Quote of the day
posted at 10:30 pm on August 21, 2008 by Allahpundit
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“[I]t should be in every rucksack for those times when soldiers need spiritual energy.”
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Fact #9,812,090 why liberals do not understand the military. Or maybe it’s fact #1.
SouthernGent on August 21, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Ha ha. Good luck going after the guy that wrote the book on counter-insurgency with THIS. Weak.
blink on August 21, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Oh Dear God. Get the stick out of your collective rear. What Petraeus said in no way resembles establishing a religious requirement on troops.
Queasy on August 21, 2008 at 10:38 PM
How very small these people’s lives must be that they would find this objectionable.
EJDolbow on August 21, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Worst. Person. in the Wooorld! as I saw tonight said some babbling loon.
Marcus on August 21, 2008 at 10:39 PM
AP will give it a read after he’s taught his dog, lion, and lamb some new morals.
ninjapirate on August 21, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Stupid controversy. So what if the General gave a quote. His personal opinion about a book is just that, a personal opinion.
DerKrieger on August 21, 2008 at 10:40 PM
there are no atheists in foxholes…
elduende on August 21, 2008 at 10:44 PM
So he’s a brilliant military commander, and he’s religious? So is it Petraeus 2012 or 2016?
jimmy the notable on August 21, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Question. those that are complaining loudest – are they democrats? Are they Obama supporters? If its yes to both can these facts be established and reported upon? Names please. Picture of these louts. This is the sort of filth that can be tied around Obama’s neck. These are democrats. This is what they’re all about. Thats why their party is terminal. Darvin Dowdy
Darvin Dowdy on August 21, 2008 at 10:51 PM
No I think Gen. Petraeus is an honorable man, let’s not ruin that by putting him politics :)
terryannonline on August 21, 2008 at 10:52 PM
C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man
Weight of Glory on August 21, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Of course you guys can’t see the theocratic undercurrents, you probably can’t see the racist implications of every McCain ad ever made this election cycle either.
lowandslow on August 21, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I sure hope that this man seriously considers going into politics one day. And I’m also glad that Westley Clark failed so miserably.
I have a feeling that Petraeus, the victim of so many attacks by the left already may not want to put himself and his family under the microscope of his enemies. But I do think that what this nation needs is a good man(or woman) who has the wisdom and knowledge gained from firsthand experience to continue to make a difference by keeping us on the right track. In addition to being the leader of the nation and the commander in chief, the president is also the one who helps to define the culture war, as some have defined it. It’s not that difficult to understand. One one side, you have people like the extreme left and the ACLU, among others, who want to in my opinion tear down what he have. And on the other side, we have the people who want to preserve what is wright for so many Americans. He certainly seems to be in the later camp.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Olbermann, Keith
Uh-uh.
From your mouth to God’s ears.
Marcus on August 21, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Damn! You had me worried there for a minute. Given all the Koran kissing over there, I was afraid for a moment that the book may have been the Koran. I am very relieved.
MB4 on August 21, 2008 at 10:56 PM
As you said.
Spirit of 1776 on August 21, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Maybe it is because I have not killed any brain cells smoking pot or snorting glue.
EJDolbow on August 21, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Petraeus Book ‘Endorsement’ Draws Fire
Gen.David Petraeus is used to controversy surrounding the war in Iraq,but his publicized on an Army champlains book
for Soldiers put him squarely in the middle of the ongoing
conflict over religious proselytizing in the US military.
But the endorsement-which has spurred a demand by a watch-
dog group for Petraeus DISMISSAL and COURT MARTIAL.
————————————————————
So,what if the good book, was say, the KORAN!!!
And,this is typical operating Liberal procedure,always de-
manding,a resignation,or impeachment!
Don’t forget what they did to Newt,over his book deals!
Oh ya,wasn’t there a Lib,that wrote a Vietnam War childrens
book about some sexual fantasy,a hum,jus sayin!!
canopfor on August 21, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Things have really changed since RVN. Back then the “it should be in every rucksack for those times when soldiers need spiritual energy”, was called Playboy.
MB4 on August 21, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Meh. Big deal. I’ve never been in a war, but I know military types who say that as soon as they hit their first battle, they were praying like crazy. And most became more interested in a relationship with God once they got back.
