Video: Retired general’s anti-war ad targets wavering GOP hawks; Update: Batiste wants a draft?
posted at 2:15 pm on May 9, 2007 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | regular view
It’s Maj. Gen. John Batiste, formerly commander of the 1ID in Iraq and a Bush critic of longstanding. His complaint is that the president refuses to listen to what his generals are telling him (Petraeus presumably excepted). Let’s see what Batiste’s own advice to Bush was as of six months ago, before the surge was announced:
John Batiste, a retired Army major general who also joined in the call for Mr. Rumsfeld’s resignation, described the Congressional proposals for troop withdrawals as “terribly naïve.”
“There are lots of things that have to happen to set them up for success,” General Batiste, who commanded a division in Iraq, said in an interview, describing the Iraqi government. “Until they happen, it does not matter what we tell Maliki.”
Before considering troop reductions, General Batiste said, the United States needs to take an array of steps, including fresh efforts to alleviate unemployment in Iraq, secure its long and porous borders, enlist more cooperation from tribal sheiks, step up the effort to train Iraq’s security forces, engage Iraq’s neighbors and weaken, or if necessary, crush the militias.
Indeed, General Batiste has recently written that pending the training of an effective Iraqi force, it may be necessary to deploy tens of thousands of additional “coalition troops.” General Batiste said he hoped that Arab and other foreign nations could be encouraged to send troops.
We continue to train Iraqi soldiers and police, we’ve got plenty of new cooperation from the sheikhs in Anbar, we’ve made tentative attempts to engage Iran and will soon be making more (unfortunately), and if Roggio is to be believed, we’ve been softening up Sadr’s power base for the better part of the past year. I don’t know offhand what the status is with securing the borders, but that’s never been America’s strong suit. Maybe Batiste thinks we simply haven’t done enough on those fronts to justify continuing the mission, but that’d be a strange position to hold right now when the surge hasn’t been fully implemented yet. So either he’s changed his mind or else he’s betting on eventual failure and lending his military authority to the left now, to pressure the fencesitters in advance of the de facto September deadline.
Here’s the clip. According to ABC News, it’ll air in districts covered by Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), John Sununu (NH), John Warner (Virginia), and Norm Coleman (Minnesota), and Reps. Mary Bono (Calif.), Phil English (Penn.), Randy Kuhl (NY), Jim Walsh (NY), Jo Ann Emerson (Missouri), Tim Johnson (Illinois), Mike Rogers (Michigan), Fred Upton (Michigan), and Mike Castle (Del.). The end will be tailored specifically to each politician, too, e.g., “Senator Collins, protect America, not George Bush.”
Elsewhere today, in Washington, Iraq’s national security advisor and U.S. troops who support the war are doing a little lobbying of their own.
Update: Is this Batiste’s real objection — that he thinks we’re not committed enough? Because that would seem to undermine somewhat this ad’s “bring ‘em home now” cri de coeur.
A former commander of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq said this week it might be time for the United States to discuss bringing back the military draft.
On Monday, retired Maj. Gen. John Batiste told News 10NBC in Rochester, N.Y., that in order to “win the peace” in Iraq, current troop levels there would need to be nearly doubled to 300,000, adding that to make numbers like that possible, a military draft might need to be considered. The draft was last used in the U.S. in 1973.
Update: A tipster sends this priceless exchange from an episode of Newshour last April:
JIM LEHRER: If the leadership of the U.S. government had listened to you and your fellow military leaders, what would be the situation in Iraq today?
MAJ. GEN. JOHN BATISTE: Well, first off, I think we have got to complete the mission in Iraq. We have no option; we need to be successful; we need to set the Iraqi people up for self-reliance…
I think we’re going to be successful. There’s nothing this country can’t do, if we put our mind to it, but we need to do it right. We need to mobilize this country.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages:
Someone wants Wes Clark’s VP slot.
