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John Amato’s virtual online magazine…OK, It’s a blog!




The War as We Saw It

How long will it take the Malkinites to attack these US soldiers over their dissenting opinions on the Iraq War?

VIEWED from Iraq at the tail end of a 15-month deployment, the political debate in Washington is indeed surreal. Counterinsurgency is, by definition, a competition between insurgents and counterinsurgents for the control and support of a population. To believe that Americans, with an occupying force that long ago outlived its reluctant welcome, can win over a recalcitrant local population and win this counterinsurgency is far-fetched. As responsible infantrymen and noncommissioned officers with the 82nd Airborne Division soon heading back home, we are skeptical of recent press coverage portraying the conflict as increasingly manageable and feel it has neglected the mounting civil, political and social unrest we see every dayread on




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70 Responses for “The War as We Saw It”
1
Curtilingus Says:

Surreal Sir!

2
churl Says:

Well given their performance with the last soldier who went off-script, I’d say their response will approach the speed of flying saucer falling into a black hole.

3
Curtilingus Says:

I think you just want us to pull out before our goal of total and complete loss is accomplished.

4
strawberry Says:

How long can the last of the 28%ers hold out? For cryin’ out loud what will it finally take to convince them that all is not well in Bushworld? But as for my prediction, they’ll just say these guys aren’t officers, just lowly NCOs, and thank God they’re not in charge, blah, blah, blah. It just goes to show they don’t understand, it’s the NCOs that are the backbone of the army. The 82nd Airborne no less.

5
whs Says:

Who knows more,soldiers or the General.
WHo knows more, the soldiers or the Secretary of Defense.
WHo knows more, Hanlon and Pollack or the soldiers.
WHo know more, the soldiers St. McCain, St. Rudy, CEO Milt talk to or these soldiers who probably never even met a serious presidential candiate

They are soon to be exposed as traitors who want their women to wear Burkas.

WHS

6
Doggiebobo Says:

These six soliders, on the battleline front, have a much better handle on the
situation in Iraq than those clowns in Washington, and that includes the Pentagon.
I wish them well and a return home sooooon, and safe.

7
CD Says:

These servicemen will be attacked on Monday.

8
hueyplong Says:

The attack is no doubt already under way.

9
edgar Says:

I just don’t know how much more our guys can take. They have been abused by the Bushites for many years, and they still loved him for it. Now they are getting a belly full of the lies and have had enough. That speaks volumes.

10
PollM Says:

[Deleted. Off topic blogwhoring]

11
edgar Says:

It is all about war profits. vid. link. General betray us must go.

12
Dana Says:

How long will it take the Malkinites to attack these US soldiers over their dissenting opinions on the Iraq War?

Oh, I’m sure not very long and Melanie Morgan will be right behind her
waiting her turn just like a spider

13
Doggiebobo Says:

PollM @ 10:

[Refers to deleted blogwhoring]

Your hourly posting on C&L with YOUR poll is becoming very, very irratating. Can
you offer ANYTHING to the discussions w/o posting your website in each and every
instance?????

14
cubiclegrrl Says:

Effin’ chickenhawks. If the surge is going so swimmingly, let ‘em all sign up. Should be perfectly safe now, except perhaps for the risk of being bruised under the crush of the flowers all the grateful Iraqis will rain down upon their liberators.

Feh. You and I know that we’ll see the Bush twins in combat boots before thaaaat ever happens…

15
tyree Says:

cubiclegrrl @ 14:

Effin’ chickenhawks. If the surge is going so swimmingly, let ‘em all sign up. Should be perfectly safe now, except perhaps for the risk of being bruised under the crush of the flowers all the grateful Iraqis will rain down upon their liberators.

Feh. You and I know that we’ll see the Bush twins in combat boots before thaaaat ever happens…

doubt that ones knocked up the other will be soon!

16
Doggiebobo Says:

strawberry @ 4:

How long can the last of the 28%ers hold out? For cryin’ out loud what will it finally take to convince them that all is not well in Bushworld? But as for my prediction, they’ll just say these guys aren’t officers, just lowly NCOs, and thank God they’re not in charge, blah, blah, blah. It just goes to show they don’t understand, it’s the NCOs that are the backbone of the army. The 82nd Airborne no less.

What I would love to see and read are the written responses in regards to this article that the New York Times receives from the citizens. I am almost sure 90 percent or more will
support these fine military persons. Does anyone know if such is available thru the NYT
and how access thereto is accessible?

17
Doggiebobo Says:

Doggiebobo @ 13:

PollM @ 10:

[Refers to deleted blogwhoring]

Your hourly posting on C&L with YOUR poll is becoming very, very irratating. Can
you offer ANYTHING to the discussions w/o posting your website in each and every
instance?????

Sitemonitor: Mucho gracious…you did good.

18
StirFryfromAustin Says:

tyree @ 15:

cubiclegrrl @ 14:

Effin’ chickenhawks. If the surge is going so swimmingly, let ‘em all sign up. Should be perfectly safe now, except perhaps for the risk of being bruised under the crush of the flowers all the grateful Iraqis will rain down upon their liberators.