People aren’t idiots. They can choose to say “No thank you” to this book and any other religious business. If they aren’t capable of doing that, then they should not complain because they are completely spineless.
mjk on August 21, 2008 at 11:00 PM
NUTS!
canopfor on August 21, 2008 at 11:00 PM
..speaking of someone with a very small life.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:00 PM
keep kicking ass, and we will convert them all to christians.
custer on August 21, 2008 at 11:02 PM
was called playboy…
MB4 on Aug 21,2008 at 10:59PM.
MB4: You’ll go blind!! haha:)
canopfor on August 21, 2008 at 11:04 PM
And speaking of someone who is in dire need of a brain and a clue.
BTW, stop stalking me taptap_man or you will be outing yourself as Larry Craig.
MB4 on August 21, 2008 at 11:04 PM
If the leftoids win and force Petraeus into civilian life do they really think he will be less dangerous to them?
Stephen M on August 21, 2008 at 11:05 PM
The blindness only lasts a few minutes.
MB4 on August 21, 2008 at 11:06 PM
And get rid of the chaplains while we are at it.
Sheesh
HawaiiLwyr on August 21, 2008 at 11:07 PM
What a ridiculous and contrived controversy.
CP on August 21, 2008 at 11:11 PM
If there are no honorable men going into politics, we’ll continue to go leftward….
jgapinoy on August 21, 2008 at 11:12 PM
General P should have known better. But this is not a court-martial event, not even in the slightest.
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Yes. That’s why people like him are needed so much. Presidents the caliber of Reagan don’t just fall from trees.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:13 PM
General Petraeus is a great general. What he said about the Soldier’s Spiritual Handbook is absolutely right. Those destructive secularists who criticize General Petraeus should be told to get lost and told so with Pattonesque language.
Phil Byler on August 21, 2008 at 11:14 PM
That is where you lost me. I dont think it should be in every rucksack, it is certainly not in mine. I keep my own spiritual guidance, I am not a rabid secularist, but I am not for those times when the chaplains get a little too intrusive either.
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:16 PM
It is not that there are no atheists in foxholes, it’s just that they never say anything worth listening to. How very little must this former JAG have contributed in his military career to find it a requirement to sue GEN Petraeus over this.
The thing about David vs. Goliath is that David went on to be a great king. Punk-ass bitch vs. the giant is a reality that happens all the time, but we don’t make myths about it to shape our culture. Because non-contributing whiners who erode the accomplishments of those greater than themselves do nothing to build great cultures.
Patrick_Lasswell on August 21, 2008 at 11:17 PM
“[I]t should be in every rucksack for those times when soldiers need spiritual energy.”
So if you don’t want it, and you don’t need it, then no one is suggesting that it be forced into your rucksack.
Good Lord, what thin skin.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Did anyone else here watch the 10 part series “Carrier” that was on a few months ago? The part where they showed the religious aspects of the sailors lives was very interesting. Service was voluntary, they offered all types, even the BS pentagram wikkans or whatever they were. The didn’t descriminate. And some even complained about the chaplain’s evening message to all hands on the ship.
I wouldn’t be too surprised if in a decade or two, with the wrong people in control of the US government and the US military, that all religion “See: Christianity” is outlawed from all military life. This simple endorsement from Petraeus was not an order for all military men and women to be issued this book like it was from MAO. No one is ordering them to read it and memorize the pages. Just a ‘I thought it was great and it should be there for everyone who needs it.’
Our nation is seriously going downhill if Petraeus needs to apologize to people for this.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:25 PM
As one of the resident atheists here, I have no problem with the general’s endorsement – even though I disagree with it.
peski on August 21, 2008 at 11:28 PM
So if you don’t want it, and you don’t need it, then no one is suggesting that it be forced into your rucksack.It should be in every rucksack
Petraus should have known better.
I submit that the skin of evangelical types is equally as thin, thinking you are always being persecuted.
Forgive me for being paranoid, I have been at both good and bad commands. Where I have felt ostracised for my non-Christian faith and where it was not an issue.
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:28 PM
The Carrier is a different world, it is a small city and different religious groups can blend into the background. Life on the “small boys” is a completely different proposition.
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:31 PM
I’m alarmed by how “sensitive” people get about a general expressing his religious views. He’s not forcing them on anyone, he was making a comment.
And, for history’s sake, can we all remember the painting of Gen. Washington praying at Valley Forge? Spiritual life is a vital part of our military.
CP on August 21, 2008 at 11:31 PM
It should be in every rucksack
for those times … when soldiers need spiritual energy.”
And when they don’t. They can use it as toilet paper.
Happy, Squid?
No, you’re not. You are only going to copy the first part of what he said, and highlight the one word so it’s nice and out of context.
That’s a good squiddy.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:31 PM
As I said, if this trend continues, that image could be ‘purged’ from the historical record because these people deem it so offensive.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Petraeus scewed up. It was a minor screw up, but a screw up nonetheless.
MB4 on August 21, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Why does it need to be in my damn rucksack anyways?
Why not make us all have a crucifix?
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Concur
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:36 PM
No it shouldnt, and this is a different issue.
Geez, such a thin skin!
:)
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Books in the rucksack are too heavy.
A photo of a loved one is the most vital energizer.
There are a million spiritual theories, but you fight for love.
A few slim light volumes in paperback worth toting: “Common Sense” by Paine, “Civilization and its Discontents” by Freud, “Chicago Poems” by Sandburg, and “My Life and Hard Times” by Thurber.
Wisdom, profundity, lyric and laughter.
(Although a thick book has been know to stop a bullet if carried in the breast pocket… before Kevlar.)
profitsbeard on August 21, 2008 at 11:37 PM
So Petraeus thinks that it “needs” to be there.
Do you know anything about the military? Squid Shark? Such as a lawful order? You are not supposed to obey an unlawful order.
Consider this an unlawful opinion. Petraeus thinks it ‘needs’ to be there ‘for those times when soldiers need spiritual energy.’ And if you don’t want or need ’spiritual energy,’ then he’s not claiming that it “needs” to be there.
Since his opinion is ‘unlawful,’ do aren’t required to get in line at the quartermasters for your copy that you don’t “need.”
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:40 PM
It’s in the same category. And it was just an observation. As the ACLU is actively attempting to purge this country against all offensive displays of christianity.
wise_man on August 21, 2008 at 11:41 PM
I was always a fan of the U.S. Constitution I bought at City Hall.
How dare you carry around Common Sense, that is secularist propoganda.
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Here you go:
From the article in the post Mikey Weinstein, head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation is the lead guy going after Petaeus.
From David Horowitz’s
Discover the Networks A Guide to the Political Left (a very useful website BTW):
Scroll on down the stuff they’re offended by to last couple of paragraphs to view the names:
Well, who knew that Joe Wilson cared about such things?
There’s more info and many embedded links if you care to read the whole thing.
INC on August 21, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I never said Petraus gave an unlawful order, he made a stupid comment, he should have known better.
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God. (DA Form 71, 1 August 1959)
MB4 on August 21, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Nice to know what you are fighting for.
Squid Shark on August 21, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Just asking:
Because of his position, should he self-censor even in situations that he believes are private?
VolMagic on August 22, 2008 at 12:01 AM
He is an experienced operator, he should have known to specify the conditions of any discussion like that. He is one of the smartes men to wear stars since Admiral Stavrides, he should have had better sense of the situation.
Squid Shark on August 22, 2008 at 12:04 AM
As a jew who served and whose son was in Iraq I have no problem with the General….prayer got us both through our wars….this is typical bs against the military….I suggest that those who are critical of General Petraus put their ass in combat…
robo on August 22, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Been there, done that. To do it again wouldn’t be prudent and I suggest you read the U.S. Constitution and military regs.
MB4 on August 22, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Should have known better than to do what exactly? His comment, according to the article, wasn’t meant for print. It was a private comment from Petraeus to the author. That it got printed isn’t Petraeus’ fault. And even if he gave his permission the man is allowed to have opinions and that is all he gave, an opinion.
DerKrieger on August 22, 2008 at 12:32 AM
So, who the Hell is this “watchdog group” anyway? The article left a huge blank spot there.
Oh, found it buried a few paragraphs down: http://www.atheistrev.com/2008/04/support-military-religious-freedom.html
Swell bunch of people there.
logis on August 22, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Petraeus burned at stake by athiest liberals for being a Christian.
Chakra Hammer on August 22, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Hey, “watchdog group” (what ever that means), you have proven yourselves as cowards and have never held the responsibility of firing a weapon while being fired at……….
……….. fornicate with yourselves ……… if you can.
Seven Percent Solution on August 22, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Am I the only one who was struck by the audacity of this group putting Petraeus “on notice” not to destroy email, communication, etc. about this issue?
I mean, he shouldn’t do that (and I don’t think he would) but who exactly do they think they are? They are filing a lawsuit, and I don’t pretend to understand all the intricacies involved with legal cases. Reading it just struck me strangely, with a “watchdog group” and “former JAG” having the audacity to put Gen. Petraeus “on notice.”
cs89 on August 22, 2008 at 12:50 AM
The race card.
Johan Klaus on August 22, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Well, it didn’t turn out to be so private, now did it?
Petraeus should have known that. He probably usually does.
MB4 on August 22, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Yay! More attacks on General Petraeus, please! It worked out SO well for moveon.org and Code Pink.
rockmom on August 22, 2008 at 12:54 AM
When I was young, I was ostracised because I was skinny and I complained to my Dad about it, he told me to grow up. I said that is not fair. He said life is not fair.
Johan Klaus on August 22, 2008 at 12:55 AM
To do sarcasm right you have to stay at least within a mile of the target zone, otherwise it just doesn’t work at all.
MB4 on August 22, 2008 at 12:56 AM
So it was OK for there to be a climate where my religion was marginalized and my service made subservient to “good Christian soldiers.
Squid Shark on August 22, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Try it on a B-52. You learn to live with other people and not take things that people say so personal.
Johan Klaus on August 22, 2008 at 1:03 AM
There’s nothing unfair about that: if they make fun of you for being skinny, you can make fun of them for being fat.
It’s only unfair when a bunch of self-righteous, unholier-than-thou jackasses feel they can sit behind a curtain of anonymity and lob unlimited amounts of mindless bile at a man whose boots they are not fit to polish.
logis on August 22, 2008 at 1:04 AM
I do, there is a difference between living with people and putting up with that crap on a regular basis from your higher ups.
How is this mindless bile? MB4 and I are only saying that he should have known better and probably does most of the time.
As for the good General, he is an outstanding leader, I have been under his command before and would follow him to the end of the Earth if he asked me. At the end of the day, though, he is just a man, I think he knows that too.
Squid Shark on August 22, 2008 at 1:12 AM
My wife’s uncle, who is about eighty years old, is staying with us because he got his feet tangled in some barbed wire and fell and broke his neck. I was sitting in the living room with him and I was kidding with my wife by complaing that supper was late. Her uncle told me that if I was in such a hurry that I could get my lazy butt up and help her with supper. I had s choice; get angry or help. I got up and helped.
Johan Klaus on August 22, 2008 at 1:16 AM
s=a
Johan Klaus on August 22, 2008 at 1:19 AM
I try to help the situation, but then I get told by people like you to bend over and take it…
Squid Shark on August 22, 2008 at 1:22 AM
My dad also told me to choose my battles wisely.
Johan Klaus on August 22, 2008 at 1:26 AM
I am not telling you what to do, I am only relating my on experiences.
Johan Klaus on August 22, 2008 at 1:28 AM
Fair Enough :)
Squid Shark on August 22, 2008 at 1:34 AM
Squid Shark,
“It shall be in every rucksack” is a command.
“it should be in every rucksack” is a recommendation.
There is a difference. Mikey Weinstein is an attention grabbing twerp. He’s going to get a little bit of attention, 95% of it negative. He’s got no interest in religious freedom in the military, if he did, he wouldn’t be working so hard to end it.
I’ve spoken with muslims who worked with GEN Petraeus extensively. None of them felt the slightest concern for the general’s religion. You are straining at gnats.