Limerick on May 9, 2007 at 2:21 PM
I don’t know if this is really to ‘target GOP hawks’ so much as to put a more NORMAL face on the anti-surge people
Defector01 on May 9, 2007 at 2:23 PM
How can you effectively plan a war when you have such rigid constraints on your time. You make mistakes in haste. You can much more easily destroy what you have built. How hard is that to understand…Fred Thompson and John Voight for VP!
tomas on May 9, 2007 at 2:26 PM
For anything to sway me, I’d need details (IE solutions, not complaints)
- The Cat
MirCat on May 9, 2007 at 2:28 PM
I still can’t figure out what it is retired generals like Batiste are getting from doing this kind of stuff. They can’t possibly think that the Dems (with the far left running the show) provide better solutions to Iraq (and our military, for that matter).
Rick on May 9, 2007 at 2:41 PM
This General is another member of what I call the “Yellow Coup” trying to remove Bush from power. The other members (led by Soros) are the Yellow Journalists (MSM) and the Yellow Congress.
faraway on May 9, 2007 at 2:41 PM
This ad is going to be effective. Anything that uses someone’s own words against them tends to work very well in political ads. Thinking people realize that all generals don’t agree on everything so the President must pick and choose who’s imput he decides to transfer on to the battlefield which I would assume is that of the majority opinion (no pun intended). In other words reasonable people realize that dissenters like Maj. Gen. John Batiste are inevitable. The unfortunate reality is, though, that the majority of people who see this ad will not be thinking/reasonable people. The majority will be irrational fellows who have a knee jerk reaction to this effective ad.
This is also a tough ad for the Republicans to defend themselves against because doing so will have to involve the character assasination (justified or not) of a retired Army major general. If they are going to do it, the rebuttal must be done by another retired general who the President did listen to and can expose Maj. Gen. John Batiste as the wormy bastard I suspect he is.
Zetterson on May 9, 2007 at 2:41 PM
Prediction: Media Matters will write up a post about how Allahpundit smeared John Batiste for quoting what he said six months ago. Wait, correction, how Allahpundit swiftboated him.
Typewriter King on May 9, 2007 at 2:42 PM
Interesting that the Dems are using the tactic of divide and conquer not on our nation’s real enemy, the terrorists, but against their sworn enemy, George Bush & “uncooperative” Republicans. Says a lot. Make no mistake, the Dems are at war, but its political war, and its here at home, with our troops as bargaining chips. It’s a disgrace.
(And to the resident lefty here will likely point out this is an “independent, nonpartisan, veterans group”, we all know who’s behind this tactic).
CP on May 9, 2007 at 2:43 PM
Someone has some political ambitions.
januarius on May 9, 2007 at 2:43 PM
General Batiste says “I left the army in protest.” I think that was the army’s gain.
huckleberry on May 9, 2007 at 2:44 PM
Zetterson, couldn’t have said it better myself. I also think Januarius is also correct, Secy of Defense in Shillary’s cabinet perhaps? Then he can tell everyone how to run things.
Catie96706 on May 9, 2007 at 2:52 PM
General George McClellan……Cooperhead king/Democratic presidental candidate. A ’soldiers’ general….yep, sure he was, he let the soldiers sit on their ass and continue to pile supplies to the ceiling while waiting for the Peace Democrats to end the war.
Oh sorry….wrong war.
Limerick on May 9, 2007 at 2:58 PM
I’ll bet he deposits the “Army” pension check every month though.
Someone else said it before, and like them, I can’t figure out what he gets out of bashing Bush. Illusions of grandeur? Or, are there other factors in play?
BacaDog on May 9, 2007 at 3:01 PM
“Protect the troops.” What does that mean?
I take it that they will release the PC shackles on our forces and allow them to start killing people and breaking things.
Valiant on May 9, 2007 at 3:03 PM
That’s what I want to know; you left the Army in protest so, do you return the checks in protest?
foxforce91 on May 9, 2007 at 3:39 PM
I’m not a big fan of Susan Collins (my Senator) but at least she voted for Alito. Her opponent, Congressman Tom Allen (my Congressman) announced today. A poll shows him 25 points behind. He’s a Harry Reid clone. I don’t see him unseating Collins.
kmcguire on May 9, 2007 at 3:44 PM
This SOB’s ego is in his way. What a loser.
