Right-Wing Vets For Freedom Attacks Hagel’s Military Service: ‘Show Me What Battle He Fought In Iraq’
Right-Wing Vets For Freedom Attacks Hagel’s Military Service: ‘Show Me What Battle He Fought In Iraq’
Today on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, a caller questioned Vets for Freedom (VFF) founder David Bellavia about the group’s attacks on Vietnam veteran Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE). Bellavia quickly praised Hagel, saying he was a “patriot.” “You don’t question another man’s service,” said Bellavia.” “I will never attack a Vietnam veteran, like some of these other individuals have during this political season.”
Content he paid enough lip-service to Hagel, he then began attacking the senator, an outspoken critic of the Bush administration. Bellavia’s dismissed the Hagel’s service in Vietnam — for which he earned a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge — as irrelevant to the current conflict:
BELLAVIA: Sen. Hagel has never been shot at in Iraq, he’s never seen what an IED looks like or been detonated on. This is an individual that could embed himself instead of doing a two-day congressional delegation. Go out there, walk with the troops, see what’s going on on the ground. [...]
Now, again, with Sen. Hagel — my problem with Sen. Hagel is, again, his experienced is based on what? The Mekong Delta. It’s based to Vietnam, a totally different fight, a totally different enemy, and by the way, it was 30 years ago.
Watch it:
It’s doubtful there any military experts who would agree with Bellavia that there’s nothing to learn from past U.S. conflicts. In 2000, President Bush even said, “A generation shaped by Vietnam must remember the lessons of Vietnam.” Bellavia and VFF also have no problem with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), even though he also fought in a war “30 years ago.”
VFF is largely a front group for the Bush administration, with their supposedly “objective” work being pushed by former White House officials. The organization has gone after lawmakers, such as Hagel and Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), who have dared to oppose the Bush administration’s policies in Iraq.
Additionally, just because Bellavia and other VFF members have served in Iraq doesn’t mean that they speak for all U.S. troops. Other soldiers and veterans — including groups like VoteVets — are increasingly rejecting the Bush administration’s policies.
Transcript:
BELLAVIA: Chuck Hagel, he’s a proud American warrior. He’s a patriot. But show me what battle he fought in Iraq. A man’s war — You don’t question another man’s service. I will never attack a Vietnam veteran, like some of these other individuals have during this political season. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.
But with all due respect, your 50 years of Middle East experience — Just spend 50 minutes in Iraq and you can bring yourself up to speed. But Sen. Hagel — we can disagree on a lot of issues — but Sen. Hagel has never been shot at in Iraq, he’s never seen what an IED looks like or been detonated on. This is an individual that could embed himself instead of doing a two-day congressional delegation. Go out there, walk with the troops, see what’s going on on the ground.
Ma’am, I’ve served over a year and our organization is just stock-full of Purple Heart and Valor Award winners. We’ve seen the worst of this fight. There’s no propaganda here, ma’am. We love America. We want to win the war that our Congress sent us to fight. You don’t send Americans — men and women — to lose a war, to end a stalemate. You send them to win in a war, and that’s what we’re trying to do. And you know what? We’re closer today than we ever have been.
BRAWNER: On the point that the caller might have been trying to make here, is that as a soldier on the ground in the moment, wouldn’t it be difficult to step back and get a broader view of what’s going on, that Sen. Hagel, with all of his experience serving in the Senate — that he can step back and take a broader view of the situation?
BELLAVIA: You know, that is precisely why we went back to Iraq. This is the second trip I’ve made with a member of the media. That is basically the underlying theme of why we went back to Iraq. Because it isn’t possible — it’s almost like you’re incubated and you’re cut off — so go back when you don’t have a rifle and you’re not in charge of soldiers.
Now, again, with Sen. Hagel — my problem with Sen. Hagel is, again, his experienced is based on what? The Mekong Delta. It’s based to Vietnam, a totally different fight, a totally different enemy, and by the way, it was 30 years ago. That doesn’t cheapen his service. That doesn’t cheapen his expertise. But when it comes down to Iraq, I will take that specialist who’s 20 years old from Decorah, Iowa, who served three tours in combat, over anything any member of the House or Senate has to say. They’ve been there, they’ve done that, and they deserve to have a platform to share what they’ve experienced.
