Althouse: I believe that it's wrong to give this story air, but you might want to talk about it.

October 19, 2017

I believe that it's wrong to give this story air, but you might want to talk about it.

So I will give you the video:

354 comments:

1 – 200 of 354 Newer› Newest»

exhelodrvr1 said...: Had I been killed on active duty, what Pres Trump told the family in the call is what I would have wanted someone to say to my family. The left is some combination of being incredibly dense that they can't comprehend that, and incredibly evil to try and use that as a wedge issue.; 10/19/17, 4:06 PM
ga6 said...: Why do you believe it wrong to give this some attention?; 10/19/17, 4:06 PM
Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...: A member of congress(D) who follows the example of Maxine Waters, the hack-Democrat press, George Soros, Jimmy Kimmel, and the Clinton lie machine.; 10/19/17, 4:10 PM
Ann Althouse said...: "Why do you believe it wrong to give this some attention?"

Watch the video and pay special attention the part (around the middle) where Kelly uses the word "sacred" repeatedly. You will have your answer. His reason is my reason.; 10/19/17, 4:13 PM
Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...: The finest men and women - our military.

Scum scum scum - leftwing democrat Clintonian politicians.; 10/19/17, 4:13 PM
WisRich said...: That's pretty powerful.; 10/19/17, 4:17 PM
rcocean said...: Yes, it is sacred. But its not Trump who tried to publicize the conversation. It Congresswomen Wilson who did.

So she could attack Trump.

She now says "Kelly will say anything to keep his job".

Classy. Like all the Democrats.; 10/19/17, 4:20 PM
BillyTalley said...: Powerful. Glad you aired it.; 10/19/17, 4:20 PM
Kevin said...: "I believe that it's wrong to give this story air, but you might want to talk about it."

Trump does something honorable.
Press paints as dishonorable.
Kelly stands up for Trump, explains just how honorable it was.
Press moves on as if it never happened.

Gee, what's to discuss?; 10/19/17, 4:21 PM
rcocean said...: He died doing what he wanted to do.

True.; 10/19/17, 4:22 PM
Kevin said...: I'm so old I can remember when the press told us Kelly was about to resign.; 10/19/17, 4:22 PM
bleh said...: John Kelly should be president. That man has moral authority and command respect. Not just on this issue, either.; 10/19/17, 4:24 PM
Ken B said...: Why shouldn't it get air? Is therd a mercy rule for Chuck?; 10/19/17, 4:24 PM
Sebastian said...: "Watch the video and pay special attention the part (around the middle) where Kelly uses the word "sacred" repeatedly. You will have your answer." I agree with your sentiment but disagree with the inference. The incident deserves attention, and the Kelly is the perfect guy to give it that attention.

He rightly notes the sacred things we have lost or are losing, in a way rarely done by any serious person. He rightly upholds the honor and sacrifice of people like his son. An he rightly expresses indignation at the sacrilege committed by the Dem congressperson (and implicitly, by the family involved).

Didn't watch it to the end, but the question arises: how long before the Kellys of the country will feel that there is nothing sacred left fighting for? That is what progs are trying to achieve. They are getting close, as Kelly's tone seemed to hint. Attention must be paid.; 10/19/17, 4:24 PM
bleh said...: Of course, if he were president the Left would tar him a Russian stooge and literally Hitler. And a baby-killing warmonger. And whatever else they can think of.; 10/19/17, 4:24 PM
Lyssa said...: It doesn't bother me that she would listen in on the conversation (assuming that she had the permission of at least the family; it's a little rude if she didn't tell the other party on the line, too, but not horrifying). But I do think that it's horrible to first interpret it in such an uncharitable way when a completely understandable explanation for the statement is obvious, and second, to publicize it for political gain.

If he had said something truly wrong, I guess the second would be understandable, but as it stands, it sounds like tawdry gossip.; 10/19/17, 4:25 PM
Kevin said...: Watch the video and pay special attention the part (around the middle) where Kelly uses the word "sacred" repeatedly. You will have your answer. His reason is my reason.

The press broadcasting out of context and unsubstantiated rumors about Trump 24/7 is not sacred. The press failing to walk back its misinformation time and again is not sacred.

We are free to discuss.; 10/19/17, 4:25 PM
Otto said...: Please let us not forget in this foolish bruha created by the media and democratic congresswomen to honor all those soldiers who put their lives on the line for our safety. Let us all thank them for their service to this country. They are the ones we should be thinking about. Thank you General Kelly for your service to this country.; 10/19/17, 4:26 PM
Kevin said...: John Kelly should be president. That man has moral authority and command respect. Not just on this issue, either.

