82nd Airborne Soldiers Come Under Fire From MSNBC’s Tucker
82nd Airborne Soldiers Come Under Fire From MSNBC’s Tucker
On MSNBC’s Tucker yesterday, host Tucker Carlson attempted to refute a recent New York Times op-ed, entitled “The War As We Saw It,” authored by members of the 82nd Airborne Division finishing up a 15 month deployment to Iraq. They wrote that “recent press coverage” of Iraq has “neglected the mounting civil, political and social unrest we see every day.”
Speaking with retired Col. Jack Jacobs, Carlson said he was “a little bit uncomfortable with” the op-ed because he says “weighing in on a political question such as this” may “squander the awesome moral authority that these guys have.” “I think there is some detriment to the moral authority,” agreed Jacobs.
While saying he “instinctively” respects “people who are serving in a war zone,” Carlson went on to attack the op-ed, saying that he also “instinctively distrust[s]” some of the assertions made by the soldiers, such as their argument that “a vast majority of Iraqis feel increasingly insecure and view us as an occupation force.”
Watch it:
While Carlson claims to have respect for people serving in a war zone, he appears to have no hesitations in calling out the credibility of soldiers when they present a viewpoint that doesn’t confirm his own. On MSNBC’s Countdown last night, Paul Rieckhoff — executive director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) — said soldiers are the “subject matter experts” when it comes to Iraq. “That’s why this op-ed is so important,” he explained. He added:
The soldiers who wrote this piece just completed a 15-month tour. One of them was actually shot in the head before this piece was published, and he’s recovering in the U.S. now. These guys know what they are talking about and they present a very nuanced understanding of the battlefield that the politicians and the policy wonks haven’t been able to provide.
Additionally, Carlson’s feigned skepticism of the soldier’s assertions about Iraqi views is contradicted by actual studies of Iraqi public opinion. A national survey of Iraq from June 2007 found an “ebbing hope in a landscape of loss“:
– 39 percent of Iraqis said they feel their lives are “going well,” compared to 71 percent in November 2005.”
– 26 percent of Iraqis said they feel “very safe” in their neighborhoods, compared to 63 percent in November 2005.
– 82 percent of Iraqis said they “lack confidence” in coalition forces.
– 69 percent of Iraqis said coalition forces make “the security situation worse.”
Faced with the sophisticated argument that the soldiers present, Carlson is resorting to simple-minded, ignorant views to discredit their op-ed.
(HT: Greatscat!)
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Tucker says, “Support the Troops!” (Except for those 82nd airborne traitors).
August 21st, 2007 at 11:02 amWhat are you doing wasting your time on the internet? Don’t you have an appointment with your local Army recruiter? Uncle Sam needs YOU to fight the Islamofacists, you coward!
Comment by Vet — August 21, 2007 @ 10:36 am
August 21st, 2007 at 11:04 am————————————————
I guess this question from the prior thread could be asked of any of our resident trolls who have not yet volunteered to serve in THEIR illegal war…
“twisting in the wind” is a poor choice of words. The phrase means someone who is left hanging as a result of the action of others, not the way it’s being used here to refer to someone who is twisting reality, or spinning it.
Tucker Carlson is a mealy-mouthed weasel. He doesn’t respect these soldiers at all, because they’re not telling the story the way he wants to hear it. Let him spend 15 months on the ground in Iraq before he suggests that they’re making this up. What a creep.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:07 amGiven recent changes to the age cutoff for enlistment, Tucker could easily sign up and suit up.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:07 amOh, sure, Tucker the Sucker has a lot more cred than the troops on the ground.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:08 amAnd when, oh, when, was he ever concerned about the MORAL AUTHORITY that the US has squandered away with our misadventures in the middle east???????????
Why do these troops hate the troops? Don’t they understand they’re undermining their own morale?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:08 amThe F*cker believes it’s immoral for our citizen-soldiers to express their extremely well-founded opinions on the war they’ve been fighting and dying in. How Republican. Support the war=moral. Criticize the war=immoral.
As always, please note that the F*cker is a prime candidate for enlistment. But he won’t, because he’d be squandering his ability to smear the troops. He’s not interested in gaining “moral authority.” He just wants to see the war continue.
I saw the segment on Countdown last night. I thought it was well thought out, and the article itself presents a very good idea of what is going on in Iraq. I have said before, by the White Houses own website 3 of the 4 goals to “win” in Iraq are political. You cannot achieve political goals with military troops.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:09 amCarlson show should be pulled from MSNBC, first of all. He is just so bad!! But i can’t imagine the pain he must be in after twisting himself into this pretzel like position. Hope he enjoys the pain!
August 21st, 2007 at 11:15 amEnlist, Tucker, you punk. Maybe you can wear a digital- camo bowtie on your dress uniform.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:15 amWhen troops are interviewed and express a positive opinion about the Administration policy, or when they appear as a backdrop to the President, nobody has any qualms about the enlisted folks expressing their “opinion” or suggest that they are somehow “squandering their moral authority”.
Tucker Carlson is the kind of elitist know-it-all who would make an awful Lieutenant (IMHO as a former NCO myself).
August 21st, 2007 at 11:17 amThe utter shame I feel that that waste of skin has American citizenship.
Our troopers have just as much right to speak out as a citizen…then again the repuglicans don’t think citizens have a right to voice their opinions anyway. par for the course in our dictatorship.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:18 amShorter tucker: Agree with me, or lose your moral authority.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:20 amhttp://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/19/news/dems.php
Siel Hill!
Senator Hillary Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, went out of her way Sunday to underscore the risks of a too-rapid U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. She indicated that a pullout might take up to 20 months, adding, “This is not going to be easy or safe.”
Clinton’s comments, which seemed intended to show a willingness to make tough policy decisions, came as she and the other Democratic aspirants grappled in a 90-minute debate over a range of foreign and domestic issues. It was their first debate in Iowa, the state that holds the earliest presidential selection contest in the country with its caucuses Jan. 14.
Check out the picture!
August 21st, 2007 at 11:21 amfTucker has the lowest ratings out of every single televised show. Out of 500 channels, he comes in last. No one can stand him. He and his dishonest, bizarro reasoning is irrelevent.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:21 am“twisting in the wind†is a poor choice of words. The phrase means someone who is left hanging as a result of the action of others, not the way it’s being used here to refer to someone who is twisting reality, or spinning it.