Feh. You and I know that we’ll see the Bush twins in combat boots before thaaaat ever happens…

doubt that ones knocked up the other will be soon!

forget bush twins, when you have a small squad of young war-ready romneys - the aqua velva squad.

19
EconAtheist Says:

INFANTRYMEN and NCOs.

Time for the dumbest (29%ers) of our fellow Americans to STFU and FINALLY LISTEN to the f**king troops.

20
Chris Says:

An example will have to be made of them. Can’t have soldiers believing they have the right to publicly spout opinions contrary to administration policy.

Next thing you know they’ll all be doing that and forcing an end to the war.

21
tyree Says:

Doggiebobo @ 17:

Doggiebobo @ 13:

PollM @ 10:

[Refers to deleted blogwhoring]

Your hourly posting on C&L with YOUR poll is becoming very, very irratating. Can
you offer ANYTHING to the discussions w/o posting your website in each and every
instance?????

Sitemonitor: Mucho gracious…you did good.

22
Doggiebobo Says:

EconAtheist @ 19:

INFANTRYMEN and NCOs.

Time for the dumbest (29%ers) of our fellow Americans to STFU and FINALLY LISTEN to the f**king troops.

Absolutely, however, it is more than evident that such 28% do not have the ability
or intelligence to read the NYT; and even more so, they could not comprehend what these
soldiers are saying.

23
RobertPaul Says:

Too bad nobody will listen to these guys.
They just s**t canned their careers in an attempt to be honest.

So when our Doofus-In-chief comes out with his version of the Petraeus report, who do you think they’ll remember?

These guys probably bought themselves another 15 months at the front.
Remember, with Bush, no good deed (like Truth) goes unpunished!

24
tHeGaMeOfLiFe Says:

Gawd, this makes me sick. Our finest are lied to, abused, stretched to their limit, facing mental breakdowns and suicide and for what? For a no-nothing gang of cheats.

chimpy and his gang continue to promote lie after lie.

repugs are gassy.

25
tyree Says:

one thing i cant abide thats ass kissers, and generals they both raise a stink!

26
anon Says:

Rove spoke to this issue. He essentially said that he agreed with them - or at least their conclusion, which is said was give it time and let it work. (This is probably rovian spin on the line ’see the mission through’). So that is the spin. Malkin varies from that at her own peril.

27
Doggiebobo Says:

RobertPaul @ 23:

Too bad nobody will listen to these guys.
They just s**t canned their careers in an attempt to be honest.

So when our Doofus-In-chief comes out with his version of the Petraeus report, who do you think they’ll remember?

These guys probably bought themselves another 15 months at the front.
Remember, with Bush, no good deed (like Truth) goes unpunished!

It’s been a long while since I was in the Service, so I have no recollection as to the
exact and precise provisions of the Army Regulations as to “speaking out” and/or
expressing one’s opinions/views, therefore to what extend “today’s” military personnal
may be censored or told to STFU, is more than likely much, much more restrictive
than in the past.. Sad, however, probably true.

28
L.A. Confidential Says:

Green Zone insider reports from Baghdad that there is rumored to be a small US unit in Iraq officially tasked with offing GIs viewed as trouble makers or those who might talk too much if rotated.

29
PollM Says:

Unintended I think I try hard to contribute insightful well researched content, that is part of the discussion. My apologies if I misunderstood this issue.
Again my appologies

30
Honest George Says:

I hope that the NYT will be waiting at Fort Bragg to interview these soldiers when they return to the US because they are so far out on the limb that a sparrow couldn’t get to them - they are going to need the support of many.

They said what I have believed for a long time. My hope is that they be true messengers.

31
Doggiebobo Says:

Honest George @ 30:

I hope that the NYT will be waiting at Fort Bragg to interview these soldiers when they return to the US because they are so far out on the limb that a sparrow couldn’t get to them - they are going to need the support of many.

They said what I have believed for a long time. My hope is that they be true messengers.

I strongly commend these soldiers for their article. As Mark Twain said:

“Why not go out on the limb? That is where the fruit is.”

and I wish them all a speedy return State-side.

32
GonzoD Says:

They will get the Fox News treatment. O’Reilly, Gibson, Hannity and the others will swiftboat ‘em soon enough!

33
strawberry Says:

L.A. Confidential @ 28:

Green Zone insider reports from Baghdad that there is rumored to be a small US unit in Iraq officially tasked with offing GIs viewed as trouble makers or those who might talk too much if rotated.

Seriously LA, if they tried to off every GI who complained about Bush right now, they’d have only 28% of the army left.

34
tyree Says:

im sure right now they feel liberated by thier decishions but as a famouse marine sargent once said you fuck with the man and hell fuck you back even more, im sure they will be given a tour of the brig when they get home and might get religion after watching the ritual of the brig chasers marching you every where with a shot gun in your back !

35
Hype-Jersey Says:

where is Karen Hughes when the administration needs her?

36
moniker Says:

Chickenhawks think “Band of Brothers” refers to the Romney boys. Or maybe the Beach Boys.