Wade on May 9, 2007 at 3:49 PM
Hillary looks happy
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/nm/20070509/2007_05_09t080036_450×299_us_usa_politics_clinton.jpg
William Amos on May 9, 2007 at 3:50 PM
Damn page got truncated
William Amos on May 9, 2007 at 3:51 PM
Speaking of “terribly naive”.
The Apologist on May 9, 2007 at 3:59 PM
I’m very conflicted about this. I was one of his Soldiers in his brigade in 96. I was with him in the Balkans. He is very intelligent and has courage. He was a good division commander (you don’t get the Big Red 1 by being a putz or coward) I do know for a fact he turned down a third star in protest of Rumsfeld. What I don’t understand is why do the political grandstanding now? His original objective (with the other GOs)was to get rid of Rumsfeld. That was accomplished- why continue with the distraction. It bothers me becuase I always looked up to him as a Soldier now I’m not sure what to think.
Trooper on May 9, 2007 at 4:13 PM
Everyone changes…not always for the better. It is how we handle that change that makes us stronger.
If the disagreements between generals in world war 2 were played out today…I can’t even imagine.
There are ways to show displeasure without forecasting it to the world and your enemy.
tomas on May 9, 2007 at 4:34 PM
Thanks for the info Trooper. And thank you for your service as well. Thinking about this more I have to conclude that if he’s sincere in his beliefs then I commend him for doing this. I don’t agree with his conclusions but I commend him for doing what he thinks is right for the country. Without your imput I could only conclude that he was not a true believer in his cause based on the fact that 6 months ago he believed troop withdrawls were “terribly naive” and now he is saying things like “the President has continued to pursue a failed strategy.” It seems to me that those two positions are opposite from one another and as a result I was forced to conclude that either $ or political ambitions had changed his mind. Anyways, you know this man far more well then I do after hearing this 10 second sound clip and a few paragraphs of reading so I apologize to you and him for assuming he was a “wormy bastard.”
Zetterson on May 9, 2007 at 4:42 PM
An interesting old analysis
Batiste Needs a New Mirror
TheBigOldDog on May 9, 2007 at 4:48 PM
Trooper on May 9, 2007 at 4:13 PM
Hats off to you Trooper.
Politics of the Stars. He is retired and has placed a bet on who the winning horse will be so he can un-retire. Maybe for an elected spot, maybe as a talking head with George on ‘This Week’. Whatever his true motivation is it all plays right back into the hands of the enemy.
Limerick on May 9, 2007 at 4:53 PM
All you have to do to counter this is put out a commercial of your own, showing his words which contradict what he is now saying…
Not hard… just take some money.
Romeo13 on May 9, 2007 at 4:54 PM
Maybe he’s thinking of breaking into politics. Flip-flopping seems to be the new prerequisite in D.C.
Lawrence on May 9, 2007 at 4:59 PM
Ret. General hits three network morning shows calling for Rumsfeld’s ouster
Former US general calls for Rumsfeld to go
TheBigOldDog on May 9, 2007 at 5:01 PM
I’ve never understood the cry from the left (and some on the right) that we’re not sacrificing enough for this war. Outside of a draft, which is a political non-starter for any politician, I’m not sure what else we can really do. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I don’t have anywhere near the technical know-how to go and start making bullets and shells and Humvees. And I’m sure there is no infrastructure in place to train massive amounts of people like me who would need to be trained for such an endeavor.
I guess the government could start selling war bonds or something similar, but it seems to me that the cost of the war hasn’t been a problem. I just don’t understand what else can be done outside of the numerous charitable programs that have already been set up to get troops the things that they need and the Army doesn’t provide.
Shivv on May 9, 2007 at 5:02 PM
It’s possibly a lot deeper than that. What happens when thing go wrong? people point fingers…
TheBigOldDog on May 9, 2007 at 5:03 PM
Zetterson on May 9, 2007 at 4:42 PM
I tend to agree with you.