Comment by gummitch — August 21, 2007 @ 11:07 am
Good call, gunmitch. I’ve changed the wording of the conclusion a bit, hopefully in a more sensible way.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:22 amAh yes… “The Right” are the sole keepers, defenders, and determiners of morality and what it consists of…
What a joke. Talk about something a little more substantial, Tucker… you pathetic hack.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:23 amI wonder if he is one of the trolls on this site? Sure sounds familiar.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:23 amLooks like m12 can’t read, no real surprise, the thread is about Tucker trying to impinge the morality of US soldiers who have just completed a 15 month tour of duty in Iraq, and are publicly stating their objections to the expectations set by this administration. Care to comment?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:24 amWhen one goes out of their way to prove that they are strong-willed, courageous patriots, one might want to note that if given an AK-47 and posted upon the Canadian border, it’s my guess that Tucker would tip over.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:25 amQuestion:
When Tucker Carlson said : “You’re taking quite a risk in writing that”
Was he talking about:
(a) Ken Pollack;
(b) the 82nd Airborne’s op-edders.
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/07/30/tucker-defends-pollack-attacks-hysterical-bloggers/
Tucker Carlson, bless him, recognizing the courage it takes to work at a DC Thinktank.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:26 amPropeller Neck Tucker has a hell of a nerve, doesn’t he?
Jeebus.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:26 amleave it to m12 to try and derail the thread. Tucker is a hack. I thank the soldiers of the 82nd for relating their view.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:27 amIt’s an amazing thing that this tucked-out pompous, arrogant moron – BOTH of them, could actually carry on this twisted and demented conversation for 5 whole minutes, and that I would even listen to the whole thing.
These guys have been over there for 15 months, right in the thick of it, who would know any BETTER than them, what the hell is going on? I just can’t even believe this.
And then he’s talking about them being prosecuted? Is he CRAZY? We have a White House full of criminals that need prosecuting. Not these guys.
I think Tucker has a personality disorder. I don’t know what’s wrong with the other one.
Did you hear him say how hard it was to “police†these comments? (keep them from letting the truth out). So, that’s what you get when you “volunteer†to serve your country? They get to risk there lives 24/7 for 15 months, everyday. They get to be shot-up and bombed, and watch the same thing happen to their comrades. And then they get all of their rights taken away as well. They aren’t allowed to talk? Nope. Nope. Nope.
This just makes me vomit.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:29 amCheck out the picture!
Comment by m12
That says it all right there. m12 and his ilk care for only the photo op and the sound byte.
Form over substance… and it will be our undoing.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:30 amRepug thinking:
August 21st, 2007 at 11:31 amSupport the war=moral.
Criticize the war=immoral.
Tucker is a moron. IF anyone pays ANY attention to him, they’re wasting their time.
Just another self-righteous talking head…NO credibility…
August 21st, 2007 at 11:33 amI reserve this word for extreme times and use it sparingly.
Tucker Carlson, you are a c*nt.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:33 amHey, m12 – where did you go? C’mon, dude – give me something to work with!
August 21st, 2007 at 11:33 amOn the other hand, if the oped painted a rosy picture of Iraq, Carlson would cheer their courage for coming forward.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:36 amI can still see in the dust where you used to have the
August 21st, 2007 at 11:36 am“Support Our Troops”
magnetic ribbons on your car, Tucker.
Who the hell cares what Tucker Carlson says. He is a big nothing.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:37 amI’d like to tighten up that bowtie with an industrial ratchet.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:38 amm12 cut and run. He learned it from Rove.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:38 amComment by cyrena — August 21, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Well ranted, cyrena.
*applause*
August 21st, 2007 at 11:41 amI’d like to tighten up that bowtie with an industrial ratchet.
Comment by Zimzone
I think it’s a clip on, even his regular ties just have the plastic collar tabs and the little hook for the top button.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:41 amThat says it all right there. m12 and his ilk care for only the photo op and the sound byte.
Form over substance… and it will be our undoing
There’s no photoshopping involved there, even! You can’t create the Hitlary look…just comes naturally i guess.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:42 amCould you imagine Tucker dressed as a soldier?
The only thing Tucker ‘instinctively trusts’ is the garbage he’s told to read off the tele-prompter.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:42 amHas Bush White House elevated terror?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:42 amI guess in Tucker Carlson’s world, we should support the troops as long as they keep their mouth shut, and the 82nd Airborne has moral authority as long as they support the war. If they don’t, then we get to impugn their credibility.
I know Carlson has a political agenda he has to put forth at all times, but could he at least do it without going after the people who are already getting shot at?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:43 amTucker should “instinctively” take a long walk off a short pier.
He supports the troops……except when he doesn’t.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:44 amGerbils, when alarmed or excited, will make a rhythmic thumping sound with their hindleg.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:45 amCould you imagine Tucker dressed as a soldier?
Comment by KELSO — August 21, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Nah — he couldn’t even be convincing dressed as a dancer (Season 3 of Dancing With the Stars — first one eliminated).
August 21st, 2007 at 11:46 amYou can’t create the Hitlary look…just comes naturally i guess.
Comment by m12 — August 21, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Unlike Bushes ‘I’m tough – look at me hehe my arms haven’t seen the side of my body since I started campaigning for presnent’ natural look? No one gives a false look like Bush does m12 – and you love him.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:46 amlooking at m12’s picture one could also envision a compassionate Hillary stretching her arm out to help, or to heal. m12 himself says no photoshopping was done and look at the faint (almost saintly) glow enveloping Mrs. Clinton’s hand.
Thanks for the uplifting picture m12. Now back to the substance of this thread. Is Tucker a dick, or is he the biggest dick ever? You decide.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:48 amNo one gives a false look like Bush does m12 – and you love him.
Comment by yikes — August 21, 2007 @ 11:46 am
Careful, yikes … you’re helping m12 trolljack the thread. Just pointing it out, that’s all.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:48 amThere’s no photoshopping involved there, even! You can’t create the Hitlary look…just comes naturally i guess.
Comment by m12 — August 21, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Hillary Clinton scares you shitless, you pathetic little thing.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:48 amThe Assault on Reason
Carlson has absolutely no qualifications to question what these guys say, and there is no excuse for him having airtime.
All he has going for him is his “opinion” that the administration is correct when it says up is down, black is white.
That he has the audacity to assert he has any better view of the “big picture” than do these guys would immediately qualify him for a padded cell in any semblance of a real world. But here behind the looking glass he can say this and it is publicized as if it had any merit whatsoever.
This twit is the poster child for Al Gore’s book.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:49 amI reserve this word for extreme times and use it sparingly.