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And what is mccain’s experience in Iraq? Besides buying 5 rugs for 5 dollars and taking a leisurely stroll with 100 armed soldiers, numerous snipers, one blackhawk and two apache helicopters, of course.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pmBELLAVIA: Sen. Hagel has never been shot at in Iraq,
Did it hurt less to get shot in Vietnam than it does to get shot in Iraq?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pmAnd which battle have Chimpy and Cheney ever fought , you unmitigated imbecile ?
The Wars on Intelligence and Honesty ?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pmWho puts these putzses on TV? All I see is a cranial-rectal interface.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pmYup – a front group for an AWOL alcoholic/cocaine addict – he refused to serve and the MSM has given him a free pass.
In fact, they used Dan Rather as a scapegoat, railroading him out of CBS because he told the truth with a document that may have been questionable in format, but NO ONE COULD REFUTE THE CONTENT!
Course, Rather is a shill anyhow – his carreer took-off when he fraudulently reported how the zapruder film showed JFK’s head “shot forward” in Dallas.
Even if he saw a different version of the film back then (possible, very possible), he has kept his mouth shut, dutifully serving his masters.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pmBobwurst: There are credible reports that mccain saw a lot of prostitutes while a POW and ratting out his fellow troups, so I guess, by repug standards, that makes for “honorable service”.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:19 pmIf they want a politician that can talk about Iraq, specifically, why not talk about Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA)? He is the only Iraq veteran currently serving in congress. Oh yeah, he is a democrat and doesn’t approve of Bush’s policies either.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pmAnother Joe Says:
Bobwurst: There are credible reports that mccain saw a lot of prostitutes while a POW and ratting out his fellow troups, so I guess, by repug standards, that makes for “honorable service”.
_________________
Uh… wouldn’t that be more like “honorable servicing”???
Jes’ asking…
August 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pmI guess it was only a matter of time before any veteran who disagrees with the Bush/McCain view of the world is subject of slander and mischaracterizations.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:23 pmHagel would eat this guy for breakfast. What an assklown coward! BushCo and their shills just can’t handle that a Repub would speak out against them so they turn to the ol’ Swiftboating tactic.
Hagel, Kerry and Webb have more balls and experience than this scumbag ever will.
I hope the other Vet orgs take this up and blast this guy out of his shoes.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:24 pmI can think of a few other guys VFF might want to talk to as well. They are all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans running for congress, and I bet VFF wouldn’t support any of them.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:25 pmNow, again, with Sen. McCain — my problem with Sen. McCain is, again, his experience is based on what? The Mekong Delta. It’s based to Vietnam, a totally different fight, a totally different enemy, and by the way, it was 30 years ago.
There, I fixed his quote.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:27 pmWhether he was an honorable man during his pow years or not is beside the point. he wasn’t honorable when he came home, and dumped his first wife and family because she was disfigured in an auto accident. he wasn’t honorable when he cheated on her with Cindy before he dumped her. He wasn’t honorable in the 80’s when he hung around Charlse Keating. He wasn’t honorable when he kissed george bush’s ass during the 04 election even though bush has attacked his family in an incredibely horrible way. He wasn’t honorable when he lied about walking around in that market in baghdad. He wasn’t honorable, and he he isn’t an honorable man now. He’s lied about the war, about the lobbists on his staff, about Obama’s patriotism, about his efforts for the new GI bill, and on and on and on.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:27 pmHmmm… “Now, again, with Sen. Hagel — my problem with Sen. Hagel is, again, his experienced is based on what? The Mekong Delta. It’s based to Vietnam, a totally different fight, a totally different enemy, and by the way, it was 30 years ago.”…
this sounds like these guys should be in total agreement with Wes Clark’s judgment that McCain’s military experience has nothing to do with being President.
Let’s see…
hmmm… that’s odd… not so much:
Pete Hegseth, the Executive Director of the pro-military Vets for Freedom organization slammed Gen. Wesley Clark today for his outrageous attacks on Senator John McCain this weekend. The pro-military group is demanding that the Far Left Obama-surrogate Clark apologize to Senator McCain and the troops for his shameful partisan attack on McCain’s sacrifice for this great nation.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:27 pmUpside – you said *exactly* what I wanted to say. Thanks.