My philosophy is:
As a Soldier I accept that I ultimately work for civilians. They may be republican or democrat. I personally have my rathers but at the end of the day I’ll obey whoever has been elected by the people.
I also accept that sometimes those same people I ultimately work for often don’t have my best interests safegaurded, or in some cases find me and my comrades a bit odious to have to deal with or our rougher ways defend their sensibilities.
What doesn’t sit well is that he is/ was a Soldier and should know better than to involve himself in this type political handwringing. I like to think that as Soldiers we try to behave a little more stoically and less shrill. In my gut it feels like abandonment.
Thanks for the vent.
Trooper on May 9, 2007 at 5:04 PM
So, they didn’t speak out when given the chance. Yet, they want to claim their advice was ignored? Seems to me like they simply want no responsibility for any perceived failures. If somebody comes forward with documented evidence their military advice was systematically ignored then I’ll listen, until then, I looks to me like pure CYA.
TheBigOldDog on May 9, 2007 at 5:09 PM
Point taken. He may well feel this is an honorable course of action and if so I believe firmly that he should state his case. What I question is how he reconciles his duty to speak out with his duty to the men on the sand. Tough call.
My son is one of the 35,000 going back in August. Besides keeping an eye on his front, and the politicians to his back, he now seems to need to keep an eye on the man leading him. Adds to the job description, which is hard enough to begin with.
Limerick on May 9, 2007 at 5:16 PM
We always have a gaggle of these ex-general jerks crawling out of the woodwork trying to regain the spotlight. As someone said earlier, this guy’s good sense has been taken over by his grossly over inflated ego.
rplat on May 9, 2007 at 5:16 PM
Yup. I hear ya. And you sound like a good man Trooper so thank you again for everything.
Zetterson on May 9, 2007 at 5:20 PM
He had a duty to speak out BEFORE the war and even during, which, according to his own words he did not do because “back then I was a one-star general.”
I guess wisdom and courage comes along with the second star.
I could be dead wrong but this looks to me like an attempt to deflect any blame for any failures in Iraq. Failure is an orphan and victory has 1,000 fathers… Finger pointing is usually an indication of where a good deal of the blame lies.
TheBigOldDog on May 9, 2007 at 5:32 PM
COUP! COUP! COUP!
Kaptain Amerika on May 9, 2007 at 5:32 PM
my letter to info@votevets.org
“Generals, Clark, Batiste and Eaton,
You are traitors to our great flag and nation, as it is not Congress’ job to tell Generals in the field how to fight, it is not a General’s place to dictate politics. Your coup will fail… if you were in Iraq, then you should still be in Iraq… you had your orders, and they have not been accomplished. you must have left your men behind… to come play Politician back home… you disgust me… you should turn in your Stars… you don’t deserve them.
Kris Rand”
Kaptain Amerika on May 9, 2007 at 5:41 PM
Why shouldn’t he deposit the check. He certainly earned it as have every other retiree that has served honorably.
What many people don’t want to recognize is that there are many democrats in uniform. While it may not be quite the percentage of the civilians it is still not too far off the mark. This is why the “Democrats are traitors” theme that some posters can’t help posting are disingenuous.
Now that he is a private citizen he can exercise that freedom of speech he spent more than half his life defending. Disagree with his politics, point out the inconsistencies, which after the updates don’t look quite as dramatic as first thought. But questioning his right to receive his retirement check… very weak.
Bradky on May 9, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Major General, my rear end !! Joining up with the Sheehan coalition for surrender speaks volumes about why this idiot was “drummed” out of the uniform. Madelein Albright must have pinned that star on his collar.
gary on May 9, 2007 at 5:49 PM
I think we are on the same page Big…….maybe a slightly different take but either way it boils down to what is best for him and not what is best.
Limerick on May 9, 2007 at 6:01 PM
Exactly.
TheBigOldDog on May 9, 2007 at 6:20 PM
If he senses that Petraeus is on the right path he may be regreting his retirement. It might be too hard for him to see a win without his name attached to it. I don’t know enough about the man but it’s my first “gut” reaction.