Because the left would turn him into Hitler with a KKK hood before lunch.; 10/19/17, 4:27 PM
Dave Begley said...: All this stuff against Trump is cumulative. It doesn't matter if the congresswoman lied. The story is out there. Some people believe it.; 10/19/17, 4:28 PM
Kevin said...: "Look, if George W. Bush and his Republican cronies walked on water, I'd be the guy out there yelling that they couldn't swim."

-- James Carville; 10/19/17, 4:29 PM
WisRich said...: Kevin said...
"I believe that it's wrong to give this story air, but you might want to talk about it."

Trump does something honorable.
Press paints as dishonorable.
Kelly stands up for Trump, explains just how honorable it was.
Press moves on as if it never happened.

Gee, what's to discuss?

10/19/17, 4:21 PM

Oh no, the Press and the Dem's are not moving on. Wilson and the Dem's have doubled down. They're going after Kelly.; 10/19/17, 4:30 PM
Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...: The story was used to cover up the bigger story - Clinton Obama Russian money laundering.; 10/19/17, 4:31 PM
PackerBronco said...: Geez Ann, if you don't want to give this story air, you should have thought about that yesterday.; 10/19/17, 4:33 PM
buwaya said...: Nothing is sacred, there are no standards beyond what works.
You are in an existential struggle, a real civil war, and you can expect no limit to enemy propaganda.
Trump understood that better than most, but even he is not sufficiently cynical.; 10/19/17, 4:33 PM
Michael K said...: He was eloquent and he is right about all things sacred being lost.

I also think those were the last four calls that will be made to families of KIAs.

I was curious if the Congresswoman to publicize Trump's call is the same one who claimed credit for the FBI building.

Just curious.; 10/19/17, 4:35 PM
Sebastian said...: "They're going after Kelly." He is, in a way, more dangerous. More than Trump, the Kellys of America stand in the way of prog victory. They know it.; 10/19/17, 4:36 PM
California Snow said...: I thought it a pretty powerful explanation too.; 10/19/17, 4:37 PM
buwaya said...: And of course, all this media hoopla is centrally organized and directed.
You are looking at the output of a Ministry of Propaganda.
There is, somewhere, a Minister of Propaganda.; 10/19/17, 4:37 PM
traditionalguy said...: The propaganda croaking frogs of CNN, MSNBC, ABC and CBS will just croak louder. The Big Lie has been replaced with the Louder Big Lie. But the sacred moment of the Kelly talk is louder than them all combined. So it's no wonder they will probably all coordinate to attack Kelly.

But Kelly's speech added greatly to the respect for the USA's leadership all over the world.; 10/19/17, 4:41 PM
Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...: The hack press and the democrat party have a gotta sting for every day.; 10/19/17, 4:42 PM
Amadeus 48 said...: Gen. Kelly--Semper fidelis; 10/19/17, 4:47 PM
LYNNDH said...: It might be mentioned that Gen. Kelly is a "Gold Star" Dad. His son died in Afghanistan. I guess he really has truth to power status.; 10/19/17, 4:49 PM
pacwest said...: "Nothing is sacred, there are no standards beyond what works.
You are in an existential struggle, a real civil war, and you can expect no limit to enemy propaganda.
Trump understood that better than most, but even he is not sufficiently cynical."

And therein lies my support of President Trump. He may not be "cynical" enough, but he has been a proven fighter, and shows no sign of bowing down. Hope springs eternal.; 10/19/17, 4:50 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: Kelly did what he had to do in order for this to blow over. He’ll keep doing it because Trump will keep being Trump, until he gets sick of it and quits. Or maybe he continues to stay on because he’s a patriotic American who is keeping some order in the nuthouse that is the Whitehouse.; 10/19/17, 4:52 PM
cubanbob said...: Kelley gave a very moving speech. And what Trump said albeit inarticulately is correct and proper. Congresswoman Wilson is like most of the Congressmen from South Florida, trash. She should be censured by the House. Preferably, expelled along with that criminal Debbie Wassermann Schultz and that other bribe taking impeached and convicted federal judge Alcee Hastings.; 10/19/17, 4:54 PM
Amadeus 48 said...: Michael K--
The FBI headquarters in Miami/Dade is in Miramar, so Rep. Frederica Wilson would be the person that Gen. Kelly was referring to at the end. I don't think he respects her.; 10/19/17, 4:55 PM
cubanbob said...: Unknown said...
Kelly did what he had to do in order for this to blow over. He’ll keep doing it because Trump will keep being Trump, until he gets sick of it and quits. Or maybe he continues to stay on because he’s a patriotic American who is keeping some order in the nuthouse that is the Whitehouse."