~A
August 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pmMaybe VFF would like to explain why McCain voted against VA outpatient care, or why he opposed the Webb-Hagel GI Bill that was the top priority of the VFW and the American Legion?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:29 pmBullets vs. Bullets
Bombs vs. Bombs
Dead soldiers vs. Dead soldiers
Wounded soldiers vs. Wounded soldiers
Sand vs. Jungle
Iraqi vs. Vietnam
Oh, I see the difference now, how could I be so blind…what crap.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:31 pmIt just had to happen. First, there was the swiftboating of Max Cleland, then John Kerry, and now, Chuck Hagel.
Without a doubt, they were ‘phoney soldiers’, if they criticize the cut-and-run coward-in-chief and his 5-deferment Dickhead side-kick.
They truly have NO shame.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pmAnd no American soldier in Iraq has stepped on a pungi stake.
WTF does that prove?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:34 pmTRoS, yer funny.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:36 pmhmmmm…VFF..a front group for fascist quasi-chickenhawks. It’s way past time for ‘real Vets vs mealymouth fascists’ SMACKDOWN!
August 20th, 2008 at 12:36 pmAnd of course, that horrid liberal media immediately questioned Bellavia as to why he’s not holding Senator McCain to the same standard as he seems to be using to criticize Senator Hagel…
*crickets chirping*
August 20th, 2008 at 12:36 pmMr. Bellavia,
Thank you for serving. Now ESAD.
Hug,
August 20th, 2008 at 12:37 pmLividLib
When McCain said “I know how to win wars.” why did nobody ask him how. Because his father was an admiral? He didn’t lead any other men in Viet Nam even before he was a POW did he. And we didn’t “win” that war whatever that means. He wants to stay in Iraq until we WIN. When will somebody ask him what THAT means.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:42 pmWhat the guy is saying is he thinks the Viet vets were losers who didn’t even enlist to fight, so their opinions should be ignored, in favor of those who enlisted to fight in Iraq.
And his hubristic statement about IED’s – like there were no explosive boobytraps set for soldiers during Vietnam – shows historical ignorance of an era that most closely follows the same line as Iraq.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pmBELLAVIA: Sen. Hagel has never been shot at in Iraq, he’s never seen what an IED looks like or been detonated on. This is an individual that could embed himself instead of doing a two-day congressional delegation. Go out there, walk with the troops, see what’s going on on the ground.
If these are requirements for being an expert on Iraq, then McCain certainly is not an expert either. Under this definition, no one other than someone who has served in Iraq can be an expert on Iraq.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pmAs a Vietnam combat vet, I find Bellavia’s actions despicable. To diss a fellow vet in public, no matter from which war, is a Chickenhawk action.
I have to assume that he was scripted by BushCo as that is where I am sure much of his funding comes from, but it is still no excuse.
I respect him for his service, for his CHickenhawk action with VFF, not so much.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:30 pmIraq is just Vietnam in the desert. I have great respect for Hagel. Not so much for the other guy.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 pm“Sen. Hagel has never been shot at in Iraq, he’s never seen what an IED looks like or been detonated on.”
My friends who have not only been shot at, seen IED’s, but have been killed in Iraq knew that this war was complete and utter bull sh!t!
Sen. Hagel is one of the very few Republicans who just “happen to be” Republican because, although I don’t agree with many of his stances, he does seem to take them on GENUINE principle… and you are hard-pressed to find that within their ranks. Take these guys for instance… nothing beyond protecting an AWOL Commander in Chief.
AWOL in oh-so-many ways.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:36 pmIf serving in Iraq is what this good thinks it takes to be a good politician– the Republicans are doomed! Most young Repubs stay home for oh, so many reasons. Bellavia’s comments make him an insulting hypocrite– he should look to the Bush admin. & count how many of them served– anywhere.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:38 pmThose still serving at Hagel’s age are mostly in air conditioned tents with stars on their collar. Hagal did his service as part of his youth, doing the grunt work.
Grasping. At. Straws. Politically. Motivated. Jealousy.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:41 pmNever seen an IED ? I’m so glad that no one had ever figured out how to make an explosive device and/or booby trap prior to 2003.
Just think what would have happened in ancient China had they discovered gunpowder.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:42 pmThis sounds like a job for Superman? Batman? Nope, Burson-Marsteller. The public must be spun.
And who better than Bush’s Karen Hughes or Clinton’s Mark Penn to do the job? They’re now a dynamic duo, ready to reshape the world. Recall Karen’s success in getting the Muslim world to love America?