Tucker Carlson, you are a c*nt.
Comment by TerrytheTurtle — August 21, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Personally, I prefer to call him a pr*ck, but that’s just my preference. :)
Can you imagine Trucker the uber-preppie in the military? Now THAT would probably make him “a little bit uncomfortable”!
August 21st, 2007 at 11:49 amTucker is always saying that he is one conservative who opposes the war in Iraq. Yet, when credible voices from the very people fighting that war are questioning it, Tucker questions their credibility. It leaves me with the impression that the little twit has not one ounce of credibility himself and has never had it. How can this idiot say that he’s completely against the Iraq war and yet object to the soldiers in that war questioning it?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:50 amNeedless to say, I meant Tucker not Trucker! He’s about as far away from being a trucker as they come!
August 21st, 2007 at 11:50 amWhat’s this guy’s name again . . . . Tucker ?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:51 amI personally wouldn’t waste 30 seconds watching his worthless show.
You can’t create the Hitlary look…just comes naturally i guess.
Comment by m12 — August 21, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Or should we bring out the pictures of Bush kissing the Saudi prince or holding hands with the Saudi prince or of Cheney shaking hands with Saddam? Hey Moron12? How many 911 hijackers where Saudi again?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:51 amSpeaking out against the war after a year in Vietnam my attitude was;
August 21st, 2007 at 11:53 am“What are you going to do, shoot me?”
Careful, yikes … you’re helping m12 trolljack the thread. Just pointing it out, that’s all.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — August 21, 2007 @ 11:48 am
Yeah but sometimes it’s plain old fun! That’s all for now – I’m working shhhhh.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:53 amThat says it all right there. m12 and his ilk care for only the photo op and the sound byte.
Form over substance… and it will be our undoing
There’s no photoshopping involved there, even! You can’t create the Hitlary look…just comes naturally i guess.
Comment by m12
That whooshing sound is you mising the point.
Or is it a ka-ching!!! from your paycheck that distracts you?
Troll – and not a very good one…
August 21st, 2007 at 11:53 amAnd tell me why I would give the opinion of a mealy-mouthed boarding school trust fund baby like Tucker any credability on a subject as substantial as this.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:54 amUnlike Bushes ‘I’m tough – look at me hehe my arms haven’t seen the side of my body since I started campaigning for presnent’ natural look? No one gives a false look like Bush does m12 – and you love him.
He’s a well built man….that’s what you get for lifting weights. Nothing false about it.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:54 amEver see a short-lived cable TVshow called “Celebrity Death Match”? It featured claymation figures of real celebrities fighting to “the death” in a boxing ring. It’d feature matches between, oh, Jack Nicholson and Leo DiCaprio, or Bette Midler and Cindi Lauper. Extremely funny stuff. The “celebs” would tear each other’s arms and legs off and beat each other over the head w/ their own bloody limbs. Mebbe it’s just guy humor… (it was just claymation…)
Anyways… wouldn’t ya just love to a “Celebrity Death Match” between Tucker and Glenn Beck?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:55 amHillary Clinton scares you shitless, you pathetic little thing.
Comment by Zooey — August 21, 2007 @ 11:48 am
Of course she does. Look at the damage her husband did to this nation.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:55 amCareful, Zooey… you’re helping m12 trolljack…
August 21st, 2007 at 11:56 amlooking at m12’s picture one could also envision a compassionate Hillary stretching her arm out to help, or to heal. m12 himself says no photoshopping was done and look at the faint (almost saintly) glow enveloping Mrs. Clinton’s hand.
Hahahaha! Bit of a stretch, but if this is all you can cling to, you can live with your own delusions.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:56 amTucker Carlson has never even been a boy scout. He is as much a hero as the arm chair hero trolls on this board. They should all enlist, we can do without their kind of bs.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:57 amI support the twits right to comment. I do not support what he is saying. Thus, my personal solution and my strongest possible suggestion is that I do not listen to the twit and I refuse to purchase any product that sponsors the twits’ show. I also have written letters to every single sponsor and to msnbc.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:57 amNow, if everyone were to follow my suggestions It might just be possible to force msnbc to remove the twit from their station.
Boycot the piece of garbage and boycot the hell out of every single product that sponsors the twit!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Careful, Zooey… you’re helping m12 trolljack…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — August 21, 2007 @ 11:56 am
It was one factual response, darling. :)
August 21st, 2007 at 12:00 pmPerhaps Tucker’s name has to do with a tail between the legs sort of thing??
August 21st, 2007 at 12:01 pmOr should we bring out the pictures of Bush kissing the Saudi prince or holding hands with the Saudi prince or of Cheney shaking hands with Saddam? Hey Moron12? How many 911 hijackers where Saudi again?
Comment by yikes — August 21, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Maybe he would prefer the pic of Bush in his shorts and crocs? lol
But back to Tucker and his mis-guided comments about moral authority.
I think it’s wild that so many troops are speaking out. Tucker and his ilk should really question why they seem to ‘“instinctively distrust[s]†some of the assertions made by the soldiers, such as their argument that “a vast majority of Iraqis feel increasingly insecure and view us as an occupation force.‒
Why would they distrust the negative comments made by soldiers while supposedly respecting the troops in general? Instead of continuing to blindly follow the party line they should really ponder this contradiction.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:01 pmComment by Dumb_Fox — August 21, 2007 @ 11:26 am
Tucker Carlson will always take the word of some guy who never left the green zone and only got to see the dog and pony show over a group of guys doing the actual fighting and seeing what is really going on. As long as it fits his narrow but constant message.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:01 pmWhy does MSNBC persist in attempting to put this guy on the area? He’s had two shows that bombed already and they keep throwing him into new formats thinking we’ll go for it. Good Lord, he was the first one dumped on Dancing With the Stars – we don’t like him!!! No one does!!! He’s an idiotic bloviator.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:04 pmSpeaking of Hillary:
Michelle Obama on Hillary Clinton: She travels with her husband in part “to model what it means to have family values,†adding “if you can’t run your own house, you can’t run the White House.â€
Zinger!
August 21st, 2007 at 12:05 pmI think Senator Hussein is killing his chance to be Vice President with that low blow.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:06 pmIt was one factual response, darling. :)
Comment by Zooey — August 21, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
yeah… it’s just kinda weird watching a troll do everything he can to trolljack a thread. I really, really wanted to reply to him myself… it was actually a take-off on your now-classic comment too –
“Bush may be well built, m12, but is he HUNG LIKE SADDAM?”