TBinSTL on May 9, 2007 at 6:38 PM
Trooper, thanks for your service. My husband & I were talking about this when he came home from work today and he wondered what those who served under him were thinking now. He served under Clark in Bosnia but he always felt he was a putz anyway so he wasn’t surprised about him at all. Perhaps TBinSTL is on to something. Everyone my husband keeps in touch with in Iraq says there are positive changes going on there but it’s not getting out.
Bradky, there aren’t that many Democrats in uniform compared to the number of Republicans. But being that you’re a partisan I don’t expect you to acknowledge that fact. Most of the libs in uniform tend to be in the medical and jag corps. So, get over yourself.
Catie96706 on May 9, 2007 at 6:57 PM
Over thirty years in service and being a brat gives me an insight that I don’t think you have had the opportunity to share.
I don’t need to get over myself. I do think you missed the point badly, however. Surely, you aren’t suggesting that because they are democrats their service is less valuable or that their patriotism is less than yours? Or are you saying party loyalty should be a litmus test of some sort for the benefits they earn?
I haven’t seen your posts before so if the shoe doesn’t fit about what said don’t wear it.
Bradky on May 9, 2007 at 7:07 PM
Well Bradky, I don’t have 30 years, just 12 so perhaps like many of the Dem persuasion who believe if you have more time in service than those who disagree with you, well, basically you should be swept aside. I never said that Dems in uniform have any less patriotism than anyone else but you’ve seemed to think I did, please show me where I said it. I’ve known a number of people in both the medical and jag corps and they’ll be the first to tell you that most of those in both those branches are primarily liberal. I also never said he shouldn’t get his retirement check so please, stop being a brat as you called yourself and read what I said. BTW, I’ve been here for almost a year now. Don’t know when you popped up but I’ve been busy, moving from HI to GA, getting used to my husband being back again from Iraq after 14 months and haven’t had the time to be on here like I used to.
Catie96706 on May 9, 2007 at 7:13 PM
I’ve known people in far more career fields and services than you have simply because of the time I spent. This is not to say my service is more or less important than yours but it does speak to much more life experience. If you came in when you were 18 I was already involved with the military by the time you were born.
I didn’t say you said any of those things or call you names. But the things I mentioned have been said. You seem to want to be argumentative as well as resort to name calling just because you think you know what my political persuasion is.
Thanks for your service as well as that of your husband from a vet.
Bradky on May 9, 2007 at 7:19 PM
Forgot to add that perhaps he should have spoken up if he felt that way about the war but as others have already said, he wanted another star.
Catie96706 on May 9, 2007 at 7:22 PM
Thank you for your service as well, BradKy.
Catie96706 on May 9, 2007 at 7:23 PM
I just saw O’Reilly rip up on Gen. Clark and his involvement with Votevets.org and his defense of taking money from George Soros. He is indeed a disgrace to the uniform as is John Kerry.
I have seen someone else say, “Never trust a liberal”. I think this goes double with former military officers who are now members of the modern Democratic Party. Pity that the pre-50’s and 60’s days of JFK and John Glenn are long over.
I’m glad my former time was was served under Ronald Reagan.
kevcad on May 9, 2007 at 8:39 PM
I think former General Batiste is suffering from a case of sour grapes. But while in uniform, he did have a valid point:
Batiste’s statement is similar to the statements made by Doolittle Raiders General David Jones and Lt. Col. Dick Cole to Michelle on the Vent, 10 NOV 06, get on a war footing and get the job done. These men are loyal Americans and true heroes.
Zorro on May 9, 2007 at 9:19 PM
At the risk of sounding like a tin foil hat wearing truther, could opposition researchers be digging up dirt on men like Batiste and basically blackmailing them into doing an about face?
Lord knows that between the Clinton War Room and George Soros, they have the means and the motive.