You can't seriously believe a man like Kelley would serve in a White House with a grifter, criminal and traitor a/k/a Hillary Clinton was president?; 10/19/17, 4:56 PM
Dave in Tucson said...: > I believe that it's wrong to give this story air, but no, just kidding.

FTFY; 10/19/17, 4:57 PM
JohnJMac862 said...: The comparison of Kelly to that hack behatted ditzy lying sack of dung is a pretty good reason I am not a Democrat.; 10/19/17, 5:00 PM
Ray - SoCal said...: It’s sad that Kelly had to do this speech.

Great speech.

I’m glad he is where he is.; 10/19/17, 5:01 PM
n.n said...: A surprisingly honest statement.

Why and when do transgender individuals, including men and women with a homosexual orientation, deserve equal rights?

Why, unfortunately, and when, is elective abortion even a consideration, given the self-evident knowledge of human life? Clinical cannibalism?

Why and when should society establish smoothing functions (e.g. welfare) to promote the general welfare and sometimes to intervene and pickup where the individual fails, by choice, by incident?

Why and when are monopolies or practices, especially when processed by authority (e.g. dictate, violence), a practical, even economic choice, in the best practice of democratic systems, including capitalism?

Why is color, sex diversity and other political congruences ("=") acceptable to many people, if only through deference, when these doctrines are logically and practically racist, sexist, exclusive, and otherwise discriminate in what their advocates believe are "good faith" measures?

War! What is it good for? How about #BringBackOurGirls, which was not, and could not, be accomplished through peaceful assembly. There are secular, even principled differences that drive irreconcilable divisions.

Why conflate logical domains: science, philosophy, fantasy, and faith, and deny their intersection (that may follow with improved knowledge and skill, and perception)? The scientific domain's limited frame of reference that establishes it as a practical and useful means to characterize (knowledge) and exploit (skill) our world in the near field (i.e. accuracy is inversely proportional to the product of time and space offsets from an established frame of reference) in order to promote the general Welfare?

So, is the assembly of people known as "ISIS" a legitimate target? Does it pose a risk to what we can agree are common interests, whether community (e.g. nation), Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness? Is there a common interest that crosses soft (e.g. ideological) and hard (e.g. geographical) divisions, that would justify our participation, including loss of blood and treasure?

Are we pursuing a goal more than stability and a philosophy that is "consistent with"? Perhaps a set of principles, by whatever philosopher may record them, that are internally, externally, and mutually consistent?; 10/19/17, 5:01 PM
JohnJMac862 said...: I was also told that parents of dead military (Cindy Sheehan) have "absolute moral power."; 10/19/17, 5:01 PM
cubanbob said...: Blogger Amadeus 48 said...
Michael K--
The FBI headquarters in Miami/Dade is in Miramar, so Rep. Frederica Wilson would be the person that Gen. Kelly was referring to at the end. I don't think he respects her".

She is indeed the Congress trash from Miramar which is adjacent to Pembroke Pines where Debbie is the Congress trash.; 10/19/17, 5:05 PM
traditionalguy said...: This brings to mind Trump's anger when he realized Sessions recusal of the power Trump just gave him to appear noble while he trusted in honor of the men at the Department of Justice to whom he gave away the power that was used to immediately appoint a prosecutor who then hired a public financed private political army of crooks to go to War and remove Trump.

Nice guys finish last,; 10/19/17, 5:06 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: Politicizing the death of a service member is disgusting, but when a President does it, it’s even worse.

“President Trump’s treatment of families of fallen troops “sickens” former Defense secretary Chuck Hagel, who labeled his recent calls and other statements “beneath the dignity of the presidency.

I’m offended by the way he’s handled it,” said Hagel, who served as Defense secretary under Obama. Hagel, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, was also a Republican senator from Nebraska. “You just don’t use the families of the fallen to score political points, especially to take jabs at your predecessor. I’m very unhappy about this,” he said.“

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/10/19/trumps-treatment-families-fallen-sickens-chuck-hagel/781153001/; 10/19/17, 5:13 PM
stevew said...: A man cries, and later says, damn straight.

-sw; 10/19/17, 5:13 PM
n.n said...: But Kelly's speech added greatly to the respect for the USA's leadership all over the world.

Yes. We need to be perfectly honest about who, what, when, where, and why our words translate to action. People need to understand and trust what we say and when we say it. We should, in general, be able to have faith in each other's motives, intentions, and expectations.

