same things
the media has been finding people to complain about since the
*beginning* of the war. Not enough troops. Disbanding the Iraqi army.
Blah blah blah. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Yeah, Amazing - wasn't that - we have soooo many retired 5 star
generals that served in Iraq and oh geee - look - they all agree with
the liberals - that Rumsfield is an abusive idiot and responsibility
is more important than stamping your feet and leaving your men to die.
Guess what, Katie, the generals who *support* Rummy are coming out of
the woodwork. We can play Dueling Generals now. My Retired Generals can
beat your Retired Generals.
They had an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal this morning, unfortunately
behind their $$ wall or I'd link it just for your delictation.
Sorry you are such a rectum dear. But then you knew that, didn't you?
If your Retired Generals felt so strongly about Rummy while they weren't
Retired Generals, why didn't they resign?
http://www.suntimes.com/output/otherviews/cst-edt-ref17.html
--
Fred Stone
aa# 1369
Master of Orion 3 lives!
Patch 1.2.5 - http://moo3.quicksilver.com/official/patch071803.html
Strawberry Mod - http://www.moo3.at/mods/link.php?id=142
.
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| User: "Yang, AthD h.c, Kicking AWOLs Cocaine Snorting Ass" |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
18 Apr 2006 09:13:11 AM |
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On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 01:27:30 +0000 (UTC), Fred Stone
<fstone69@earthling.com> wrote:
"Michelle Malkin" <hypatiab7@comcast.net> wrote in news:W5adnSA_
3ritIt_ZnZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d@comcast.com:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
© Bryan Zepp Jamieson
4/15/06
http://www.mytown.ca/zepp
With six retired generals calling for the resignation
Gee, a whole six. Gosh. And they're complaining about the same things the
media has been finding people to complain about since the *beginning* of
the war. Not enough troops. Disbanding the Iraqi army. Blah blah blah.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Yep, good 'ol moron cheerleader Fred Stone, continuing to pretend that
Iraq is full of "good news"
-----
Yang
a.a. #28
AthD (h.c.) conferred by the regents of the LCL
a.a. pastor #-273.15, the most frigid church of Celcius nee Kelvin
EAC Econometric Forecast and Sorcery Division
The Bush 'balanced' budget: 2 trillion and worsening
The Bush 'economic' policy: 12.5 million FEWER jobs than Clinton and counting
The Bush Iraq lie: -2375 GIs, one friend's co-worker's son and mounting
Having Bush ***** up my country: Worthless
-----
"Ahhhhhh, yessssssss, ummmmmmm - Alito, Alito, Alito"
-duke (duckgumbo@cox.net), aka PedophilEarl J Weber, 59
year old mateless, heirless biological failure
of Afton Oaks Apartment, Baton Rouge,who pussied
out of the Vietnam draft, showing his gay side
despite his avowed anti-gay bigotry
Contact duke's priest and ask
him why duke is such a racist:
http://www.stpatrickbr.org/
Father Gerard "Jerry" Martin
stpatrickbr<AT>bellsouth<DOT>net
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
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| User: "duke" |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
16 Apr 2006 06:47:48 PM |
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On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:03:38 -0400, "Michelle Malkin" <hypatiab7@comcast.net>
wrote:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
Hypathia continues to blow smoke out her rectum.
duke, American-American
*****
"The Mass is the most perfect form of Prayer."
Pope Paul VI
*****
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| User: "Rev. Jones Says \Drink More Koolaid" |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
16 Apr 2006 06:56:17 PM |
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"duke" <duckgumbo32@cox.net> wrote in message
news:1sl542hfiph7geck4rva6qboq39vjakct5@4ax.com...
On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:03:38 -0400, "Michelle Malkin"
<hypatiab7@comcast.net>
wrote:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
Hypathia continues to blow smoke out her rectum.
Dukie continues to suck the donkey *****.
--
******************************************
Rev. Mercutio Jones
http://dayofthesick.oklahomapunkscene.com
http://www.myspace.com/therightreverendjones
http://www.myspace.com/dayofthesick
************************************************
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| User: "Meteorite Debris" |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
18 Apr 2006 04:20:27 AM |
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On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:47:48 -0500 the ET form known as
duke<duckgumbo32@cox.net> sent a radio signal across the vast expanse
of deep space -._.--._.--._.--._.--._.--._.
On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:03:38 -0400, "Michelle Malkin" <hypatiab7@comcast.net>
wrote:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
Hypathia continues to blow smoke out her rectum.
Insults are instead of good arguments.
Q. Why doesn't Duke hate Bush?
A. Because he was never in the military - armchair warrior that he is.
--
Remove YOUR_SHOES before replying
apatriot #1, atheist #1417,
Chief EAC prophet
Jason Gastrich is praying for me on 8 January 2009
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~pk1956/
Apatriotism Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apatriotism
Commit an act of sedition every day - practise free speech
.
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| User: "Yang, AthD h.c, Kicking AWOLs Cocaine Snorting Ass" |
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| Title: Re: A General Uprising: Why the military has learned to hate the GOP |
18 Apr 2006 09:11:27 AM |
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On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 18:50:27 +0930, Meteorite Debris
<epicurus1@YOUR_SHOESoptusnet.com.au> wrote:
On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:47:48 -0500 the ET form known as
duke<duckgumbo32@cox.net> sent a radio signal across the vast expanse
of deep space -._.--._.--._.--._.--._.--._.
On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:03:38 -0400, "Michelle Malkin" <hypatiab7@comcast.net>
wrote:
A General Uprising
Why the military has learned to hate the GOP
Hypathia continues to blow smoke out her rectum.
Insults are instead of good arguments.
Q. Why doesn't Duke hate Bush?
A. Because he was never in the military - armchair warrior that he is.
Most coawrds love Bush.
-----
Yang
a.a. #28
AthD (h.c.) conferred by the regents of the LCL
a.a. pastor #-273.15, the most frigid church of Celcius nee Kelvin
EAC Econometric Forecast and Sorcery Division
The Bush 'balanced' budget: 2 trillion and worsening
The Bush 'economic' policy: 12.5 million FEWER jobs than Clinton and counting
The Bush Iraq lie: -2375 GIs, one friend's co-worker's son and mounting
Having Bush ***** up my country: Worthless
-----
"Ahhhhhh, yessssssss, ummmmmmm - Alito, Alito, Alito"
-duke (duckgumbo@cox.net), aka PedophilEarl J Weber, 59
year old mateless, heirless biological failure
of Afton Oaks Apartment, Baton Rouge,who pussied
out of the Vietnam draft, showing his gay side
despite his avowed anti-gay bigotry
Contact duke's priest and ask
him why duke is such a racist:
http://www.stpatrickbr.org/
Father Gerard "Jerry" Martin
stpatrickbr<AT>bellsouth<DOT>net
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
.
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