President George W. Bush should start worrying. Stories like this — about a Marine sergeant and his fellow solidiers going public with opposition to the war — and others about U.S. generals doing the same are evidence that the facade of competence the Bushies have attempted to build is crumbling badly.
Sgt. Liam Madden, in an appearance on Keith Olbermann’s “Countdown” last night, explained his decision to go public. He said the war was serving no purpose — it was not benefitting the American public, the American soldier or the average Iraqi — and should be brought to a quick end. He said troops should begin coming home within three months — a timeline far shorter than those offered by even the most antiwar politician.
In response to the news earlier this week, Tony Snow, the White House press secretary, once again showed the arrogant disregard for the public and the military that has been the hallmark of this administration.
Q Tony, quick — there’s 65 active duty troops that are coming out with a letter today, saying they think the occupation should end, and they’re saying that — this is part of the military whistle blower. Any reaction to that?
MR. SNOW: Well, number one, it’s a Fenton Communications job, which means clearly it’s got a political edge to it. But number two it’s not unusual for soldiers in a time of war to have some misgivings. I believe at least two of them have served in Iraq proper, active duty. We don’t know how many have actually served —
Q I think the majority of them have.
MR. SNOW: But let’s say they all did. You also have more than — you have several hundred thousand who served in Iraq. You have reenlistment rates that have exceeded goals in all the military. You’ve had a number of people serving multiple tours of duty. And it appears that there’s considerable —
Q They don’t have much choice.
MR. SNOW: Well, no, I mean they do have choice. If you’ve got a chance to sign up or not sign up, and you decide that you’re going to sign up again and go serve in Iraq, it means it means something to you. And so I believe that there is also — you get 65 guys who are, unfortunately — no, not unfortunately — 65 people who are going to be able to get more press than the hundreds of thousands who have come back and said they’re proud of their service.
Nice attempt to dismiss the movement, but then we are talking about the ostrich-in-chief and his minions.
South Brunswick Post, The Cranbury Press
The Blog of South Brunswick
Hank Kalet 