August 21st, 2007 at 12:07 pmTucker Carlson is such an old woman and the biggest wussie on television today.
His style of “I love the democratic party but they are all evil and stupid”
is idiotic as is that Jake Jacobs who would not have a gig if it weren’t for this war.
I am sure that Tucker would find the marine/porn star Matt Sanchez more to his liking.
jack jett
August 21st, 2007 at 12:08 pmTucker, dance?
Can he Tango in a Tangle?
Can he Rhumba in a Rumble?
Can he Foxtrot in a Foxhole?
I’ve seen him dance around the truth.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:11 pmI’ve seen him sidestep issues.
I’ve seen him tapdance on his widdle tippytoes, but dance? Really!
“Bush may be well built, m12, but is he HUNG LIKE SADDAM?â€
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — August 21, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Nope he isn’t. Then again, Hillary must be missing something in that department, which is why her husband went running to the Arkansas state police to send up young female traffic violators!
August 21st, 2007 at 12:14 pmMy active duty brother noted the OP-ED writers could not possibly know what was going on everywhere. Their view was a little snapshot….sort of like the snapshot of the North African campaign in WWII wasn’t very goood….
August 21st, 2007 at 12:16 pmSpeaking of Rudy, how can he lead the party of family values when his own family doesn’t value him?
Speaking of Cheney, when was the last time a VP didn’t want to run for President?
Speaking of the GOP, remember when they stood for fiscal responsibility, less govt and accountability? Me neither.
That picture was uplifting m12. Outstretched hand to aid all.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:16 pmthink Senator Hussein is killing his chance to be Vice President with that low blow.
Comment by m12 — August 21, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
Name calling again instead of talking about facts. If you can’t stay on the issues muddy the waters with hate speech is that your agenda.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:16 pmComment by The Republic of Stupidity — August 21, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
I will leave m12 with his smelly, crusty pants.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:17 pmNope he isn’t.
Comment by m12 — August 21, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
Hmmm… and you answer so authoritatively, about BOTH men’s private anatomy… just pointing it out.
Forgive me, my fellow posters, but once I felt a nibble on that line, I just had to set the hook and reel him in.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:19 pmThe OP-ED didn’t claim to know what is going on everywhere. What it does show is the complexity within the cultures of Iraq that were ignored by this administration and their problems were allowed to fester.
The OP-ED points out the failure of the de-baathification and disbanning the military. It also shed’s light on the shiite stance of tolerating us to achieve their own goals.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:20 pmMatt – Let me see if I understand leftard blog-think…
Active duty soldiers who convey their disagreement with the administrations policy ARE GOOD? Right?
Active duty soldiers who AGREE with the policy are BAD? Right?
August 21st, 2007 at 12:22 pmYou’re no journalist but you are very good in selectively propping up your employer! Good job!!!!!
m12 has done exactly what the little pissant troll wanted to do. Draw the topic off point. What does Hillary Clinton have to do with this thread? m12….you are a pathetic coward that runs from a arguement that you can’t win. Dodge and deflect is all you have. You disgust me.
Now…..back to the topic.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:22 pmMy active duty brother noted the OP-ED writers could not possibly know what was going on everywhere. Their view was a little snapshot….sort of like the snapshot of the North African campaign in WWII wasn’t very goood….
Comment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
I don’t think they are trying to encapsulate the entire country but from what they saw this is their opinion from actually being there and they don’t see that view being told. Are there good areas and bad areas? Probably. Is this acceptable after 4 going on 5 years is the question? Are we willing to get the amount of troops and introduce new taxes to pay for a conflict to occupy a country for the next 10 years or do we step back and let the civil war come to its logical conclusion instead of aiding and arming both sides. These are the questions to maintain the course with insufficient equipment, troops, and money is pointless.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:23 pm“sort of like the snapshot of the North African campaign in WWII wasn’t very goood….”
Comment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
Did we start that war?
Was it started over cherry-picked intel?
August 21st, 2007 at 12:24 pmHellin – American culture is complex – their “problem festers” because they are backward tribal thinkers with seventh century religious models….Hardly the fault of George Bush…..their culture is lacking modernity……Let me amend that….their culture is lacking. Period.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:25 pmThe OP-ED didn’t claim to know what is going on everywhere. What it does show is the complexity within the cultures of Iraq that were ignored by this administration and their problems were allowed to fester.
Comment by hellinabucket — August 21, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
Pff that’s nothing new. Dick Cheney said the same exact thing in 1994.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:25 pmMatt – Let me see if I understand leftard blog-think…
Active duty soldiers who convey their disagreement with the administrations policy ARE GOOD? Right?
Active duty soldiers who AGREE with the policy are BAD? Right?
You’re no journalist but you are very good in selectively propping up your employer! Good job!!!!!
Comment by valiant venus
I don’t recall any active duty soldiers penning any op-ed’s that agree with the current policy. Please enlighten me if I am incorrect.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:26 pmHardly the fault of George Bush…..
Comment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
It certainly is Bru$chCo’s fault when the admin doesn’t pay attention to what they’re getting into.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:28 pmName calling again instead of talking about facts. If you can’t stay on the issues muddy the waters with hate speech is that your agenda.
My hate speech? This was Obama’s wife doing the mudslinging!
August 21st, 2007 at 12:28 pm“… their culture is lacking modernity……Let me amend that….their culture is lacking. Period.”
Comment by valiant venus
Strange, they seem to hate the same things about american culture that the religious right despise.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:28 pmBarfly – Cherry picked intel??? FDR knew that we would be attacked in Pearl Harbor….but he needed to garner the support of the American, which was overwhelmingly isolationist – a platform he campaigned on, BTW. He knew the UK needed help that members of the”Greatest Generation” (?) would have never allowed. Who cherry picked what?
August 21st, 2007 at 12:28 pmWho cherry picked what?
Comment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
Sorry, false argument. This about Iraq, not what amy or may not have happened at the start of WW II.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:30 pmThat picture was uplifting m12. Outstretched hand to aid all.
Comment by hellinabucket — August 21, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
Guess that’s why Hillary wants to keep the troops in Iraq, eh?
August 21st, 2007 at 12:30 pmNice try though…
August 21st, 2007 at 12:30 pmName calling again instead of talking about facts. If you can’t stay on the issues muddy the waters with hate speech is that your agenda.
My hate speech? This was Obama’s wife doing the mudslinging!