37
GSD Says:

The Melanie Morgan Nazis will call these men “cockroaches” in need of “stomping on and neutralizing”.

-GSD

38
Mel Says:

I saw Malkin a couple of weeks ago for the first time. She’s horrible! Glen Beck is an misguided, swinish idiot, but at least he can read. She also browbeats and bullies her guests. If that’s the future of Fox, we can all breathe a little easier. She’s unwatchable.

39
getalife Says:

The Dems should use this article like the right used Hanlon.

Then attack the hell out of wingnuts for not supporting the troops.

These brave troops are putting their careers on the line so the left better have their back.

40
Zenrage Says:

Mel @ 38:

I saw Malkin a couple of weeks ago for the first time. She’s horrible! Glen Beck is an misguided, swinish idiot, but at least he can read. She also browbeats and bullies her guests. If that’s the future of Fox, we can all breathe a little easier. She’s unwatchable.

I know. She’s even worse than Nancy Grace. A true Fox Whore.

strawberry @ 33:

L.A. Confidential @ 28:

Green Zone insider reports from Baghdad that there is rumored to be a small US unit in Iraq officially tasked with offing GIs viewed as trouble makers or those who might talk too much if rotated.

Seriously LA, if they tried to off every GI who complained about Bush right now, they’d have only 28% of the army left.

Something about seeing you pals killed that gives people a clarity about your situation. The folks in Iraq can smell the bull shit.

I doubt that 28% of our forces in Iraq approve of Bush. Their just smart enough to keep their mouths shut. These guys are speaking for all the troops. God help them.

42
Terrible Says:

I saw this earlier today. It’s execellent, a must read! These sound like the kind of soldiers I served with years ago, honest serious men. I salute them as American heroes.

43
gbear Says:

RobertPaul @ 23:

Too bad nobody will listen to these guys.
They just s**t canned their careers in an attempt to be honest.

So when our Doofus-In-chief comes out with his version of the Petraeus report, who do you think they’ll remember?

These guys probably bought themselves another 15 months at the front.
Remember, with Bush, no good deed (like Truth) goes unpunished!

So what we have to do is honor their sacrifice and make sure that none of their words go in vain. Spread this article far and wide and ask your legislator if (s)he’s seen it. Send it to them if they haven’t. These soldiers didn’t write this to make us feel helpless, they gave us a mission. It’s ammunition for us to use in our own fighting keyboard brigades.

44
klyde Says:

Who you gonna believe o’hanlon or these Soldiers on the ground?

45
mudshark Says:

Active duty personel cannot say a word..period.I wish these guys the best of luck.

46
mudshark Says:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od.....nrates.htm Desertion rates…up till 2005…all branchs of service……oddly enough…2001 and 2002 are the highest.

47
Carmikl Says:

I admire their courage. It isn’t easy to express a dissenting viewpoint while still on active duty. The pressure to conform from peers and superiors is enormous. No promotions for these folks. Their next duty assignments may not be all that pleasant either. If you haven’t noticed, most active duty personnel have a scripted response that usually includes something about completing the mission. News organizations mistake that as positive response from the service member rather than the only possible response within allowable parameters.

48
mudshark Says:

Carmikl @ 47:

I admire their courage. It isn’t easy to express a dissenting viewpoint while still on active duty. The pressure to conform from peers and superiors is enormous. No promotions for these folks. Their next duty assignments may not be all that pleasant either. If you haven’t noticed, most active duty personnel have a scripted response that usually includes something about completing the mission. News organizations mistake that as positive response from the service member rather than the only possible response within allowable parameters.

Yep…the military will most deffinitly make life very hard for them….after they get out of the stockade or brig….they will literally ride them till they drop…….weren’t we just discussing suicide rates?……food for thought.

49
Erroll Says:

#47-Carmiki

Very well said. I strongly suspect that these soldiers have received their inspiration to speak out after viewing the courageous acts that were done by their predecessors during the Vietnam War in the incredibly moving 2006 documentary Sir! No Sir! as well as the moving words that were spoken by Lt. Watada at the Veterans for Peace convention last summer in Seattle, when he told myself and my fellow veterans at the banquet dinner that “Enlisting in the military does not relinquish one’s right to seek the truth-neither does it excuse one from rational thought nor the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.” The hope is that more soldiers in the military today will continue to emulate the example of those who were featured in Sir! No Sir! and of Lt. Watada by speaking the truth and saying NO to the war machine of the United States.

50
shano Says:

I want to send each of these men a nice care check……we should be passing around the hat. any contact info?
or is that somehow against rules…..I know people are sending the troops things, but money will help them more.

Like Amnesty Int.’s tactic, tell the military we are watching how these men are treated from now on, will pay for lawyers, and support them in every way.

Very similar sentiments expressed by these soldiers to a post I wrote last week. So much of the terms of the debate we’re having about Iraq is misleading.

52
25%ERĀ® Says:

Don’t you worry about us Malkinites! We’re dusting off our cheerleader outfits for one giant L-O-S-E-R cheer ala “Smells Like Teen Spirit” for these anti-American traitors!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPQR-OsH0RQ