Hero

[Luke T.]

I was under the impression that questioning a superior like that could put you up for some serious trouble in the military. Hence it was possible that his job was at risk. That's why I looped him in with the whistleblowing coach who did lose his job.

If a subordinate challenges a superior, it can be trouble for him. But superiors often hold Q&A sessions with the troops in which it is understood that clarification of certain issues can be asked about, as long as they are done in a respectful manner.

It sounds to me like the question asked of Rumsfeld was asked in said respectful manner.

 

[LostAngeles]

If a subordinate challenges a superior, it can be trouble for him. But superiors often hold Q&A sessions with the troops in which it is understood that clarification of certain issues can be asked about, as long as they are done in a respectful manner.

It sounds to me like the question asked of Rumsfeld was asked in said respectful manner.

Ah, so the only real threat then was the flak he would be/is taking from the media, comrades, and the public, then? Well, I'll still give him some "balls" credit for willing to be the public face of that question, but if you're correct, then I stand corrected on him, I suppose.

 

[Nikk]

If this guy was a hero, were the insurgents in Fallujah facing an overwhelmingly superior US force and fighting to the death also heroes? What about suicide bombers attacking US military units?

As the latter group take the decision to fight to the death before battle commences rather than giving their lives in the excitement and stress of combat does that make them more or less heroic?

 

[HarryKeogh]

love how the author gets his dig in at the liberal newspapers. Wonder if the NY Post and Washington Times ran articles on this guy before this National Review article was written.

Cherry picking in action.

 

[Luke T.]

Ah, so the only real threat then was the flak he would be/is taking from the media, comrades, and the public, then? Well, I'll still give him some "balls" credit for willing to be the public face of that question, but if you're correct, then I stand corrected on him, I suppose.

I would agree that the man had some "balls." I am just personally more reserved in the use of the word "hero."

 

[Charlie Monoxide]

Was the guy who gave up his life a hero? Yes.

Does Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld give a rat's butt? No.

Another wasted young life for a stupid cause.

Charlie (my heart goes out to his family) Monoxide

 

[Snide]

Ah, so the only real threat then was the flak he would be/is taking from the media, comrades, and the public, then? Well, I'll still give him some "balls" credit for willing to be the public face of that question, but if you're correct, then I stand corrected on him, I suppose.

No, silly, didn't you read what the guy named "Skeptic" said?:

But this soldier risked no harm, and if anything made himself a minor celebrity for the "brave" action of calling the Defense Secretary a liar to his face.

Not true skepticism, IMO.

 

[Snide]

I would agree that the man had some "balls." I am just personally more reserved in the use of the word "hero."

Sounds fair to me.

 

[Roadtoad]

I'm getting back to this after spending the past few nights on the road.

During this time, I spent part of the time talking to White Ghost, a driver who had retired after driving 20 years for a major company, then spent another 20 as a Teamster. Now, he's out on the road again. He has to raise his grandson because Ghost lost his daughter, who was serving in Iraq.

I don't know Ghost's daughter's name. In my book, she went when others have chosen not to. I'd say I can include her in the "Hero" category.

It's funny: We know all about PFC Jessica Lynch, but as has been mentioned, we know nothing about those who rescued her. We know about as much about SP4 Shoshanna Johnson, who, unlike Lynch, did not run away from the fight, but cleared her jammed M-4 and kept shooting. How come Lynch is a hero, but Johnson is not?

Is this a politicized discussion? How can it not be? I get pissed when the White House, regardless of who's in the Oval Office, tries to use our soldiers for their politcal gain. Yes, I know it's a reality, and I ought to get used to it, but I'll be damned if I will. I kept thinking about this thread during this week, when I had a long talk along the highway with a grieving father who missed his daughter, and now is running over the road again so his 12-year-old grandson has a roof over his head.

I'd love to hear what White Ghost might say to Bill and George about that. It would carry a hell of a lot more weight with me.

Then again, when a couple of other drivers and I brought up the subject of Iraq, the fact that Ghost had to sign off for a time told me a lot. His silence was probably the most eloquent thing I've heard in a while, and a damn sight more eloquent than anything I could say.

(BTW: Did manage to cheer him up a bit. Told him how I got my handle of "Roadtoad.")