So, let's drop the politics, and discuss, for example, why we are in Niger, and what are the risks of involvement and avoidance, in the short-term, and in the long-term. There are, of course, secular interests, but there may also be principles that need to be reconciled in order to mitigate dysfunction.; 10/19/17, 5:14 PM
n.n said...: Nice guys finish last,

Not necessarily. Life is an exercise in risk management. That, too, must be reconciled.; 10/19/17, 5:16 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Sebastian said but the question arises: how long before the Kellys of the country will feel that there is nothing sacred left fighting for?

OR....the question of how long before the Kellys of the country will feel that there IS something sacred that we are losing or something sacred that is being taken from us and that it IS worth fighting for.

We know who the enemies are. They make themselves evident and push at us every day. The question is when are we going to stop 'taking it' from them and fight to keep what is sacred?; 10/19/17, 5:19 PM
rcocean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10/19/17, 5:22 PM
Unknown said...: "It might be mentioned that Gen. Kelly is a "Gold Star" Dad."

Kelly wrote those letters and made those calls, received those letters and calls, and now advises the POTUS on how to write those letters and make those calls. I'd say that there is no better expert.; 10/19/17, 5:23 PM
Michael K said...: "Kelly did what he had to do in order for this to blow over."

Inga joins chuck in the sewer. I have nothing to say to you and I think you are a fool but even you should know better,; 10/19/17, 5:23 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “OR....the question of how long before the Kellys of the country will feel that there IS something sacred that we are losing or something sacred that is being taken from us and that it IS worth fighting for.

We know who the enemies are. They make themselves evident and push at us every day. The question is when are we going to stop 'taking it' from them and fight to keep what is sacred?”

Or then you have the loons who want civil war and consider fellow Americans as the “enemy”.; 10/19/17, 5:24 PM
Kansas Scout said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10/19/17, 5:24 PM
rcocean said...: “You just don’t use the families of the fallen to score political points, especially to take jabs at your predecessor. I’m very unhappy about this,” he said.“

Trump wasn't taking "jabs" - he was telling the truth. Its was General Kelly told him. Its the MSM and Democrats who took an off-hand remark, publicized it, and then hysterically attacked Trump was criticizing their great Champion Obama.

The whole thing would've died there, except Congresswomen Wilson did the unthinkable. She ease-dropped on the POTUS condolence call and then publicly criticized Trump - and if Kelly is to be believed - and lied about it.

I look forward to Hagel's condemnation of Rep. Wilson in tomorrow's USA Today. But 1000-1 Hagel won't say a word.; 10/19/17, 5:24 PM
FullMoon said...: Unspoken but understood is another attack on"racist" white president, and by extension, every other white person.; 10/19/17, 5:24 PM
Michael K said...: "Please explain your thinking."

Are you kidding?

Inga's thinking ?

Come on.; 10/19/17, 5:25 PM
Kansas Scout said...: As a Vet I was very proud of him standing up against this disgraceful Congress Woman and her vile actions. The whole thing was utterly disgusting. It's an all to common behavior for Congress critters.; 10/19/17, 5:27 PM
Leigh said...: @Michael K, yep, looks to be the same empty barrel: Frederica Wilson.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-miramar-fbi-hq-dedication-20150410-story.html; 10/19/17, 5:34 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: You guys do remember that it was Trump that started politicizing this particular issue by attacking his predecessors in office on this issue.

I mean, you do remember, don't you?; 10/19/17, 5:36 PM
Earnest Prole said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10/19/17, 5:37 PM
Unknown said...: Inga, put on a big shiny hat and go find Cindy Sheehan. Another grieving woman that you and yours used for political advantage and then tossed into the trash can. You are despicable.; 10/19/17, 5:39 PM
Earnest Prole said...: When someone dies there are things people say that, while factually correct, are not actually condolences, including "my brother died of cancer too," “she was 85 and lived a long life," and "he knew what he signed up for." Hopefully Trump will learn this sooner rather than later.; 10/19/17, 5:39 PM
n.n said...: Didn't this start with a journolistic setup?; 10/19/17, 5:39 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “You guys do remember that it was Trump that started politicizing this particular issue by attacking his predecessors in office on this issue.

I mean, you do remember, don't you?”

Of course they don’t.

Also if the family invited the Congresswomen to listen in on the call with Trump, nothing sacred was violated. It’s the right of the family to do so.; 10/19/17, 5:40 PM
Ray - SoCal said...: At first I thought Trump had blown it. And been suckered again, as was done with the gold star star, Democratic crony, family at the Democratic Convention.

I appreciate Kelly’s speech. It’s sad it had to be made. Another action due to Trump Derangement Syndrome, and probably related to some how Gerrymandered districts that result in far left and right people elected.; 10/19/17, 5:42 PM
Scott said...: Had I been killed on active duty, I probably wouldn't give a shit.; 10/19/17, 5:46 PM
pacwest said...: "You guys do remember that it was Trump that started politicizing this particular issue by attacking his predecessors in office on this issue.
I mean, you do remember, don't you?"