Comment by m12 — August 21, 2007 @ 12:28
August 21st, 2007 at 12:32 pmI’ll slow it down for you. I was taking about how you refer to Senator Obama as Senator Hussein. So you have resorted to name calling on the playground? What are you going to do next play someones hair?
Comment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
The topic is the 82nd Airborne and their experiences in Iraq.
Do try to stay on topic, Hag.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:32 pmBarfly – American culture does not despise the Right to Life and Liberty as does the Left…
“I don’t recall any active duty soldiers penning any op-ed’s that agree with the current policy. Please enlighten me if I am incorrect.”
Comment by Trizza
I live in San Diego – a good military town….Use “the Google” and do your own work.
Tooodles……..for now…….
August 21st, 2007 at 12:32 pmComment by chad — August 21, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Next, chad, I think I’ll take Obama’s quote and slap it on a bumper sticker.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:33 pmComment by chad — August 21, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Next, chad, I think I’ll take Obama’s quote and slap it on a bumper sticker.
Comment by m12 — August 21, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
August 21st, 2007 at 12:35 pmShould go good next to your false support the troops ribbon( the most abused phrase in modern history)
m12, you’re a neocon you’re not allowed to guess.
as for Valiant’s comment “Hellin – American culture is complex – their “problem festers†because they are backward tribal thinkers with seventh century religious models….Hardly the fault of George Bush…..their culture is lacking modernity……Let me amend that….their culture is lacking. Period.”
Nobody blames GW for their culture. Only for invading their culture without attempting to understand it. Without a plan to build any cohesive govt after invading it and accusing all who question him unpatriotic.
Who are you, or anyone else for that matter, to think any culture is lacking. Sounds like a statement from a shallow materialistic simpleton.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:38 pmComment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
The claws come out!!
Trizza, you should know VV doesn’t back up ANYTHING she says — ever.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:39 pmTo say that our mis-guided efforts were doomed from the start due to the culture in the Middle East is probably be one of the more astute comments from our trolls. Too bad Bush didn’t seem to be aware of the complexities in the M.E. before he decided to insert the U.S. in its midst. One could even suggest that his lack of knowledge about the Middle East has resulted in many unnecessary deaths and much misery.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:41 pmLove them polls, lets run everything on daily polls.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:41 pmOne could even suggest that his lack of knowledge about the Middle East has resulted in many unnecessary deaths and much misery.
Comment by margaret — August 21, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
That contradicts Cheney’s statements in 1994 they knew of the situation in Iraq and either a) chose to ignore it or b) wanted this chaos to happen that would then require a prolonged U.S. presence there.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:43 pmTrizza, you should know VV doesn’t back up ANYTHING she says — ever.
Comment by Zooey — August 21, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
VV is what is referred to as a Drive-by Troll; fire a salvo of BS, then leave before offering any meaningful defense and usually off-topic, another typical troll tactic, as they have very short…. attention spans and a lack of any factual information to offer.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:47 pmI live in San Diego – a good military town….Use “the Google†and do your own work.
Tooodles……..for now…….
Comment by valiant venus
You live in SD. Whoop tee doo!! Backup your statement that Active duty soldiers who pen op-ed’s are ‘Bad”.
Nice “cut-and-run” though VV.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:47 pm“Nobody blames GW for their culture. Only for invading their culture without attempting to understand it.” – Hellin
“Attempting to understand” fundy Koranimals is a bit like trying to “understand” a great white shark…or nest of vipers. Trying to fuse a cohesive govt is an attempt to allow the humanity of that backwards culture to shine through.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:50 pmbackward tribal thinkers with seventh century religious models….Hardly the fault of George Bush
George Bush is a backward tribal thinker with a seventh century religious model.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:53 pm“Attempting to understand†fundy Koranimals is a bit like trying to “understand†a great white shark…or nest of vipers. Trying to fuse a cohesive govt is an attempt to allow the humanity of that backwards culture to shine through.
Comment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:50 pm
I see your racist and bigoted attitude hasn’t diminished. Must be painful to watch all the changes in the 21st Century interfere with your 19th Century beliefs.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:54 pmAh being generous there:
“American culture is complex ” says MA “dead baby jokes are cute”
George Bush didn’t even understand that there were Sunnis and Shias in Iraq before he pulled the trigger…….
Sums up the American administration: “All the gear and NO idea”
August 21st, 2007 at 12:55 pm…..Trying to fuse a cohesive govt is an attempt to allow the humanity of that backwards culture to shine through.
Comment by valiant venus
The only problem with you logic is that Bush/Cheney (especially Cheney) knew prior to invasion that overthrowing Saddam would lead to chaos, instability and quagmire. All which they chose to overlook. They also ignored the advice of the generals who did not agree with them. I guess those generals were “bad” according to your logic.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:55 pmComment by upside00 — August 21, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
19th Century? That’s generous. MA has a ‘pre-1215′ mindset
August 21st, 2007 at 12:56 pmTucker’s is a young guy, he should be serving in this just war. I guess this bo-tie bimbo is too much of a girly-man.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:56 pmAttempting to understand†fundy Koranimals is a bit like trying to “understand†a great white shark…or nest of vipers. Trying to fuse a cohesive govt is an attempt to allow the humanity of that backwards culture to shine through.
Comment by valiant venus — August 21, 2007 @ 12:50 pm
August 21st, 2007 at 1:00 pmWow what does someone need to say to get banned on here. Valiant uses the same tactic as Nazi Germany dehumanize your enemy so it is easier to commit violent acts and attrocities against them.
19th Century? That’s generous. MA has a ‘pre-1215′ mindset
Comment by TerrytheTurtle — August 21, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
Oops….. must have been in a generous mood this morning. Won’t happen again, I promise!
August 21st, 2007 at 1:00 pmTucker needs a baseball bat to the head.
Just like Fred Thompson.
Cheney needs to be arrested by the Capitol Police and then clubbed senseless when he resists arrest.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:02 pmComment by chad — August 21, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
Yea, vv/ma has some major anger management issues and childhood trauma that haven’t been dealt with. And unfortunately the meds aren’t working either.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:03 pmJust a matter of time before Tucker accuses them of Anti-Americanism.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:04 pmSo, TP, when is your “registration system” going to be ready?
Bush is a WAR CRIMINAL TRAITOR who needs to be in Gitmo…
August 21st, 2007 at 1:06 pmHey VV. I took your advice and did a google search for ANY opinions written by active duty (or veteran) soldiers who agreed with the current policy and found 0. Are they all in San Diego with you cause i couldn’t find any. Maybe you could tell whoever it was you were referring to in your earlier claim to write it again cause we missed it.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:11 pmDan Abrams– Would you please fire this mealy mouth!