If Gen. Peter Pace flips, I’ll be a believer in my own theory:)
Buy Danish on May 9, 2007 at 11:11 PM
How much better would we have been had they seceded. Racial tension would not have been as bad, churches would still be integrated and Classical Liberalism would still reign.
Tim Burton on May 9, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Isn’t this the same guy who gave the ROEs that continued to limit our attacks on mosques that snipers were using for cover?
Isn’t this the guy who would give Sheiks a get out of jail free card, even though many were attacking US troops?
Isn’t this the same guy who put such limiting RoEs in that it wasted lives by soldiers trying to do it his way?
Tim Burton on May 9, 2007 at 11:49 PM
The emperor (King George) has no clothes.
I love it, 11 Republicans Berate Bush Over Iraq In Private White House Meeting. “We need candor, we need honesty, Mr. President.”
Gee what a novel idea, candor and honesty, you think, Duuh.
To Buy Danish: George Soros? You listen to too much Bill-Oh-Riled (You know Bill-Oh, sexual harassment, Loofah boy, rub your (beep) in the shower.)
The IU story? Bill-Oh claims George Sorors paid for this study that put him in a bad light, it’s a LIE.
A Indiana U media research study showed Bill used a derogatory word every 6.8 second during his editorial “Talking Points” over 115 episodes. Bill-Oh clams Soros paid for it. LIE. George did not pay for it. In fact the study was unfunded and the person doing it knew nothing of George Sorors. Bill also said that the study included right wing or conservative as derogatory words as well. If you watch THE NO SPIN FACTOR you know every few words (9 per minute) is LIBERIALS, FAR LEFT, SECULAR PROGRESSIVE (which means you hate america) are evil or bad.
George did donate $5 million to Indiana University, but the grant had nothing to do with the study. Soros’ donation supported a scholarly exchange program between IU and the American University of Central Asia, where “students are studying business administration, economics, journalism and Western legal and political systems.” In fact he spreads democracy and capitalism! He is an American success story.
You should listen to today’s episode of “The Factor” on Fox news, General Wesley Clark got into a match about Soros with Bill-Oh, who is a liar and MAKES stuff up. He is paranoid and has one intent to attack anyone that does the unthinkable, USE HIS OWN WORDS AGAINST HIM. Bill attacked the general for taking like $75,000 from George Soror for Votevets.org and the General DID NOT BACK DOWN, and told him the George DOES A LOT OF GOOD! Bill got mad mad mad., like a little baby with a load in his diaper. Classic narcissistic bully reaction. (Check out Votevets.org and the Major General John Batiste taking on the President.)
Also Bill-Oh gets into character assassination and list all kinds of evil George Soros has done. One is he is a convicted felon. The French prosecution of him was for insider trading 14 years after buying stock in a company he declined to make a hostile takeover of. That happened. He was not convicted of anything and its in appeal. The take over was public knowledge. Bill-Oh says he is a convicted felon? He must be confused with real convicted felons his “analyst” he has on like G. Gordon Liddy (Nixon), Oliver North (Reagan) and a whole cast of disgraced republican politicians like Tom Delay, Nut Gingrich.
George does not support media matters either, but Bill puts up a flow chart that shows his staff knows power point what the color red and arrows. RETARDED.
Why does Bill-Oh lie about George Sorors? Why does Bill-Oh have a hard-on for MSNBC? (Because of Keith Olbermann who Bill will not mention by name; ha ha what a child.) Keith Olbermann or MSNBC makes Bill-Oh-Riled look like a fool by JUST using Bill’s own words and the facts. Now I like Bill-Oh when he is chasing down child molesters and illegal aliens, but this constant whining, crying and waaaa waaaaa waaaaa about MSM BS is getting old. God are all conservatives or “T-warriors” such big babies?
NO George Soros is not involved in a left wing conspiracy. The Clinton’s are not involved either. They are just smart and Democrat and that is why you HATE.
Conservative Republicans are to MAIN STREAM MEDIA as terrorist are to Jews. Terrorist blame everything on Jews and Republicans blame everything on the “Liberals and Main stream Media”. Look into the mirror.
gmcjetpilot on May 10, 2007 at 5:05 AM
You. Are. A. Fool.