Mrs. Hughes will represent the U.S. at the Beijing Closing Ceremonies. I wonder if her firm helped squelch the press on the Opening Delegation, a Bush family and rich donor reunion? If so, stellar work there Karen! Only two bloggers picked that up, the LA Times and a relatively anonymous West Texan.
Can Burson-Marstellar help with Fort Sill? Maybe, they already are…
August 20th, 2008 at 1:44 pmI’ve often wondered if these people were to ever shut up long enough to listen to the crap that comes out of their mouths if they would be able to hear just how hypocritical they all sound.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:51 pm“I will never attack a Vietnam veteran, like some of these other individuals have during this political season.”
Then he goes ahead and trashes Hagel?
What a lying pos.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pmHe like Bruce West was there to tell Washington Journal’s audience that we are either winning or have won the Iraq invasion and occupation and confiscation.
People calling in for the most part were having nothing to do with it.
Cindy For Congress! (help end the military industrial racket)
August 20th, 2008 at 2:38 pmI love this guy. He just shows how completely gone the GOP really are. They will say anything. Chuck Hagel, old school conservative Republican from Nebraska and this clown goes after him.
Way to go GOP! Dissent will not be tolerated. Priceless!
Barack needs to get Hagel a cabinet post if only to watch this guys head pop.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:50 pm.
… Show me which battle McChickenhawk has fought in Iraq?
.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:21 pmDon’t forget about Bellavia invoking Tiger Woods in an unusual jab? @ Obama…
http://www.thegolfblog.com/2008/04/mccain-introducer-disparages-tiger.html
August 20th, 2008 at 3:34 pmSgt. Bellavia seems to have forgotten from where he came. Despite his actions I cannot believe that he has the character to deserve the Medal of Honor. Others have served honorably and deserve respect for their sacrifice.
David Bellavia should explain the cowardice of John McCain. Karl Rove smeared Cindy McCain in South Carolina claiming she an affair with an African-American man which produced an illegitimate child. If McCain won’t defend his family then why should I believe he would protect his country. Imagine McCain scared of a draft dodger named Karl Rove.
While looking at the Vets for Freedom website I observed nobody was African-American. The last I looked our military was more 20% African-American, whereas, the general population was only 12%. Could this be a racist organization???
August 20th, 2008 at 3:51 pmShow me what battle the Bush Crime Family cowards were ever shot at in. W and Cheney and their entire gang of thugs are all cowards who never served just like the chickenhawk warmongers in the PNAC. They are all cowards and any true veteran would not be taking up for them.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:30 pmThe stupid just keeps getting more . . . I dunno . . . belligerent?
How’s this for a movie pitch: people go to sleep one night only to awaken and find their country has become an . . . Idiocracy.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:55 pm20 Year old who’s done three tours… hmmm, Bush extended tours to 18 months, so that specialist has been in iraq since he was fifteen and a half? Whaaaah?
August 20th, 2008 at 11:41 pmMr. Ballavia has a very distinguished tour under his belt, but he should have done the right thing and stayed in the military to continue the fight. Why did he get out? We could use NCOs like him.
I’ve spent 21 of the last 32 months in theater and am on my second 15 month tour. How about him? I can tell you alot has changed in the last two years, it’s like a different war every year. So, his assumptions based on 2006 visit are all upside down. If this is the right war at the right time it seems he could make a larger impact staying in the military and providing leadership to young soldiers and Marines.
His logic also negates McCain’s opinion based off of his experience in Vietnam. It also negates Bush’s and Cheney’s opinions due to their lack of experience.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:33 amBellavia’s right on the money. Congress voted to send our military to Iraq and their job is to win it. We are clearly winning and violence is dramatically down. The IA is leading the majority or raids and we’ve (coalition) have handed over 10 of the 18 provinces. With progress being made like this everyday, isn’t it logical to see the conflict through until the end to ensure Iraq’s well on it’s way to future success? Pulling out before the job done (all 18 provinces in Iraqi control and all missions lead by the IA) is the thought process of 2 kinds of people. Political opposition types i.e most of the people suffering from Bush Derangement Syndrome in Congress or complete and utter morons with little or no idea the consequences and/or unintended consequences of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Winning in Iraq should not be a partisan argument.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:21 pmThink Progress, heh. How ironic.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:48 pm