August 21st, 2007 at 1:11 pmbrilliant venus, so why do you back the administration that halfas$ed their way into a conflict with an “enemy” they didn’t understand.
Ask yourself this question. “which one is the bigger fool. the fool, or the one that follows?” You’ve been following a fool.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:14 pmHello all:
I found a great new website that shows how to respond to those rightwingers who seem to know it all check out.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:16 pmhttp://www.howtotalkback.com
This is off-topic, but if you haven’t read this, you need to. Extremely disturbing material, to say the least.
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/hail-caesar-by-digby-ive-been-getting.html
August 21st, 2007 at 1:23 pmYou are a joke.. My brother is in the 82nd and has spent the last 15 months in Iraq with these guy’s. Why don’t you go take a look for yourself. You are not the one that sleeps with your cell phone so that you don’t miss a call. You are not the one who sends them care packages.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:31 pmIt’s the truth! They live with them they are there 24/7 while you sit behind your desk. I praise these men for speaking up and telling the world what is going on. How dare you!!!!!!!!!
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — August 21, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
Saw it, TRoS, very disturbing and sick.

August 21st, 2007 at 1:36 pmThanks for the link TRoS. Thom Hartman was discussing this recently. I am not sitting quietly by while democracy is destroyed.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:41 pm“I see your racist and bigoted attitude hasn’t diminished. Must be painful to watch all the changes in the 21st Century interfere with your 19th Century beliefs.” Comment by upside00
You leap to conclusions (what’s new?) – I have nothing against moderate Muslims (you know the type – they don’t cheer when suicide bombers attack innocent people). Those same moderates think Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. have the right to worship God as they please and they aren’t naming their baby boys Osama. Women drivers do not threaten them, nor do they see a cultural need for female “circumcision”. Grow up……
August 21st, 2007 at 1:43 pmJon Stewart exposed him years ago. He lost his tie, his show and his network that day…and yet he’s still credible enough for MSNBC!
August 21st, 2007 at 1:46 pmValiant follows a fool. Her own comments above about the unpredictable middle east shows she does. The fool didn’t attempt to understand the complexities, nor did the fool look for long term success.
She follows a fool. the good news is that there’s less of the valiants today than there were last year.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:46 pmThanks TRoS. We need to be more vigilant than ever.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:51 pmLeftards whine about destroyed democracy here….and praise Cuba. (Pssst….that’s when I knew leftards had no credibility…)
Hellin – Unlike you, I realize the US has had it’s national/economic security threatened by tree huggers who want to preserve nature – isn’t it a shame all that oil isn’t below our ally Israel? I can hardly wait for the day when we turn off the ME oil spigot and allow the bedouins to go back to their camels, sabres and tents…..
August 21st, 2007 at 1:52 pmAll I have to say is that p*ssy needs to enlist, go to Iraq, ride around in some humvees, eat the putrid food and drink the putrid water provided by his heros at KBR then come back and tell us how everything is hunky-dory over there. Until he does that he has no right to question anyones credibility that has been there. May he choke on his old bow-ties.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:52 pmProud Airborne Sister – I dare because my brother is over there, also. Contrary to this sites prevailing opinion (”wisdom” is toooo far a stretch), “progs” haven’t cornered the compassion market.
I wish your brother Godspeed.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:57 pmMighty Aphrovenus, you allow fear to drive you to the brink of destroying democracy.
What is/was the rationale for invading Iraq?
What is/was the military objective?
What is/was the political objective?
Answer those questions to yourself. See if you can. I’ll wait mighty.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:59 pmanother “troll surge” underway here, i see….that’s precious…..and specious, but, as always I’m grateful for it, because it inspires me to keep writing my elected representatives and pushing for any kind of change that will put our most “backwards” citizens back in the shadows where they belong.
p.s. 2+2 will never =5, ; no matter how much spin is imparted to them.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:06 pmCheck out the picture!
Comment by maggot12 — August 21, 2007 @ 11:21 am
Notice how M12 can’t say anything about the actual thread?
He immediately comes in and starts screaming, “CLINTON CLINTON!”.
Poor little troll. So miserable he can’t even address the thread.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:21 pm“What is/was the rationale for invading Iraq?”
Saddam’s support for terrorist, his flagrant non-compliance of the 1991 cease fire agreement, and the universal concern that he was well on the road of nuclear weapons acquisition.
“What is/was the military objective?”
Kill our enemies and break things. Seriously, the initial threat was viewed as recently deposed Sunnis would never take being relegated to second string…..of course, after opppressing the Shiites and Kurds for decades the Sunnis had no appreciation for what they were being offered…….
“What is/was the political objective?”
…….which was a seat at the political table.
Ideally, the objective was to encourage a federal government which would constrain civil strife IF oil revenues were shared among the principals. A strong Islamic ally would wield much influence in this volatile region.
Answer those questions to yourself. See if you can. I’ll wait mighty.
Comment by hellinabucket
Now, I’m sure my answers will not satisfy you…..
NOW Please tell me what the Dem Congress has done to live up to the high expectations of the folks who elected them.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:28 pmWhy are Dem front-runners falling all over themselves telling to loudly proclaim they would go get Osama – just like GWB??? You must feel very disappointed!
Thanks for responding Mighty,
Here’s the retort.
“What is/was the rationale for invading Iraq?â€
Saddam’s support for terrorist, his flagrant non-compliance of the 1991 cease fire agreement, and the universal concern that he was well on the road of nuclear weapons acquisition.
No, it was the link with AQ that was not there until long after we invaded. And yes on the weapons only that it was flawed and not supported by any credible evidence. All official documentation from the UN inspectors show there was no evidence to support any claims of WMD. We went to war on lies and fear.
“What is/was the military objective?â€
Kill our enemies and break things. Seriously, the initial threat was viewed as recently deposed Sunnis would never take being relegated to second string…..of course, after oppressing the Shiites and Kurds for decades the Sunnis had no appreciation for what they were being offered…….
You are more off base than usual on this one. The military objective was not to kill and break. The opposite was true. To use the fewest amount of forces and leap frog to Baghdad and capture/kill Saddam. They wanted to leave as much infrastructure intact as possible.
“What is/was the political objective?â€
…….which was a seat at the political table.