I remember a race baiting political opportunitnistic Dem Senator in the mix there somewhere ARM. I guess that have might have been my lying eyes though. Jeez.; 10/19/17, 5:46 PM
n.n said...: People on the front line, including soldiers, and, in less hazardous conditions, mothers and fathers, don't know the consequences of their choice?

That's equivalent to placing conception before Choice, which denied agency to women.

Acknowledging someone's choice to sacrifice time, wealth, or blood is no longer respectful?

That would depend on the cause.; 10/19/17, 5:47 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: It is indeed sad that such a dignified decent patriotic American such as General Kelly, had to once again bail out Trump from another shit storm he created.; 10/19/17, 5:47 PM
Hari said...: It seems to me that in this instance, Trump tried very hard to do the right thing. He didn't know how to make the call and he didn't know what to say. He asked General Kelly, and then he did his best to say what he thought General Kelly told him should be said (assuming he would say anything at all). It was cynical and despicable for the congresswoman to use the call as an opportunity to take a cheap shot at Trump who was doing more than is typically done by a president.

I understand Ann's point that for the sake of the family, Trump should turn the other cheek and let this tie. But this is a dilemma that presidents face between doing things right (which in this case might have meant not calling at all) and doing the right thing. For Trump, doing the right thing meant taking a risk that the call would be misinterpreted by the family and the family would lash out. Trump was willing to take that risk. Similarly, Trump believe that it is right to defend himself when he is unfairly attacked, no matter what the circumstances.

This is never going to change. Trump is going to do what he thinks is right (whether he is correct or not) and he is always going to think that he is right to defend himself. Trump does not turn the other cheek. Ever. That's good to know, if your his friend, and its better to know, if your his enemy.; 10/19/17, 5:50 PM
Unknown said...: No matter how many times that liberals like Inga try to hang Trump with PC, he makes them look stupid, and then they try to justify it on blogs and message boards and rnd up make themselves look stupid all over again. Face it Inga, Trump is not going to take it. He's going to expose you for who you are each and every time. Put a bandage on it, come back tomorrow and take another bloody nose.; 10/19/17, 5:53 PM
n.n said...: Had I been killed on active duty, I probably wouldn't give a shit.

You wouldn't, but if you had survived, and close relations?

A cause of PTSD is a progressive (festering) belief that your sacrifice was meaningless, or, worse, that it was contrary to your beliefs.; 10/19/17, 5:54 PM
Ken B said...: Earnest Prole
You attribute a quote to Trump that he almost certainly did not say. That is the misrepresentation of the congresswoman. We have strong evidence from Kelly that he said something else. There is no good basis for believing those were his words. Are you honest enough to admit your use of quotation marks is at the least unjustified?; 10/19/17, 5:54 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: Unknown said...
It is indeed sad that such a dignified decent patriotic American such as General Kelly, had to once again bail out Trump from another shit storm he created.

Trump is a disgrace, in part because he just can't let stuff go. There was no need to attack his predecessors on how they handled military deaths. It was just insanely self-destructive, because now his own behavior will be subject to increased scrutiny and he doesn't do empathy well. He deserves everything he gets. He really is a moron.; 10/19/17, 5:54 PM
Drago said...: Unknown: "It is indeed sad that such a dignified decent patriotic American such as General Kelly, had to once again bail out Trump from another shit storm he created."

It is indeed sad that such a dignified decent patriotic American (that the dems would call "Hitler" and a deplorable) had to step in to correct the lies of the socialists who support cop killers.; 10/19/17, 5:55 PM
Ann Althouse said...: This should not be used politically.; 10/19/17, 5:55 PM
Amadeus 48 said...: Gen. Kelly's observations about why it would probably not be a good idea idea for Trump to make these calls were extremely insightful and based on his own experience. Short version: calls like this are extremely difficult for everyone, including the caller. They don't turn out well. They don't mean as much as calls from the dead soldier's comrades. Nothing can make the next of kin feel better in that moment. A letter is a better way for the president to extend condolences.

Kelly saluted the president's bravery in going forward with the calls. He has contempt for Rep. Wilson's empty attempts to score points by characterizing what was said and how it was received.

This is a sad but instructive incident.; 10/19/17, 5:56 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “He deserves everything he gets. He really is a moron.”

To quote Tillerson, a “fucking moron”.; 10/19/17, 5:57 PM
Drago said...: ARM: "Trump is a disgrace, in part because he just can't let stuff go."

And that right there is the entire story.

The. Entire. Story.

