Think Progress

ABC goes ‘Inside the Surge.’

By Satyam Khanna on Jul 17th, 2007 at 7:15 pm

ABC goes ‘Inside the Surge.’»

Last night, ABC’s Nightline aired a segment capturing a rare view from the ground of the fighting that mires U.S. troops in Baghdad. Through the lens of an embedded reporter, ABC followed several U.S. soldiers for two weeks in May, watching them encounter roadside explosions that kill their fellow soldiers and embark on often futile hunts to root out “insurgents.” Watch the segment:

Screenshot

Approaching his fifteenth month in Iraq, one soldier made a personal challenge to President Bush: “I challenge the President or whoever has us here for 15 months to ride alongside me. I’ll do another 15 months if he comes out here and rides along with me every day for 15 months. I’ll do 15 more months. They don’t even have to pay me extra.”




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161 Responses to “ABC goes ‘Inside the Surge.’”

  1. veritas Says:

    All in favor of having Bush riding shotgun with this soldier, say “aye”!


  2. Pres Bush Says:

    You forgot there soldier, I already got out of one war, and Cheney still has those 5 deferments.
    Good luck at the VA hospital when you get there, I took all your benefits away.


  3. veritas Says:

    The sad fact is that this AWOL reservist would be $hitting his pants to even be over there - no less walking in the shoes of our military. What a whimp in chief.


  4. BARTLEBEE Says:

    AYE!


  5. GSD Says:

    Let’s not forget that Traitor Joe Lieberman was vehemently anti-Vietnam war when his time to serve was ripe.

    -GSD


  6. veritas Says:

    Maybe we’d better be scrutinizing the back of his trousers when he’s walking off camera these days. He’s got on “bulge” back there with whatever he’s carrying but I think I saw a second back “bulge” down lower recently.


  7. veritas Says:

    Aye, too Bartlebee! How are ya this evening?


  8. veritas Says:

    The fact is that this patriotic soldier has more dignity in his pinky finger than Bush (AWOL reservist) and 5-deferrment Cheney combined. While they sit around grinning and dabbling in Oomphaloskepsis, our kids are getting killed - for no good reason.


  9. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Aye, too Bartlebee! How are ya this evening?

    Comment by veritas — July 17, 2007 @ 7:21 pm

    Surprisingly well, thank you.

    And I just recently found out you’re a lady (Zooey told me).

    I didn’t know that.


  10. PaulB Says:

    Before any of our usual trolls interject that disingenuous point that “the surge has just started” and “it’s too soon to evaluate it,” I’d like to offer the following rebuttal.

    The surge was not just about the increase in troops. It was also supposed to signal a change in tactics, new strategies for dealing with insurgencies, new rules of engagement, and the like. Moreover, “the surge,” in and of itself, was never intended to be the final salvation in Iraq. Rather, it was intended to buy time for the other maneuvering, mostly political, that needed to take place. So what have we seen in the past six months?

    - The change in tactics and the new rules of engagement don’t seem to have done a damn thing.

    - The game of “whack-a-mole” continues, with decreases in violence in some areas offset by increases in violence in other areas, something that “the surge” was specifically supposed to prevent.

    - The increased “neighborhood policing” that sounded so good on paper has proved to be problematic in execution, since in many cases, more men are needed to guard these neighborhood stations, which has resulted in an actual reduction in the number of hours spent making their presence known in the streets of the various neighborhoods.

    - The political maneuvering simply has not happened. The interim report by the Bush administration was quite clear on this, even though they gave “satisfactory” marks for benchmarks that were clearly unsatisfactory (i.e., one benchmark was judged satisfactory solely on the basis that a committee had been formed — never mind that the committee hadn’t done a damn thing).

    - Even though the political maneuvering has not, in fact, happened, the Iraqi Parliament is taking August off, which means it’s a virtual certainty that no progress will be made before September’s report.

    - The broad political divisions and paralysis remain, with significant groups of the Parliament boycotting the proceedings or openly scoffing at the leadership.

    - The Green Zone, supposedly the safest place in Iraq, is now so dangerous that a recent Congressional delegation was not permitted to leave the Green Zone, was not permitted to remain even a single night, was not permitted to meet with a single Iraqi, and had to wear full body armor, including Kevlar helmets, at all times.

    - Add in the fact that Petraeus’ own manual on this indicates that he needs far more troops than he has available (triple or quadruple the number, if I recall correctly), and that Petraeus has privately admitted that there was only a 25% chance of success.

    Now, personally, given the above data, I’d say a little pessimism about “the surge” is appropriate. You are free to disagree, of course, but I think I’ll need something more than, “It’s only been a little while since the full number of troops were deployed,” before I’ll take that disagreement seriously.


  11. Tired Of Fighting Says:

    While we’re at it I’ll take a squad that includes McCain, Graham, Lott, McConnell, Coburn, Hunter, Boehner (snif), Bond, etc…………….,

    Never mind just give me my one Soldier back, I wouldn’t dare go to war with any of these dummies.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq


  12. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Well said PaulB,

    We could throw 100,000 more troops into the meat grinder, and all we’d get is more ground beef.

    We learned in WW2 from the German occupation of the Warsaw ghetto, that no matter how overwhelming the force, an invading army cannot defeat a committed people who are defending their own land, unless they are willing to kill every man, woman and child.

    And even then victory isn’t assured.


  13. Juan C Says:

    And I just recently found out you’re a lady (Zooey told me).
    I didn’t know that.
    Comment by BARTLEBEE

    Quite a shock, really. Dont know why, but I guess we all automatically catalog bloggers into men-women, troll-not troll.


  14. ronjazz Says:

    the next surge needs to be directed at the White House and the RNC. this surge in Iraq isn’t going to work for the simple reason that none of the Bush-fellators that visit us will enlist. cowards can’t win.