Ideally, the objective was to encourage a federal government which would constrain civil strife IF oil revenues were shared among the principals. A strong Islamic ally would wield much influence in this volatile region.
HUH???? It was this administration’s goal to put a western friendly govt. in the middle east. One that just happened to have large oil stockpiles.
These may be your answers but they aren’t the true answers. You don’t seek the truth, you look for comfort.
Answer those questions to yourself. See if you can. I’ll wait mighty.
Comment by hellinabucket
Now, I’m sure my answers will not satisfy you…..
NOW Please tell me what the Dem Congress has done to live up to the high expectations of the folks who elected them.
Why are Dem front-runners falling all over themselves telling to loudly proclaim they would go get Osama – just like GWB??? You must feel very disappointed! I’m watching the democratic process. I’m not disappointed, I’m energized. Especially after watching the pitiful hacks that are attempting to pick up the shreds of the republican party and try to say we are now for family values from Rudy, or fiscal responsibility from Mitt, or less govt from McCain. The republican party isn’t recognizable any more. Your party has failed the American public with the worst congress (109th) ever and the most corrupt leadership this country has ever seen.
No disappointment here. Only the great awakening of America and the collective realization that the republicans have almost destroyed us all.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:47 pmWhat I think should be really focused on here is the differnce between Op-Eds and how the media handled them. Look at what the Media did with a NY-times interview with Pollock and O’Hanlan, or whatever those Brookings dude’s names are. And then just compare it to the response from the soldiers. Shouldn’t the guys in the uniforms get even equal billing?
I don’t know though. No one in my family is in Iraq. So I guess I don’t have a emotional frame of reference to want to listen to everyone who has been there.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:49 pmShould go good next to your false support the troops ribbon( the most abused phrase in modern history)
Comment by chad — August 21, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
Hussein is his middle name. How many times has this crowd referred to our current President as W or Dubya, or the various slurs?
August 21st, 2007 at 2:49 pmYour party has failed the American public with the worst congress (109th) ever and the most corrupt leadership this country has ever seen.
That must be why this Congress has an even lower approval rating! In fact, it’s only been matched by the Congress of 93-94!
August 21st, 2007 at 2:50 pmFolks like Carlson should be made to publish their address, as do any of those who write their opinions in letters to editors of our newspapers. That way, he would be able to receive feedback from the troops once they get back to American soil.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:02 pmTucker Carlson hasn’t served one minute in the military and is to scared. Now he questions the words of these brave men who lived 15 months praying that they live. Carlson and his family live safe because of these brave soldiers. Tucker is just a coward supporting the Bush Administration for the free money his Daddy is getting to spread the lies. MSNBC should fired this nothing and get a real Journalist.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:03 pm“….that the republicans have almost destroyed us all.”
Comment by hellinabucket
You’re not wrong about about the despicable spending of the Repubs – I just wish the “honest” (bahaaa!!) Dem leadership would do away with earmarks! Fat chance!
But on your paranoid destruction theory – please illuminate us how keeping an eye on our enemy almost destroys YOU!
August 21st, 2007 at 3:09 pmIt took me about 2 seconds to figure out baby tucker is a republican shill,and I’ve never watched him since.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:23 pm“Let me see if I understand leftard blog-think…
Active duty soldiers who convey their disagreement with the administrations policy ARE GOOD? Right?”
Active duty soldiers who AGREE with the policy are BAD? Right?
You’re no journalist but you are very good in selectively propping up your employer! Good job!!!!!
Comment by valiant venus —
Let me see if I understand the re-tard blog-think…
Active duty soldiers who convey their agreement with the administrations policy ARE GOOD? Right?”
Active duty soldiers who DISAGREE with the policy are BAD? Right?
There, I fixed it for you.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:30 pmNo, seriously. Are there anything other then left leaning blogs in the entire news sphere that have picked up on the Soldiers’ Op-Ed? Anyone?? I know Huff-Po had it, as did TPM (good coverage), but I’ve heard LITERALLY nothing from anyone else. Really? No one is even picking it up enough to say that it “feels wrong” besides Tucker? come on now. The Liberal Media has got to be out there somewhere!
August 21st, 2007 at 3:33 pmm12 has his bag of lies and talking points all ready to go. any time she starts a sentence with “I Think…”, keep in mind the impossibility of that statement. I mean, we call Bush “W”, like that’s relevant to anything. What a mindless, fact-free, America-hating piece of turd.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:45 pmhere’s some irony. My post responding to Valiant was blocked. I’ll give you the cliff notes.
Republicans have recklessly spent billions on this conflict without justification or a way to pay for it. That has hurt this country.
The military has been stretched beyond recognition due to this adventure. This has hurt this country.
No oversight for the last 6 years while the most corrupt govt. in our history had a blank check and no road blocks to do whatever they wanted. This has hurt our country.
There was lot’s more but I’ll stop here in hopes of this much getting thru.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:46 pmNo, seriously. Are there anything other then left leaning blogs in the entire news sphere that have picked up on the Soldiers’ Op-Ed? Anyone?? I know Huff-Po had it, as did TPM (good coverage), but I’ve heard LITERALLY nothing from anyone else. Really? No one is even picking it up enough to say that it “feels wrong†besides Tucker? come on now. The Liberal Media has got to be out there somewhere!
Comment by Baaba — August 21, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
they’re all out to lunch.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:53 pmHellin – I guess you didn’t get enough whining in on #139 – #150 must be chapter 2.
YOU don’t want to UNDERSTAND the “justification” – it violates your demagoguery.
As I noted, and you fail to acknowledge, I think Repubs were disgustingly reckless in their “management” (HA!) of domestic issues. But please enlighten us about the “honest” workings of a Dem Congress.
(foot tapping…..)
August 21st, 2007 at 3:55 pmDang it! Well, I’ve left some messages… maybe they will call when they get back…
August 21st, 2007 at 3:55 pmMighty aphrodity, the posts aren’t here to change your mind. I’m also not here to be the flag bearer for the Democratic Party. Why are you the appologist for the worst leadership this country has ever had.
Oversight alone is more workings this entire congress has done over the last.
You don’t want to see a big picture and that’s fine with me. Don’t think your attempt to brush me with your myopic view of others as accurate.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:01 pmspeaking of out to lunch.
hows el segundo this time of the year, vv?
August 21st, 2007 at 4:03 pmHellin – Thank you for NOT addressing my request for “clarification” of the damage to this country….and my assertion of lack of integrity by BOTH Repubs and Dems. I’m against higher taxes and such an exercise would highly tax your capabilities…..