March 24, 2005…..
“Billionaire financier George Soros’s conviction for insider trading was upheld by a French appellate court on Thursday.”
csdeven on May 10, 2007 at 8:19 AM
Here is a widely reported quote made by your hero when asked about his role in the financial collapses of England, Eastern Europe and Thailand.
As a market participant, I don’t need to be concerned with the consequences of my actions.
Oh yeah. Did I mention that You. Are. A. Fool.?
csdeven on May 10, 2007 at 8:32 AM
gmcjetpilot,
Cool your jets, Dude.
Whether or not Soros is involved in a “Leftist conspiracy” is theoretically debatable, but it is undeniable that he finances ultra-Left wing organizations like MoveOn.Org.
I don’t depend on O’Reilly for information, and rely much more on former Leftists like Horowitz and Tammy Bruce, but I do agree with OR on the issue of the threat to our civilization by what OR calls “Secular Progressives”. I think O’Reilly is nuts when it comes to the Big Oil Gas Hike Conspiracy and other issues. In short, I can think for myself.
My information on Soros is from multiple sources I trust like David Horowitz’s brilliant Discover the Networks.
Just yesterday the WSJ had a spot on Op Ed about Soros, The World Bank and the corrupt U.N. I don’t even know what you’re babbling about regarding Indiana University, but I’ll look into it.
I did happen to see a bit of that segment with General Weaselly Clark last night, and he looked like someone who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Guilty!
It’s just a hunch, but I sense that the only jets you operate are in the bathtub.
Buy Danish on May 10, 2007 at 9:10 AM
“gmcjetpilot” Google it
TheBigOldDog on May 10, 2007 at 10:14 AM
TheBigOldDog,
Isn’t Google a handy tool! I too Googled him earlier and found this:
For some years the AeroElectric List has been host to some conversations involving one “GMCJetpilot” who claims a great deal of knowledge, experience and understanding but who has yet to demonstrate it. He has consumed hours of everyone’s time in attempts to get down to the science of applying our art to a practical world. Some months ago he was politely asked to take his disruptions to somebody else’s classroom. For a time, purposeful decorum was restored.
However, it seems that George’s hot-button is supported by a faith in the marketing hype for internally regulated alternators wherein he has demonstrated no first-hand understanding of their design and has brushed aside design goals of individuals who do not share his faith.
This has been a trying experience made more difficult by the fact that we don’t even know who this fellow is. Everyone else on the AeroElectric List participates under the bright illumination of disclosure: “Here’s who I am, here’s what I’m about and here’s how I’d like to work together to increase understanding.” George chooses to sit at the edge of the sandbox and throw sand while hiding behind his pseudonym.
Since George has resumed this behavior a few days ago, I thought it would be useful for newcomers to the List to have some understanding of what we’ve already been through with George. What follows is a SMALL excerpt of the hours of conversations I’ve expended with George’s circular arguments and intractable ignorance.
Too funny.
Buy Danish on May 10, 2007 at 10:38 AM
It seems young men love to fight in any arena in which they’re confident they will win and in which they see that winning will promote their good. A draft seems suitable only for cases in which public persuasion has failed, whereas what the Americans seem really to need is a campaign of public persuasion. No nation is better equipped to show young men that they can fight and win than America. No nation is better equipped to honor and indulge young men for fighting and winning. But it seems there’s a prerequisite campaign of public information and persuasion: The Americans have to be taught again what young men want, and persuaded again that what young men want is good and that giving them the chance to get it is good.
Kralizec on May 10, 2007 at 12:09 PM
If Baptiste had any honor he should have resigned his commission to speak his mind as a citizen. To retire and draw the general’s pension while helping your Democrat buddies undermine the Commander in Chief is despictible. He should be recalled to active service and then court-martialed.
Texas Mike on May 11, 2007 at 1:20 AM
Listen to Uncle Jimbo. YAY! Uncle Jimbo.
Stephen M on May 12, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Comment pages: