Many facts exist to bash Bush
Re: Maj. Jeff Thornton's March 17 letter "Where are the facts?"http://www.stripes.com/.... : George W. Bush's own military records and history shows him to be unfit for the title of commander in chief. That Mr. Bush "allowed himself" to be placed in front of many others in line for a slot in a Texas Air National Guard unit should have been enough to keep him out of the White House. Let's not concern ourselves with the fact that he did not complete his own military obligation. By right, he should have been placed on active duty after missing the number of meetings he missed.
But, for something a little more recent: On Jan. 14, 2003, I heard Mr. Bush say on national television that he had not made up his mind about invading Iraq. We all know now that that statement was a lie and many of us knew it then. I'll always remember that date, because the next day my son left home to begin basic training.
Mr. Bush has given many different reasons as to why he invaded Iraq. He will not acknowledge he went into Afghanistan with too few troops, boots on the ground. He is responsible for those of us not supporting the decision to go into Iraq being labeled "unpatriotic." He was directly responsible for the display of the banner reading "Mission Accomplished" on the ship. Mr. Bush was directly responsible for sending too few troops into Iraq and without the equipment needed to fight the war.
More recently Mr. Bush lied about not knowing that the damage from Hurricane Katrina would be as bad as it was. Now what else would Maj. Thornton and those who think like he does about their beloved George W. Bush want to know? I served in the military during five different administrations and never was I ashamed to call any of our presidents during that time my commander in chief. I'm glad I departed the military before George W. Bush took office.
Sgt. 1st Class Bobby McGill (retired)
Valrico, Fla.
See, http://www.democraticunderground.com/... http://www.stripes.com/...
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TOP BRASS CONTRADICTING BUSH AND RUMSFELD'S PRONOUNCEMENTS
- Reuters reported on 3/14/06 that Congressional testimony of Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, directly contradicted statements made Monday by Bush and Rumsfeld alledging Iranian responsibility for Iraq explosive devices. The President and Defense Secretary had said that the most powerful IEDs were being manufactured in Iran, but Pace stated that information was not verified. http://go.reuters.com/...
- An AP story on 11/30/2005 reported that General Pace contradicted Rumsfeld during a press conference. The two spoke together regarding prisoner abuse by Iraqi troops. In ane xchange before reporters, they differed regarding the duty of US personnel to intervene and stop prisoner abuse. http://www.dailykos.com/... ;
By WILLIAM C. MANN
The Associated Press
Wednesday, November 30, 2005; 3:19 AM
WASHINGTON -- The nation's top military man, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, said American troops in Iraq have a duty to intercede and stop abuse of prisoners by Iraqi security personnel.
When Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld contradicted Pace, the general stood firm.
Rumsfeld told the general he believed Pace meant to say the U.S. soldiers had to report the abuse, not stop it.
Pace stuck to his original statement.
"If they are physically present when inhumane treatment is taking place, sir, they have an obligation to try to stop it," Pace told his civilian boss.
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