Tooodles……………
August 21st, 2007 at 4:40 pmI sort of feel like these discussion are like arguing with 7th Day Adventists. You’re allowed to have a discussion, but neither side is even close to accepting the other’s set of world views that sort of dictate the discussion. Needless to say, Vv, you sort of changed your argument quite a few times this thread… and you did have your questions answered… but if your world view makes you the winner, then I say more power to you.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:45 pmMighty, I acknowledge your dislike of of higher taxes etc….
August 21st, 2007 at 4:52 pmI don’t get how Tucker Carlson can drool over Ron Paul yet support the continued occupation of Iraq.
It doesn’t make sense.
August 21st, 2007 at 6:32 pmI think the “Know It All” should spend 15 months on top of a Humvee getting shot at and blown up every day. A Talking Head with the mentality of a moron why believes Bush’s continuing mis-informtion. Our troops have the right to an opinion even if it is contrary to that of our BUSH monkey!!!
August 21st, 2007 at 7:17 pmCarlson tries to look innocent and smart when he’s a air head. Someone finally told him his jazz bow made him look like a dork, so now he’s wearing a tie.. Seems it didn’t work.
August 21st, 2007 at 8:38 pmMakes me wonder if Tucker is recieving money from the WH. They have been spending a lot on propagada from what I read these days.
August 21st, 2007 at 8:56 pmall those who support the war now have to go and fight it! let everyone else come home.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:07 pmfunny how they harp on separation between military and politics, but they don,t like the other separations, like i.e church and state, priests and alter boys!
August 21st, 2007 at 9:12 pmPut Jon Stewart back on the air with Tucker and get that bow-tie wearing warmonger fired again, just like he was from CNN. What a grade-A douchebag.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:21 pmto see and hear this right-wing neo-con tool discredit the op-ed piece by actual soldiers is both laughable and pathetic. for someone who hasn’t served in the military, he sure seems to think he knows what it means to be a soldier. what a pathetic un-american.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:36 pmTheir concluding statement says it all: “We need not talk about our morale. As committed soldiers, we will see this mission through.”
None of the soldiers are asking for CO status or to be sent home. All they are saying is this is what we saw, and this is how things could be better.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:52 pmThey might as well have said the emperor has no clothes.
To understand the Tucker Carlson’sof the world…
…one need simply to examine the phenomena…
…of procreating scum…
August 21st, 2007 at 10:17 pmMost of the comments I read make fun of Carlson’s bow tie habit and “warmongering” philosophy, which, judging from his past interviews with Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul, the latter is not the case; anytime I have seen Carlson interview Dr. Paul, he treats him fairly and let’s him state his case for non-intervention.
Carlson is not saying these soldiers are wrong, he is just saying one should always be wary of a broad, sweeping statement such as “the vast majority of people…”, especially when such things are not supported statistically within the document. Even when there is some sort of statistical information available, it’s good to know how the survey was conducted, under which conditions people were asked the questions, how the questions were worded, etc.
I read the article BTW and found it well written and informative. But, it is always a good habit to keep in mind that even these soldiers don’t necessarily know everything that is going on there at any given time. Just take subjective assessments with a grain of salt, whether it be from the President or Tucker or whoever.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:17 pmI reserve this word for extreme times and use it sparingly.
Tucker Carlson, you are a c*nt.
Comment by TerrytheTurtle — August 21, 2007 @ 11:33 am
ha!! – couldn’t have put it better – he belongs in a think tank (preferably one that is slammed shut and full of water) with o’hanlon and kristol and all the other c*nts who don’t know sh*t from clay…..and where did his bow ties go? – has he finally passed from puberty to adolescence?
August 21st, 2007 at 10:29 pmOh please, Tucker. Tell us more about the war. You know, the one that you’re fighting. Yeah, I know those soldiers interrupted you telling your story – about you – in Iraq – fighting. So why don’t you continue. Since you are over there, and thus know exactly what is going on.
Tucker is not a reporter. He is not a journalist. He is a commentator, just like the rest on network news outlets. You becoming informed is not a prerequisite, and is often considered a side effect.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:51 pmWhy are the people who are thousands of miles away from the ground question the reports that comes from the people who are right there? Maybe those people should come and take a closer look to assess the situation more accurately?
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:57 amOf course Col. Jack Jacobs has a problem with the soldiers op-ed, it’s counter to his military industrial message, that he represents being a cheerleader for the invasion of Iraq , and being a cheerleader for the occupation .
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:45 amObviously there is collusion going on with nbc, the numerous Generals, colonels, CIA analysts, and the Pentagon and WH.
NBC also hires Lt. Col. Rick Francona as an analyst, and he was the U.S. military rep. to Saddam, during the Iran/Iraq war. You know when reagan sold Saddam DUAL USE equipment, like Bell Helicopters, tons of fertilizer to create chemical weapons from Dow. This guy is passed off as an objective analyst, who will never mention that Reagan got Chile to sell Saddam CLUSTER BOMBS.
The state of journalism is in peril and to have a KGB agent say EVERYBODY in the USSR knew Pravda was lying all the time, but here, propaganda is much more successful .
Every soldier serving in Iraq has a right to speak his mind as long as he doesn’t engage in any activity while he is actually wearing his uniform which is not what happened here. Serving 15 month tours makes these brave soldiers experts on the surge. Their service to their country gives them the right to speak on this critical issue. The soldiers are right the Iraqis do see us as an occupying force because that’s what we are.
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:03 amServing 15 month tours makes these brave soldiers experts on the surge. Their service to their country gives them the right to speak on this critical issue. The soldiers are right the Iraqis do see us as an occupying force because that’s what we are.
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:04 amRieckhoff is right and Tucker who has never served in combat is wrong. The soldiers are right the Iraqis don’t want us in their country. We are seen as an invading and occupying force. TP is right Tucker’s views are ignorant.
August 22nd, 2007 at 3:03 am>I dare because my brother is over there, also.
uhhh huh. you still think you’re a lawyer too? (even though you couldnt answer a single question anyone who was really a lawyer would know)
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:57 amIf Tucker Carlson,Ken Pollack & Michael O’Hanlon put their collective heads together they’d make a complete ass. How many more of the 82nd Airborne will die or become maimed because of their drivel.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:47 pmnice smear campaign.
those soldiers speak the truth…these two tv bozos are traitors and scum. hope they die in a car crash tonight.
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:58 pm