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1LT Tells Hillary Clinton Off
1LT Micah J. GarrisonAs an Infantry soldier currently in Iraq I feel compelled to comment on this article and point out several issues that could mislead the public back home. I shouldn't let articles like this bother me but I'm frustrated because I know people will read or see this interview and assume that what they are being told is the 100% truth and won't put any thought or research into it. I'm also sick and tired of politicians and journalists commenting on subjects they don't know much about. I'll try to keep my comments as concise as possible... ...Another reason this article frustrates me is because you never hear people like Mrs. Clinton propose solutions to any of the problems they address. She says, "This is Bush/Cheney policy... I've been one of the leading critics pointing out all the failures, the incompetencies". Ok then Mrs. Clinton, tell me what you'd do differently. These people are never challenged to tell what they would do differently or how they would do it. It's always appoint a committee or nominate a board to conduct an investigation. If you're going to complain about something tell me how you'd like to try to fix it. Re-read the article and realize how much of the interview talks in generalities and makes broad accusations against the current administration without presenting any alternative views or suggestions. I was extremely frustrated when Mrs. Clinton said, "...that considering the United States' defense budget was half a trillion dollars, the additional protection was affordable. She said the administration had refused to listen to people in the field like Paul Bremer, former ambassador to Iraq, who said the United States needed more troops in Iraq to pacify the country." It is quite easy for Mrs. Clinton to say that the military should be able to afford it new armor, but it isn't that easy. It's not feasible (logistically or financially) for the military to field new equipment every time something new or better comes out because we'd be in a constant state of change. And the part about Paul Bremer makes me laugh. She refers to "people in the field like Paul Bremer". Mr. Bremer was never in the military chain of command. President Bush has repeatedly stated that he will always provide whatever the military commanders on the ground ask for... ...Hindsight is always 20/20. We can always second guess battle plans based on their results. And if you think this interview wasn't for personal political reasons, don't forget this quote (in case you missed it): "He's [President Bush has] got three more years in office. Some of us wish this wasn't the case." If I have to listen to many more politicians or journalists misconstrue what is really going on over here and discuss topics about which they know little or nothing or address issues for personal or political reasons I think I'm going go crazy. I truly believe that reporting like this occurs because some politicians and news media rely on the ignorance of their readers, listeners, and constituents and know that these people will believe what they see and hear without question, without doing their own research. Until these people are questioned and challenged this behavior will continue... Posted by: Anonymoose 2006-01-11 |
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