Trump fights back, often using the same tactics as the left, unlike the standard issue republicans who give up and beg for mercy.

Sorry ARM, your congressgal lied, again. Won't be the last time. And the jig is completely, utterly "up" when it comes to the people being aware of the dem/lefty/LLR/msm bedfellows.

Your side is going to have to adjust to the new realities. Fortunately for us, you show zero aptitude for doing just that.

Get used to more of this. We "irredeemable deplorables" are no longer willing to sit there patiently as you and your hollywood pedophiles and media sycophants lecture us.; 10/19/17, 5:58 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “Gen. Kelly's observations about why it would probably not be a good idea idea for Trump to make these calls were extremely insightful and based on his own experience.”

Precisely. He also knew Trump would probably make a mess out of such calls.; 10/19/17, 6:00 PM
Rockport Conservative said...: Well, that is certainly a lot of comments for something Althouse thought shouldn't be blogged!

My view, what he said was perfectly logical, he had no personal knowledge of the dead, so he gave the platitudes we all exude at times.
The Democratic rep took it out of context to make it look cold, obviously she left out a little. However, she was not eavesdropping the car phone was on speaker phone.

Politics should be left out. This was a horrible week for this topic. Fighting over the body of a dead military is just wrong.; 10/19/17, 6:02 PM
Birches said...: I too do not want to talk about the contention that surrounds this episode, but I think Gen Kelly's narration of what happens when a soldier is killed in action is vitally important.

No one in my family has ever served in the US military, until a few years ago. My half brother is now deployed. I learned a lot.; 10/19/17, 6:04 PM
Jaq said...: I love that he fights, even if it leaves openings for attack by a partisan and invidious press.; 10/19/17, 6:05 PM
Amadeus 48 said...: Unknown--Lincoln, FDR, Eisenhower, and Obama would have made a mess of such calls. A letter is better.; 10/19/17, 6:06 PM
Jaq said...: This Congressperson made the death of this young man into a partisan football. Democrats are like ex-wives, any weapon at hand because their hatred burns.; 10/19/17, 6:09 PM
stevew said...: If Rep Wilson had an issue with Trump's delivered message on the call then the only appropriate action would be to call him directly and explain why it didn't go well. That would be the honest and honorable thing to do.

-sw; 10/19/17, 6:11 PM
Gahrie said...: Trump is a disgrace, in part because he just can't let stuff go.

You're just mad because Trump refuses to be a complaisant punching bag like other Republicans and he fights back.

What you guys in the media and the rest of the Left haven't quite figured out yet is that is why we like him.; 10/19/17, 6:13 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: The President made this incident 10 times worse by not just being the better person and saying he’s sorry that his words were misunderstood. Is he truly totally incapable of putting his own feelings second, even when dealing with a grieving family who may have misunderstood his meaning?; 10/19/17, 6:13 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10/19/17, 6:16 PM
n.n said...: This should not be used politically.

It, not limited to war, and casualties, is a staple of the political and social status quo. It's the bread and butter of journolism. So, people have learned to respond in kind, or, at minimum, to expose the bigotry (i.e. sanctimonious hypocrisy), which often, but not always, has a partisan distribution.; 10/19/17, 6:17 PM
Drago said...: Unknown: "The President made this incident 10 times worse by not just being the better person and saying he’s sorry that his words were misunderstood."

LOL

You know precisely where you and ARM can put that one.

His words were not misunderstood. As General Kelly explained, patiently, to you morons.

His words were twisted, by political hacks, who hate it when the other side doesn't just sit quietly and take it.

Those days are over.

I suggest you spend your time more productively by donating to the Harvey Weinstein and Hollywood Pedophiles Defense fund.

A food package for Venezuelans might be called for as well.; 10/19/17, 6:18 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: Ann Althouse said...
This should not be used politically.

Trump chose to politicize these deaths, just as the people who politicized the deaths in Benghazi decided to use the tragic deaths of US citizens for narrow partisan purposes.

It is wrong and it is a line that should not be crossed.; 10/19/17, 6:18 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “A letter is better.”

In the case of Trump, yes indeed. I doubt he would've written it himself. Lincoln was known to have written very eloquent letters to the families of the war dead.; 10/19/17, 6:18 PM
Amadeus 48 said...: I think Trump was dealing with the congresswoman, who is going for the Mad Maxine Waters slot when Maxine flips her wig for the last time. The congresswoman dragged the family into it.; 10/19/17, 6:20 PM
Drago said...: ARM "Trump chose to politicize these deaths..."

Just another lie in an endless list of them.

The military members and their families will continue to support and vote for Trump with a large majority, because they know that the ARM's and Inga's of the world despise them and will always seek to exploit their deaths and suffering.