  15. PaulB Says:

    [troll]Why do those soldiers hate America so?[/troll]


  16. Juan C Says:

    “I challenge the President or whoever has us here for 15 months to ride alongside me. I’ll do another 15 months if he comes out here and rides along with me every day for 15 months. I’ll do 15 more months. They don’t even have to pay me extra.”

    Hahahahaha. Well, Bush is tough as long as he doesnt have to confront Cindy Sheehan. I really doubt he will take your word, soldier.


  17. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Quite a shock, really. Dont know why, but I guess we all automatically catalog bloggers into men-women, troll-not troll.

    Comment by Juan C — July 17, 2007 @ 7:27 pm

    She writes like a guy.

    I’ve seen her bash trolls heads in so bad their hats were resting on their shoulders.


  18. fishincurt Says:

    I have said it before, you can’t change ideology with bullets.


  19. Gerald Gibson Says:

    U.S. Military donates more to Ron Paul than any other Republican…

    http://digg.com/ politics/ Military_Favors_Ron_Paul_Over_McCain


  20. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    Aye!


  21. give proper credit Says:

    here is the entire video doen by Sean Smith at the Guardian UK

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/video/page/0,,2125978,00.html

    abc did not do this video - they bought the rights, that’s all.

    no amerikan corporate mainstream media outlet would be allowed to show amerikan War Crimes


  22. GregM Says:

    I’ll also add William Kristol and Joe Lieberman to ride along with that soldier.


  23. Bob Says:

    Why was the Webb Amendment filibustered again?

    Can anyone watch that video and not support more rest time? Anyone with a compassionate heart, at least.


  24. Tired Of Fighting Says:

    Paul B, let them come in here with that WE just started the “surge” BS, “THE SURGE” has been in place since Nov 2004 when WE were preparing for the elections, and WE have been “surging” ever since.

    These are not NEW “troops” these are Soldiers who were are replacing the same Soldiers over and over. I have met the same Platoon Sergeant that I met in 2004 TWICE. So “THE SURGE” is a term used by ignorant people for ignorant people, the level of forces has been high since 04, and when they come down its because those who have been extended by 3-8 months are being redeployed, their units deactivated, new units reflagged, and then redployed as a NEW unit and voila’ you have new “troops” as part of “THE SURGE”

    And lets stop calling it that, it sounds like an old movie.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq


  25. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Aye!

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 7:30 pm

    Marcus Aurelius. We have recently discovered a letter written to you by your son, Commodus Bushus.

    Here is an excerpt from the letter.

    You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues: Wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them.

    But I have other virtues, father.

    Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel.

    Resourcefulness.

    Courage, perhaps not on the battlefield, but… there are many forms of courage.

    Devotion, to my family and to you.

    But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then it was as if you didn’t want me for your son.

    I search the faces of the gods… for ways to please you, to make you proud. One kind word, one full hug… where you pressed me to your chest and held me tight. Would have been like the sun on my heart for a thousand years. What is it in me that you hate so much?

    All I’ve ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar. Father.

    Father. I would have butchered the whole world… if you would only love me!!!

    Hope you don’t mind my reprinting it.


  26. Juan C Says:

    I’ve seen her bash trolls heads in so bad their hats were resting on their shoulders.
    Comment by BARTLEBEE

    She had bashed me like you would do. Heh.


  27. Gregor Samsa Says:

    Any time now, the the trolls and assorted Bush cultists will bash the soldier for hating America, “wanting us to lose”, being a terrorist “appeaser” and a “surrender monkey”.

    Not to mention the bashing of ABC for being so “liberal” and not reporting the “good news” out of Iraq, which in Doublespeak means not obfuscating, hiding the horror of the American occupation of Iraq.

    (Some living organisms are predictable when they don’t have higher cerebral functions. Pavlov dogs, step aside. Make way for the Bush personality cult followers)


  28. PaulB Says:

    And you know what’s pathetic? That the people who are trying the hardest to bring those guys home, to get them the medical and psychiatric help they need, and so on, are the ones accused of failing to “support the troops” or even worse, “hating the troops.”

    I support that soldier — I want his next 15 months to be here, with his wife, his family, his children, his friends, and neighbors, not in Iraq.

    And what’s worse is that there will be a horrible reckoning when those men and women do finally come home. We simply do not have the resources allocated to give them the help — emotional, physical, and financial — that they will need, nor will we so long as Bush remains in power.


  29. jurassicpork Says:

    President George W. Dangerfield never gets any respect, no respect at all.


  30. kimmy Says:

    Let’s send both Bush and Cheney in to the war so they can see reality.
    Not their rosy views of war.
    War is hell.
    It should never happen!


  31. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    If you possess all of these qualities:

    You are not wheelchair-bound

    You have all four limbs

    You have not been legall deemed an idiot, imbecile, or moron

    You are under the age of 41 years

    You support the war in Iraq

    You should be fighting along side our brave men and women in Iraq.

    This includes all neocons and pseudo “conservatives” (including talking heads and pundits, like Tucker Carlson)

    Failure to enlist immediately will indicate cowardice on your part.

    You can do all of the equivocating, loopholing, and excuse-making you want (I once had a neocon/lawyer friend who stated that America needed him to stay here and be a lawyer!), but you will nonetheless have shown the wide tellow stripe that runs up the middle of your back.

    even though the blogs are anonymous and sheild us, socially, from our peers, you still must look into the mirroe each morning and face tha realization that you are a spineless coward and a hypocrite.

    It’ll suck (even worse than it does now) to be you.


  32. Katie Says:

    Are you sure it was on ABC? The reason why I am asking is up to now, ABC has been Bush’s poodle network. If they actually showed real footage and didn’t try to sugar coat it and make it seem like it was a good thing, then good on them. Maybe they will encourage other news outlets to get out there and really report the news rather than continuing with their news blackout about Iraq.