Patrick_Lasswell on August 22, 2008 at 1:52 AM
I’m sorry, I must be confused. This is a General Order that he issued to MNF-Iraq, correct? Otherwise, what in the heck is the big deal here? He likes the book. He thinks that others will find it helpful, especially in trying times. Hang him. That makes sense.
melchitt on August 22, 2008 at 1:57 AM
Every branch of the US Military, upon request by any soldier, will provide to the soldier a copy of the Bible, or Torah/Tanakh, or Koran. But it is a voluntary request and it is not required issued equipment. The military understands the requirement for spiritual needs, though, and its value as a moral booster. That’s why they even have “chaplains” for all the major faiths to begin with. This book that the special interest group is crying foul about, I’m sure, is not provided upon request by the military, much less required issued equipment. But it may be purchased if said soldier cares to just like any and every other book there is out there.
Unless the military has begun issuing this book as required equipment to our soldiers upon enlistment and/or subsequent assignments, along with their clothes, boots, helmets, weapons, eating utensils, handbooks, survival guides, USCMJ, etc etc etc… this is much ado about nothing.
SilverStar830 on August 22, 2008 at 2:01 AM
The general has now gone to my short list for the next president of this nation.
Yes, please continue to badger one of the most brilliant military men of our time because of his faith in God. You can’t buy that type of publicity.
Hening on August 22, 2008 at 8:42 AM
Obama agrees, but will substitute the bible with the Koran and foodstamps.
marklmail on August 22, 2008 at 8:44 AM
I just bought the book on Amazon for $10.17, and plan on giving it to my son, who is in ROTC when I’m finished reading it.
Thanks for the tip, AP
Hening on August 22, 2008 at 8:51 AM
The quote link isn’t connecting now.
maverick muse on August 22, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Agreed. America would be in a bad place if our greatest generals became politicians instead.
There are enough politics in the military without overwhelming that establishment to mutate into the popularity contests aka public elections. As is, our military is the greatest. Don’t fix what isn’t broken. The PC infringement upon military traditions have done America no favor. Leave FAITH alone if you lack it.
maverick muse on August 22, 2008 at 9:20 AM
KO made him the second worst person in the whole wide world last night because of this.
BadgerHawk on August 22, 2008 at 9:37 AM
You have to remember that the liberal definition of the word “opression” doesn’t mean anything at all like what normal people mean when they say that word.
As Milton said: “None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license.” And that’s what every branch of liberalism seeks. Atheists don’t want “religious freedom” any more than homosexual fetishists want to get “married.” They demand societal stamps of approval; they want everyone to constantly reassure them; to tell them that the way they live their lives is good. But that’s the only thing we can never do for them. And for that, they will always hate us – even more than life itself.
Liberals do everything in their power to try and convince us they’re all just harmless idiots. But that’s a lie. OF COURSE Atheists know that they aren’t really in danger of Courts Martial – that’s a silly smokescreen. But one thing is true: they are being tortured; they feel the emptiness of their pathetic lives every second of every day. Then they see the hope and inspiration a great man like General Petraeus represents, and that feels to them every bit as painful as the proverbial car battery to the testicle.
Of course it’s understandable why they lash out in rabid, mindless hatred – anyone would. They want their pain to stop; but as consummate narcissists they are incapable of imagining, let alone admitting, that the pain comes from within. Emptiness, like darkness, is only visible in contrast. So, in the mind of the Atheist, seeing a man living his life with genuine spirituality doesn’t just put their pain into relief – they have to pretend that he somehow causes it.
logis on August 22, 2008 at 1:02 PM
So he is having the book cover with his quote removed? WoW! You can stand up to terrorists, but when some whiny little pricks complain, you backdown.
Shame on you.
Tim Burton on August 22, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Watchdog Group = Jackass liberals, funded by some anti-American clown like George Soros, sitting around and thinking up ways to harass and to bring lawsuits against decent Americans.
Attack dogs for the lunatic left, is more like it.
NoDonkey on August 22, 2008 at 1:19 PM
He’s not promoting religion per se. There’s a qualification. It’s like the bible in the dresser in your hotel room. It’s there if you need it. Then if your AllahPundit or not in need of spiritual energy, just leave it in the dresser. No harm, no foul.
Knee-jerk atheists. **sheesh**
Sultry Beauty on August 22, 2008 at 4:27 PM
I stand on my August 21, 2008 11:14 PM comment. That mb4 and Super Squid think that General Petraeus made a mistake is a hoot. General Petraeus is one of the great generals in our history.
Phil Byler on August 22, 2008 at 8:07 PM
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