So go ahead, keep it up. It only solidifies the military vote for Trump further.; 10/19/17, 6:20 PM
The Bergall said...: Ann, you lost me. It was a class act on his behalf.; 10/19/17, 6:21 PM
Francisco D said...: We all know that Inga is a malevolent fool. As a fool, she doesn't get it and never will.

Chuck is just an arrogant asshole who doesn't realize that he is the modern Sgt. Schultz.

Let's just ignore them. They have nothing to contribute.; 10/19/17, 6:21 PM
n.n said...: The real question is what will they do to address the anthropogenic causes of immigration reform (e.g. refugee crises) and Obama's "trail of tears".

Is redistributive change (e.g. population) a viable choice to conduct a "clean" war?

Perhaps with a sympathetic press and other magnified voices to back it.; 10/19/17, 6:22 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: Gahrie said...
You're just mad because Trump refuses to be a complaisant punching bag

I am not the slightest bit mad. I have exactly zero emotional investment in Trump, for obvious reasons, it is all about Trump and only ever about Trump. He is a functional sociopath. But, just as I am not angry with Trump, I feel no sympathy for him either, he truly is a fucking moron. He is completely unsuited to the position he now holds.; 10/19/17, 6:22 PM
Gahrie said...: just as the people who politicized the deaths in Benghazi decided to use the tragic deaths of US citizens for narrow partisan purposes.

It is wrong and it is a line that should not be crossed.

But standing over the bodies and lying to the families about the deaths in Benghazi is perfectly fine and dandy...right?; 10/19/17, 6:22 PM
Jaq said...: Trump chose to politicize these deaths

So Trump took this conversation to the press? Who lied to the family about Beghazi, was that Republicans? I just would like to understand.; 10/19/17, 6:23 PM
Gahrie said...: He is completely unsuited to the position he now holds.

By any objective standard, Trump has been a better president in 10 months than Obama was in eight years.; 10/19/17, 6:23 PM
Ann Althouse said...: “Ann, you lost me. It was a class act on his behalf.”

I’m not criticizing Kelly.

He was great, saying something that should not have been made necessary to say.

I would stop now and niot give any more air to a political parry that should never have happened.; 10/19/17, 6:25 PM
Jaq said...: Not to mention throwing a filmmaker in jail on the flimsiest pretext, that was A -OK with ARM too.; 10/19/17, 6:25 PM
Daniel Jackson said...: Bravo!; 10/19/17, 6:25 PM
n.n said...: It was a class act on his behalf.

It was an action pursued in good faith that would have remained a private matter if not for the Choice of a hostile congresswoman and press.; 10/19/17, 6:25 PM
Drago said...: ARM: "He is a functional sociopath"

LOL

The entire left is comprised of sociopaths.

And everyone who isn't one of them recognizes that. It's unlikely you'll be able to Jedi-mind-trick them into believing another lefty lie.; 10/19/17, 6:26 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: The family may have spoken out even without the Congresswoman. Then people here would be demonizing them.; 10/19/17, 6:27 PM
Jaq said...: I think it was the thrust that shouldn't have happened. Zero journalists are going to carry Trump's water, which is fine, I don't get why they all want to be waterboys for team D, though.; 10/19/17, 6:28 PM
buwaya said...: There is no way to leave anything alone.

Not anymore, as there is no normality, there is no civil society left. Even a claim or wish for such a thing is itself a partisan attack as these are never made with sincerity.

There is no good faith between the contesting sides, and this is not a question of the politicians, but of the people.

Nothing is innocent, run of the mill, routine, or pro forma.
Everything has to be done with, at least, concealed blades, acid and poison.; 10/19/17, 6:28 PM
Drago said...: Gahrie: "
But standing over the bodies and lying to the families about the deaths in Benghazi is perfectly fine and dandy...right?"

Hillary lied right to the faces of those family members.

Right to their faces.

And ARM and Inga LOVED her for it.

And now the same lefty psycopaths seek to lecture us while we quietly sit back and say nothing. Those days are long over.; 10/19/17, 6:28 PM
Anonymous said...: Ann, I think Kelly's performance pretty much deflated the whole story so we should see no more about it except for the true die hards. I am glad you posted the video or most likely I would not have seen it.; 10/19/17, 6:30 PM
Drago said...: Unknown: "The family may have spoken out even without the Congresswoman. Then people here would be demonizing them."

Ah yes, the inevitable switcheroo!

If the facts don't advance the moronic lefty narrative, make up new narratives and use those!

"may have" "would be"

That's all you've got.