    I was listening to Randi Rhodes on my way home from work today. She was talking about how 45% of the so called “Iraq al Quaeda” were actually Saudis and that the people in that part of the world saw pictures of the death and destruction in Iraq every day. It’s no wonder they hate us. If we saw the pictures every day, we would hate ourselves and we would no longer be in Iraq.


  33. Chris L Says:

    The sad thing is that soldier was more than likely punished under UCMJ for speaking out against his Commander-In-Chief.


  34. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 17, 2007 @ 7:36 pm

    If only I had listened to my counselors, for they knew the cold harsh reality of my son as he truly was. I only saw that baby I had held.

    Thank the gods I never saw him act as a Gladiator.

    But what did become of Rome?

    GHWB: are you listening?


  35. Katie Says:

    “And I just recently found out you’re a lady (Zooey told me).
    I didn’t know that.
    Comment by BARTLEBEE ”

    That’s interesting. No one ever told me and I always assumed that veritas was female. I have no idea why I assumed that, I just did. Maybe it’s a female thing.


  36. Troll Hater Says:

    > All in favor of having Bush riding shotgun with this soldier, say “aye”!

    The bubble wouldn’t fit into the jeep!

    Not exactly Battlefield 2142, ne?

    *WHAT YOU SAY, TROLLS.*


  37. BARTLEBEE Says:

    If only I had listened to my counselors, for they knew the cold harsh reality of my son as he truly was. I only saw that baby I had held.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 7:47 pm

    Yea, you should have went with Maximus.


  38. Mr. President Says:

    It’ll suck (even worse than it does now) to be you.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
    ——————————————
    What are you, an idiot?

    One does not have to enlist to support the troops and America’s strategic military action around the world!

    By your own logic, you are a spineless coward, because you have not done what we all know you want to see happen…


  39. Tired Of Fighting Says:

    even though the blogs are anonymous and sheild us, socially, from our peers, you still must look into the mirroe each morning and face tha realization that you are a spineless coward and a hypocrite.

    It’ll suck (even worse than it does now) to be you.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17,

    Excellent

    Those Soliders you saw are the same ones my unit replaced in 2004 in Mosul, and we will be replacing them this year in Baghdad.

    Disrespect them if you dare.

    Keep surviving Brothers.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq


  40. Perry Logan Says:

    Imagine Bush in Viet Nam.

    He would have been fragged within fifteen minutes.


  41. Joefriday Says:

    Why do our troops hate our troops ?


  42. veritas Says:

    Bartlebee & Juan C - Yep, I’m a she! I’ve always worked with men and have been told that I am “no nonsense” which I suppose is a compliment….but, female I am. I’ve been told that I’ve been a male in all past incarnations and this is my first foray into the feminine side of things. If that’s the case, I think that I shall stay!


  43. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    It’ll suck (even worse than it does now) to be you.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
    ——————————————
    What are you, an idiot?

    One does not have to enlist to support the troops and America’s strategic military action around the world!

    By your own logic, you are a spineless coward, because you have not done what we all know you want to see happen…

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

    Spoken like a true coward. I have served my country, and I no longer fit the criteria listed.


  44. Joefriday Says:

    #36-aye !


  45. veritas Says:

    Hi Katie! I guess your intuitive powers are pretty strong. With non-gender specific moniker, it’s often difficult to tell….but fun to try, isn’t it? And goodness knows, we patriots need a little fun diversion once in a while in our battle against the trolls and Washington.


  46. helenahandbasket Says:

    Mr. p: bush’s stategery is failing, because he is Corrupt, Incompetent and Arrogant.


  47. veritas Says:

    I think the ayes have it tonight. Let’s petition Congress to grand this soldier’s wishes and have Bush ride shotgun with him for at least a week.


  48. BARTLEBEE Says:

    One does not have to enlist to support the troops and America’s strategic military action around the world!

    Comment by Sister President — July 17, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

    You keep telling yourself that Commodus.

    Courage…, perhaps not on the battlefield, but… there are many forms of courage….


  49. Egreggious Says:

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

    Comment by Tired Of Fighting — July 17, 2007 @ 7:51 pm


  50. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    Comment by Tired Of Fighting — July 17, 2007 @ 7:51 pm

    From your post, I hope that you do not think I have disrespected our troops. I want them home, and safe, and whole, and strong, and happy, and able.

    (you might not have directed that last part at me, but just in case thare was any doubt.)


  51. veritas Says:

    Bartlebee: Thanks for the compliment. I have a long history in management, particularly in patriarchial settings.


  52. Damian Says:

    Veritas, that “bulge” you refer to in #6 is more aptly called “a load”. As in a “hot steamin’ shit load.” I believe Dan Bartlett sported one the first time he flew into the Green Zone.


  53. PaulB Says:

    One does not have to enlist to support the troops and America’s strategic military action around the world!

    Technically true. However, if you believe, as all too many on the right do, that this is World War III (or IV), that the very existence of the U.S. is at stake, that the very existence of [fill-in-the-blank] is at stake, that this is “the task of our generation,” then your failure to enlist, your failure to call for real sacrifice, your failure to hold accountable those who have thoroughly screwed it up, can and very assuredly will be held against you.


  54. Mr. President Says:

    Spoken like a true coward. I have served my country, and I no longer fit the criteria listed.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
    ————————————————————————
    Well, I bet that makes you feel great when your buddies here talk about hanging your CinC?!?!


  55. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Bartlebee: Thanks for the compliment. I have a long history in management, particularly in patriarchial settings.

    Comment by veritas — July 17, 2007 @ 7:56 pm

    I was thinking of changing your handle to “trollgrinder”.


  56. PaulB Says:

    By your own logic, you are a spineless coward, because you have not done what we all know you want to see happen…

    Wow, so I’m a “spineless coward” for not getting rid of the president? And how, pray tell, am I supposed to accomplish this? Try to assassinate him?


  57. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    “One does not have to enlist to support the troops and America’s strategic military action around the world!”

    Technically true. However, if you believe, as all too many on the right do, that this is World War III (or IV), that the very existence of the U.S. is at stake, that the very existence of [fill-in-the-blank] is at stake, that this is “the task of our generation,” then your failure to enlist, your failure to call for real sacrifice, your failure to hold accountable those who have thoroughly screwed it up, can and very assuredly will be held against you.

    Comment by PaulB — July 17, 2007 @ 7:58 pm

    Yes - that, and he’s a coward.


  58. veritas Says:

    #51 You got it! The load in the back of the pants is precisely that….there’s a lot of it going around washington these days as the Madam’s records are being sifted - hehe.


  59. PaulB Says:

    Well, I bet that makes you feel great when your buddies here talk about hanging your CinC?!?!

    ROFL… So, overheated political rhetoric designed to blow off steam is like … well, I’m not sure, really, since our dear little troll isn’t even bothering to make sense these days.

    Fascinating… I can’t wait to see what the dear little thing comes up with next.


  60. Egreggious Says:

    Mr. President,

    This thread belongs to Tired of Fighting and Sgt. Sherman.

    Get off it now!


  61. Damian Says:

    Here’s a pic of Bartlett on said flight. Looks like Snow also dumped a load in his pants/bag/whatever.


  62. BARTLEBEE Says:

    If you are of enlistment age, and you support this war with your mouth, then you do NOT support the troops.

    Period.


  63. PaulB Says:

    Yes - that, and he’s a coward.

    Well, sure, but that goes without saying. :) Man, could you see that particular troll spending just one day with those guys?!


  64. Gregor Samsa Says:

    Yes - that, and he’s a coward.
    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 8:00 pm

    With a bad case of awful reading comprehension, to boot.

    Your post clearly read:

    If you possess all of these qualities:
    […]
    You support the war in Iraq

    Which is obviously not your case, but is Mr P’s.

    Of course, Mr. P proceeded to the attack in order to distract from the fact that he is still warmongering from the comfort of his own home.


  65. Damian Says:

    SHAT! Trouble with the link.


  66. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    Spoken like a true coward. I have served my country, and I no longer fit the criteria listed.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
    ————————————————————————
    Well, I bet that makes you feel great when your buddies here talk about hanging your CinC?!?!

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 7:58 pm

    I am a civilian. Chimpy is not my Commander in Chief. He is, however, a threat to the Constitution I took an oath to uphold, as well as to the troops who are unfortunate enough to have suffered under his sociopathic administration. He is a traitor, and he and his cronies have committed numerous crimes and acts of treason. He should be dragged before a firing squad and shot dead. I say this in all seriousness.


  67. BARTLEBEE Says:

    When we’ve got soliders returning for their 3rd, 4th and even 5th tours, and we’ve got hundreds of thousands of conservative young men and women over here cheering on the war with their mouths, then clearly those people do not support “the troops”.

    Wanna support the troops?

    Theres two ways to support the troops right now.

    Either work to bring them home, or become one.



  68. Tired Of Fighting Says:

    #49

    No disrepect taken, the last part was for those who saw fit to dishonor my Soldier the other day. Keep typing away.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq


  69. Joefriday Says:

    Comment by PaulB — July 17, 2007 @ 7:58 pm

    Yes - that, and he’s a coward.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 8:00 pm

    And a turd by any other name is still a turd-that be u mr. Pee. I think I can see mr. pee’s fate if this were the French revolution.


  70. Wayne Says:

    These are not NEW “troops” these are Soldiers who were are replacing the same Soldiers over and over. I have met the same Platoon Sergeant that I met in 2004 TWICE. — Tired of Fighting

    Aye, pretty soon it will be like that old Dunkin Donusts commercial, you you will meet yourself coming in the door.

    My son should be back stateside 2.5 months now IF they don’t extend his tour, again.


  71. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    Comment by Tired Of Fighting — July 17, 2007 @ 8:07 pm

    thanks, and back at’cha.


  72. Gregor Samsa Says:

    Well, if you are able, by your own logic…
    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:06 pm

    Re-read Marcus’ post. Or does it make you too uncomfortable?

    Marcus clearly wrote: “If you support the war in Iraq”.

    He doesn’t. You, on the other hand, do.

    His comment is right on target.


  73. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    He should be dragged before a firing squad and shot dead. I say this in all seriousness.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
    —————————————————————————–
    Well, if you are able, by your own logic…

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:06 pm

    You should learn to read. I hear there’s a good beginner’s book entitled My Pet Goat. Start there, but be forewarned - the book is engrossing to some, and will cause you to ignore important things happening in your vicinity while you are reading it.


  74. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Theres two ways to support the troops forced to continue in this never ending illegal occupation of Iraq.

    Either work to bring them home, or become one.


  75. PaulB Says:

    Well, if you are able, by your own logic…

    LOL… Nice try, dear heart. Let the record note that you have no response to the many posts that responded to you above.


  76. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    Well, if you are able, by your own logic…

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:06 pm

    Forgot to add: I can still whip your sorry ass. Punk.


  77. PaulB Says:

    Try not to interrupt when grown folks are talking.

    LOL… Oh, the irony…


  78. Egreggious Says:

    No disrepect taken, the last part was for those who saw fit to dishonor my Soldier the other day. Keep typing away.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq

    Comment by Tired Of Fighting — July 17, 2007 @ 8:07 pm

    Tired of Fighting is too much of a gentleman to say it, so I will.

    Mr. President was among those who dishonored Sgt. Sherman by posting under this fallen soldier’s name.


  79. Gregor Samsa Says:

    Try not to interrupt when grown folks are talking.
    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:11 pm

    The post he wrote, and that you replied to, was about the war in Iraq.

    What is the matter, going through an early onset of Alzheimer’s?


  80. Tired Of Fighting Says:

    # 71

    Exactly

    As for your Son, all of us with decency and respect want him to come back home safe and sound. Those of us who pray will, and those who dont want his safe return also.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq


  81. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    Marcus was not talking about the war when I made that comment, son. Try not to interrupt when grown folks are talking.

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:11 pm

    I don’t know why, but I think Gregor Samsa is your senior (as well as being your social superior). I do believe you’d be more respectful to Mr. Samsa if he was standing in front of you. ‘Cause you’re a coward.


  82. PaulB Says:

    His comment is right on target.

    I think the dear little troll thinks he’s being clever: stating that Marcus is too much of a “coward” to do what he thinks needs to be done — shooting the president — or something stupid like that.

    The reason everyone is missing it is that it’s really, really stupid, even for the standards of this particular troll, so everyone is scratching their heads wondering just what he thinks he’s doing as he flounders around, desperate to find something, anything, to say, as he’s getting his butt kicked.


  83. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Of course, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that those who support this President and his illegal occupation are content to offer their support by simply cheering from the sidelines.

    After all, when Bush had a chance to play football in college, he opted to sit on the sidelines, and cheer.

    You guys make great cheerleaders.


  84. Gregor Samsa Says:

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 8:16 pm

    Thanks, Marcus.

    I do suspect I am a couple of decades older than Mr. P, at least.

    And I am not even 50 yet.


  85. PaulB Says:

    But yet you take no action… by your logic, that makes you a spineless coward.

    ROFLMAO… I knew it! I knew that’s what he was going for. I wonder if the dear little thing realizes just how fricking lame that response is and how pathetic he is for writing it?

    Man, this is great…


  86. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    # 71

    Exactly

    As for your Son, all of us with decency and respect want him to come back home safe and sound. Those of us who pray will, and those who dont want his safe return also.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq

    Comment by Tired Of Fighting — July 17, 2007 @ 8:15 pm

    Ditto. (yuck - can’t believe I actually typed that).


  87. PaulB Says:

    And what’s really wonderful is that the poor thing had the sheer, unmitigated chutzpah to insist that his remark came from a “grown folk.” The mind boggles…

    Oh, Mr. P? Got anything to say to those soldiers in that clip?

    No? I thought not.


  88. Gregor Samsa Says:

    The funniest thing of all is Mr P’s non-denial denial.

    He launches an attack on Marcus, accusing Marcus of cowardice -without ever denying he is one.

    Gotta wonder what caused the social dysfunction some of these trolls suffer…


  89. Tired Of Fighting Says:

    Keeping the pressure on as usual Egreggious.

    Appreciate it.

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 In (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq

    Fought and Died so trolls, Bush apologists, enablers, and money makers don’t have to.


  90. willyloman Says:

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius

    When I was 10 I remember my parents took me to the Bi-Centenial Celibration of this country in Miller Park. I remember two things; the “worlds largest cornbread” and my fathers Dolphins on his uniform.

    1976, Lynchburg Virginia.

    That is America. What is displayed in this film, is not.

    Pardon me for presuming to know anything about conflict such as this. But I tell you, the faces of those Soldiers reflect a deep concern about our presence in that conflict. And without regard to thier own circumstances they are, bravely, starting to say as much out loud, on camera, and in uniform.

    And I will take them at their word. They’ve earned that much.

    This administration has stacked the deck against these warriors for whatever reasons (stupidity, lack of experience, or pure greed) and it must stop now.

    I agree with Marcus Aurelius. I state for the record (you snitching little apologist trolls) that this is a rogue administration that will not yield to our system of government. They will not obey the law. They Hide evidence of potential crimes against a Soldier under the Executive Privilege; and they very well may have instigated the act that precipitated this conflict in the first place.

    This administration are traitors to the American People; her laws and her Soldiers in arms. They must be removed from office at all costs. They must be hung for the crime of Treason.

    Our Soldiers must come home.


  91. Raven Says:

    Mr. P(P) is 24


  92. PaulB Says:

    No, the reason everyone is pretending to miss it, is because, by the logic used by Marcus, anyone who supports doing harm to Bush, but does not do so, is a spineless coward!

    ROFLMAO… No, dear, but thanks ever so for playing. We have some lovely consolation prizes for you. Do feel free to come back when you’ve removed those various feet from your butt and your own feet from your mouth, won’t you?


  93. PaulB Says:

    Again: Oh, Mr. P? Got anything to say to those soldiers shown in that clip?

    No? I thought not.


  94. Egreggious Says:

    Salesman, you’re the man!


  95. Gregor Samsa Says:

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:19 pm

    Everyone can read the thread and find out the first Marcus post you replied to was about the war in Iraq, not about shooting Pres Bush.

    That was the post where mentioned that any war supporter who doesn’t join the fight is a coward (methinks thou doest protest too much, by the way).

    Here. Go back and re-read it. Although I am not sure it will do you any good, given the lack in basic reading comprehension you have already shown here. And in every other thread, for that matter.


  96. Joefriday Says:

    by your logic, that makes you a spineless coward.

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:14 pm

    As posted by the most disgusting and spineless troll coward that has visited TP. This piece of crap lives in a sewer. Has insulted our solders that have died in Iraq and supports the worst president this country has had. I am sure IT is a snot nosed little turd with no life other than the INTERNET. IT posts almost 24 hours every day-even holidays when most people have a real life and friends-It doesn’t.


  97. willyloman Says:

    Comment by Egreggious

    Hey there. I see you’re still fighting the good fight.


  98. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    He should be dragged before a firing squad and shot dead. I say this in all seriousness.

    But yet you take no action…

    by your logic, that makes you a spineless coward.

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:14 pm

    The day will come when due process has taken its course, and I will offer my services - as will many other Americans, including those forced to fight a sham “war” with no break, no relief, and reinforcements, but no plan.

    We both know you’d never say that to my face.

    Comment by willyloman — July 17, 2007 @ 8:19 pm

    Willy, I’ll stand by you no matter what comes.


  99. PaulB Says:

    Sure, you and I both are!!!

    ROFL… Let’s see: one of you has put his life on the line for his country. The other of you …

    “One of these things is not like the other…”


  100. PaulB Says:

    Again: Oh, Mr. P? Got anything to say to those soldiers shown in that clip?

    No? I thought not.


  101. Joefriday Says:

    soldiers-YA


  102. Marcus Aurelius Says:

    ‘Cause you’re a coward.

    Comment by Marcus Aurelius — July 17, 2007 @ 8:16 pm

    Sure, you and I both are!!!

    Comment by Mr. President — July 17, 2007 @ 8:25 pm

    “You and I” aren’t anything. We’re not even the same species. You are a treasonous troll, I am a human being.


  103. Tired Of Fighting Says:

    Good to see you willyloman. And thanks for all that you wrote.

    And by the way I won the game with a walk off 2-run homer. lol

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq


  104. Gregor Samsa Says:

    First Mr. P calls me “son”, and now “old guy”.

    I sense a lack of a father figure when growing up. That would explain Mr. P’s obsession with an authoritarian, distant father figure like Pres. Bush, and his support for anything Bush.

    So sad.


  105. gummitch Says:

    That’s interesting. No one ever told me and I always assumed that veritas was female. I have no idea why I assumed that, I just did. Maybe it’s a female thing.

    Comment by Katie

    Pfui. I knew she was a woman all along. I think. Or maybe Zooey told me. Or maybe veritas dropped a dime on herself at some point.

    Or maybe it’s my amazing powers of deduction.


  106. Egreggious Says:

    Hey there. I see you’re still fighting the good fight.

    Comment by willyloman — July 17, 2007 @ 8:26 pm

    Out of respect for others posting here, I’ve been trying to keep quiet. But this thread is different. Tired of Fighting is here.

    Mr. P, like all trolls, thrives on attention. But he is no ordinary troll. He had the audacity to take on the name of Tired of Fighting’s dead friend, a soldier, in an effort to spout his nonsense.

    As a general rule, I do not mind if people “feed the trolls”. But the only way for us to punish this punk for what he did is to not give him what he craves, attention.


  107. willyloman Says:

    Today in Mexico there are rioters in the streets because there was apparently evidence of a single case of election fraud.

    one case and they took to the streets. they had to call in the army to use gas to quell it.

    one case.

    2000, 2004 Diebold, Kathrin Harris, Jeb Bush, WMDs, 9/11 and Saddam, Osama and Saddam, anthrax, mobil labs, Alberto Gonzalas, Harriot Miers, Scooter Libby, Enron, energy commission meeting with Cheney in the White House in Jan. 2001, Pat Tillman, $18 billion in cash missing, no-bid contracts, Katrina, Blackwater security….

    and what? Inherent Contempt?

    we are shamed by Mexico.


  108. gummitch Says:

    Mr. P(P) is 24

    Comment by Raven

    No, PiPPy claims to be 24. He also claims to be a student who may or may not be in school and he is clearly unemployed (and possibly, unemployable). Since he doesn’t have to work, he’s either on some sort of welfare or living with his mommy, which seems most likely.

    He and one of his fellow wankers also said they’d be making a run for Pres/VP in a year that would make them 14 y.o. now, if they’d be 35 and qualified in that year. I’m thinking that in PiPPy’s case, 14 is probably a lot closer than 24.


  109. willyloman Says:

    And by the way I won the game with a walk off 2-run homer. lol

    RIP
    SGT Stephen R. Sherman
    C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
    KIA 3 Feb 2005
    Mosul, Iraq

    Comment by Tired Of Fighting

    I don’t know what is worse; losing to your daughter, or knowing she tossed you a floater to let you win.

    lol

    Good to see you.


  110. PaulB Says:

    No, PiPPy claims to be 24

    Trolls will usually be no more truthful about themselves than they will be about the issue on which they’re speaking. The only thing that it’s reasonably safe to assume about such trolls is that a) they’re idiots, and b) they’re pathetic. See this particular troll’s posts above. Q.E.D.


  111. Keith G Says:

    Those aren’t Muslims, those are Saudis.
    Comment by Mr. President — July 14, 2007

    About 45% of all foreign militants targeting U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians and security forces are from Saudi Arabia.

    http://www.latimes.com/ news/ nationworld/ world/ la-fg-saudi15jul15,0,3132262.story


  112. Keith G Says:

    And Mr. P was rabidly in favor of impeaching our Commander In Chief during wartime in 1998 because he may have received a bj. Is that patriotic?


  113. PaulB Says:

    I’m still waiting for any of our usual trolls to have something to say to those men shown in that clip. Come on, guys, you’re usually so talkative here. Why don’t you show them what you’re made of.


  114. Egreggious Says:

    *crickets*


  115. willyloman Says:

    Did my Mexico statement do that?


  116. willyloman Says:

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>tumbleweed>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


  117. PaulB Says:

    Nah, it’s just that this is one clip the usual trolls simply cannot face. There is nothing they can say to these guys, nothing they would dare say to these guys, and they know it. That’s why Mr. P’s trolling was even more desperate and pathetic, not to mention sillier, than usual.

    All of their usual rhetoric simply melts away when exposed to the brutal light shining from that clip. It figures that we’d have to go to the UK to see something like that.


  118. Egreggious Says:

    ABC did a followup on this report again tonight.

    Apparently one viewer wrote in that this report was a “cowardly and irresponsible” story.

    I imagine it was one of our trolls (although the graphic was spelled correctly, so maybe not).


  119. SGT Higgins Says:

    The sad thing is that soldier was more than likely punished under UCMJ for speaking out against his Commander-In-Chief.

    Comment by Chris L

    Nah, I hope not anyway. He didn’t disrespect the CinC, he just asked him nicely to keep him company. He may lose a rank, do some extra duty, but it’ll be pretty mild, in all.

    Oh, by the way…AYE!


  120. shane Says:

    Comment by Tired Of Fighting

    I don’t know what is worse; losing to your daughter, or knowing she tossed you a floater to let you win.

    lol

    Good to see you.

    Comment by willyloman

    Oh *smack*. That’s cold mr. willy. If this is how you do your friends, Mr. Peabrain better run for cover. LOL


  121. shane Says:

    Did my Mexico statement do that?

    Comment by willyloman

    Didn’t Bush’s cronie win the last presidential election and weren’t they rioting then?


  122. willyloman Says:

    Comment by shane

    lol. hey there shane.


  123. shane Says:

    Oh, by the way…AYE!

    Comment by SGT Higgins

    But really Bushwad has to be in a different vehicle than any of our soldiers. First he’ll be crapping all over himself. And second no soldier deserves to be with somebody that incompetent. Let him ride with the Secret Service and hope for the best.


  124. Egreggious Says:

    Bush could be in charge of clearing the brush.


  125. SGT Stephen R. Sherman Says:

    Tired Of Fighting,
    Hi buddy how’s it going?
    Still using my name?


  126. shane Says:

    May I compliment all you nontroll posters on your excellent handling of said troll on this thread.

    You were alll brilliant.


  127. Bush has no balls Says:

    I am believing more and more that war is a shameless excuse for war profiteers to plunder the taxpayers while young men and women like that poor guy pay with their blood and their psychological health.

    SHAME on you Bush and Cheney! The whole other shadowy part of the whole Iraq debacle is the 170,000 or so ‘contractors’ who are out there with weapons unaccountable to American, Iraqi or international justice. They get paid exponentially more than our brave troops, they face fewer risks, they do less, and they are accountable to no one but their corporate minions and their $ell-out commander in cha-ching…


  128. Papa Smurf Says:

    What about the troops who support the war?
    AbC only interviews the the anti-War troops!
    They paid them!
    They are ytraitors!


  129. willyloman Says:

    There’s no sense talking about sending Bush over there to ride with the Soldiers. We know he wouldn’t show up, and then all the records of him not showing up would be shedded by Harriot Miers. And then, of course the Repugs would say “where’s the proof” and of course there would be endless debate and arguing and crap. And while all that goes on our Soldiers will be paying the price.
    So, lets just hang him in the White House’s garage and bring the troops home. How’s that?


  130. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    Those aren’t Muslims, those are Saudis.
    Comment by Mr. President — July 14, 2007

    Ooops! Who brought this bit of wisdom forward? I gotta tell, I almost hurt myself laughing after that one.


  131. Joefriday Says:

    Where did little Pee go ?


  132. willyloman Says:

    I’m surprised he hasn’t said it was name jacking.


  133. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    I’ve seen her bash trolls heads in so bad their hats were resting on their shoulders.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE

    Uh, Bartlebee, old sport, those weren’t their SHOULDERS their heads were resting on…


  134. willyloman Says:

    Where did little Pee go ?

    Comment by Joefriday

    He ran off when a real Soldier showed up. Something about “reality” that he doesn’t like. He used to have a different way of dealing with Soldiers…but that didn’t work out so well for him.


  135. Godzilla Says:

    The sad thing is that soldier was more than likely punished under UCMJ for speaking out against his Commander-In-Chief.

    Comment by Chris L

    The sad thing is the courage he took to say that on camera fully knowing it would be viewable around the world. A true American.
    Anyone on TP know of a way we can write this guy, and show our support?

    Mr P is a coward, and traitor, anyone spouting their belief that this war is really worthwhile should be over there. No balls, no patriotism, just a pussy of the highest magnitude. Even Jesus would be kicking his lame ass.


  136. upside00 Says:

    #139 Mr P is a coward, and traitor, anyone spouting their belief that this war is really worthwhile should be over there. No balls, no patriotism, just a pussy of the highest magnitude. Even Jesus would be kicking his lame ass.

    Comment by Godzilla

    What else would you expect from the chickenhawk trolls when their heroes are also chickenwak trolls (AWOL dubya, 5 deferment darth, billo, rush, rover, ann coultergeist and kristol to name a few.)

    We know how easily influenced they are!


  137. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    What else would you expect from the chickenhawk trolls when their heroes are also chickenwak trolls (AWOL dubya, 5 deferment darth, billo, rush, rover, ann coultergeist and kristol to name a few.)

    We know how easily influenced they are!

    Comment by upside00

    And strangely enough, coultergeist would probably be the most dangerous of the bunch. She certainly is the most frightening.


  138. Trii Says:

    Note that was the BCC that did the reporting - not American MSM.


  139. upside00 Says:

    And strangely enough, coultergeist would probably be the most dangerous of the bunch. She certainly is the most frightening.

    Comment by The Republic of Stupidity

    And she has more testosterone than any of them; probably more than Barry Bonds, mark mcguire, and all the pro wrestlers combined.


  140. willyloman Says:

    And strangely enough, coultergeist would probably be the most dangerous of the bunch. She certainly is the most frightening.

    Comment by The Republic of Stupidity

    And she has more testosterone than any of them; probably more than Barry Bonds, mark mcguire, and all the pro wrestlers combined.

    Comment by upside00

    The combination of the testosterone and STDs make her a force to be recconded with. Especially when she’s hitting the meth pipe.


  141. Cynic Says:

    We need Snarkcassandra on this blog.

    Somehow I don’t think that soldier will be punished. The government hasn’t changed since the days I put my time in as a grunt in Nam, and the last thing the officers are gonna want to do is “screw the pooch” by retaliating. The network might not be following the guy in the field, but if the Army wants to start anything, they’ll be all over it. The last thing the military wants is that kind of publicity. And besides, the officers who do it might just get fragged…..trouble is, with all that sand, where do you dig the hole? Heh Heh.


  142. Keith G Says:

    F*ck eyerack, I ain’t fightin’ no sand monkeys. That’s what the army is for moron. Their job is to fight FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Comment by Mr. President — June 6, 2007


  143. JPark Says:

    Hmm, I would have thought he would have gone for “sand n*****s”. Guess he was more interested that he was published.


  144. nullnullnull Says:

    “I challenge the President or whoever has us here for 15 months to ride alongside me. I’ll do another 15 months if he comes out here and rides along with me every day for 15 months. I’ll do 15 more months. They don’t even have to pay me extra.”
    HOO-AH


  145. Adrian Russell-Fallla Says:

    if you find this clip distressing… try watching the ORIGINAL, UNSANITIZED CLIP from The Independent/The Guardian:

    predictably, ABC didn’t have the guts to run Seans Smith’s raw reportage.


  146. Adrian Russell-Fallla Says:

    ooops, clip here:

    original UNEXPURGATED clip


  147. DPLANTE Says:

    THE DEMOCRATIC SENATORS NEED TO SHOW THIS ABC -GOES INSIDE -THE- SURGE` ON THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE SO THE REPUBLICANS CAN SEE THE EVIL AND TOTAL HEARTLESS REGARED THEY SHOW FOR THESE BRAVE DISHEARTENED SOLDIERS. IT BREAKS MY HEART TO WATCH THEM IN THIS MEAT GRINDER BECAUSE MY SON IS OVER THERE TOO AND WE ARE SO AFRAID THAT HE’S GOING TO GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN IRAN WAR THAT THESE NEO=DEMONS WANT NEXT. I AM CHRISTIAN AND I RECOGNIZE THE DEVILS WORK. HE ONLY HAS ONE “MO” AND THAT IS TO KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY! THESE NEO-CON EVANGELICAL DEMONS HAVE HIGH JACKED THE GREAT OL’ REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THE NAME OF A NEW WORLD ORDER IN THEIR PUSH FOR WORLD WAR III` BUT THEY DO NOT REALIZE THAT YOU CAN’T FORCE GOD’S HAND. HE HIDES THE RIGHTEOUS IN TIME OF TROUBLE AND HE WILL END THIS INSANITY! I AM GLAD THE DEMOCRATS ARE STANDING UP AND FINALLY SAYING, ENOUGH… MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL


  148. drew_ill Says:

    I saw this report live the other day. Positively gut-wrenching. Broke my heart to see that old woman sobbing like that. I got the feeling that this was about the millionth time her house was searched like that. Oh, and remind me not to get a job as a taxi driver in Iraq, as I could quite easily be mistaken for a insurgent. Especially upsetting was the morale of those troops. Talk about the thousand yard stare. What’s sad is they’ll get done their 15 month tour and have to go back after 9 months leave.


  149. dono Says:

    Film from the war? Time to ruin some careers and families. Dick will have to get his folks to work on the reporters and producers involved in this ABC piece.


  150. Purple Avenger Says:

    I have said it before, you can’t change ideology with bullets.

    “Political power flows from the barrel of a gun” - Chairman Mao


  151. Patrick Says:

    I don’t know what to say. I just want to cry.


  152. theswan Says:

    I’m sure that proposal fell on death ears.
    Bring the troops home, Now!


  153. Charles Scott Says:

    This was candid coverage on ABC(via British Broadcastig). I was startled! The evening news is so distilled by the corp. owner of the station and influenced by those in power(the administration) that this clip was a SHOCK to me. The citizens of this country need to become aware of what we as taxpayers are spending so much money on,and,more importantly,how the lives of so many families are being affected. We need to know more of the TRUTH of our occupation of Iraq. News used to be REAL news-not anymore!


  154. Susie Says:

    Aye!

    So sad… Those poor soldiers… I wish them the best… I hope they know that we the people DO care about them…


  155. Janice Says:

    Yeah that Joe Liebermouth is some piece of work. Is his need for revenge on Dems for his being a big, fatmouthed loser so great that he woud cut off his own nose (and some nose it is), just to spite his ugly face? The answer for our troops is unfortunately, yes. Damn him and the rest of is Republican’t friends.


  156. right wing hater Says:

    To all of those in favor of keeping soldiers in Iraq…

    Put your a$$ where your mouth is…

    http://www.goarmy.com/contact/find_a_recruiter.jsp


  157. roberttheprole Says:

    this must stop!!


  158. NEM Says:

    There is no statute of limitations on desertion at a time of war. In time, George W. Bush will be, and should be, arrested, tried, convicted, and backed up against a wall at Leavenworth Federal Prison, for treason, and desertion of duty.

    That day will, forever, be a national holiday.

    Nothing less is good enough for this scum sucking, yellow bellied, freaking deserting bastard.


  159. Sharon Lee Rosewoman Says:

    Hey Soldier, you do not want to be within two miles of Bush in Iraq. Bush must ride alone.


  160. Bush baby Says:

    Send all Bushniks to Iraq!



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