Why didn't you throw Putin in just for good measure?; 10/19/17, 6:30 PM
n.n said...: a political parry that should never have happened

Ideally, but we know that silence is tantamount to admission, and will be used at an opportune moment for leverage. It will anyway, again, and again, and again. Typically through a formulation of close association, which after thorough regurgitation by magnified voices, will be defended and acquitted on the basis of reasonable ignorance.; 10/19/17, 6:31 PM
Cassandra said...: Yes, this should not be used politically. But it is, and has been, for over 10 years now.

Dover was politicized. The press just couldn't stand not shoving their cameras into what should have been a private moment. And once they gained the 'privilege', they quickly lost interest.

Kelly is a stand up guy. He's informing the public - a public who have been misled and misinformed repeatedly by the press - on an issue that is actually important to a lot of people. That's a good thing, I think.

And I love the Joe Dunford story, because had I been unlucky enough to lose my husband in Iraq or Afghanistan, those words are just about the only thing that would have brought me comfort and pride.; 10/19/17, 6:32 PM
Jaq said...: Hillary claims she was shocked by HW, when her good friend from Little Rock said she had warned "Top Dems" all the while Hillary is bemoaning the enablers of sexual assault. That is some sociopathic stuff right there. What has Trump done to be labeled a sociopath?; 10/19/17, 6:32 PM
Drago said...: Khesanh 0802: "Ann, I think Kelly's performance pretty much deflated the whole story so we should see no more about it except for the true die hards."

These lefty "die hards" despise everything the military stands for, and we know it. As we've always known it.; 10/19/17, 6:32 PM
n.n said...: Even a claim or wish for such a thing is itself a partisan attack as these are never made with sincerity.

I believe there is a tag for that: civility bullshit.; 10/19/17, 6:33 PM
Gahrie said...: I would stop now and niot give any more air to a political parry that should never have happened.

What should have never have happened? The attack on Trump by the Congresswoman or Trump defending himself?; 10/19/17, 6:34 PM
Drago said...: I can't wait for "LLR and Internet Medical Doctor" Chuck to take time out from defending Stolen Valor dems to jump on the Dem-Lie-Train and revisit bone-spurs.; 10/19/17, 6:34 PM
Anonymous said...: I love Unknown's hypothetical at 1827. Talk about blind hate.; 10/19/17, 6:34 PM
Drago said...: Tim in Vermont: "What has Trump done to be labeled a sociopath?"

He fights back.

Successfully.; 10/19/17, 6:35 PM
Godot said...: Every day I inch closer to voting for Trump in 2020; 10/19/17, 6:35 PM
Ken B said...: What should not be used politically? That the soldier died, or that Trump called? Agreed. That the call was basically lied about, and hyped by a partisan press? THAT seems to fair game. After all, part of “this shouldn’t be used politically “ is that you shouldn’t be able to use it and do so dishonestly and get away with it.; 10/19/17, 6:38 PM
n.n said...: These lefty "die hards" despise everything the military stands for

No, they don't. In fact, they are enthusiastic supporters and defenders of waging wars of their choice, wielding the military, the sword, the scalpel, to promote their interests, and their ideals.; 10/19/17, 6:38 PM
John Carlson said...: A man who works for Trump complains that women are no longer regarded as sacred. A man who works for Trump says Gold Star families should not be dragged into political fights and certainly not criticized. A man who works for Trump laments the loss of respect for soldiers, including no doubt soldiers who were POWs.; 10/19/17, 6:38 PM
Josephbleau said...: Thank you Prof emerita Althouse for sharing this with me. As Deke Slayton said "I think it is important to reafirm the everyday things we take for granted."; 10/19/17, 6:39 PM
buwaya said...: You are in a state of, as I think Althouse once put it, of insect politics. Both sides, both populations, see the other only as an alien threat, to be destroyed before they destroy.

Trump shys away from this understanding, though he has an inkling, Kelly is still in a fantasy of order and culture while it is all collapsing. Their opponents however understand it perfectly, that it is not merely a zero-sum game, but that it is all or nothing.; 10/19/17, 6:43 PM
Gahrie said...: A man who works for Trump complains that women are no longer regarded as sacred

I believe women have spent the last sixty years insisting that they no longer wish to be regarded as sacred.; 10/19/17, 6:43 PM
Drago said...: n.n.: "No, they don't. In fact, they are enthusiastic supporters and defenders of waging wars of their choice, wielding the military, the sword, the scalpel, to promote their interests, and their ideals"

Yes, they are enthusiastic supporters and defenders of using those troops for their own purposes, but that in no way negates how much they still despise those same troops.; 10/19/17, 6:43 PM
Birches said...: I think everyone should take a moment and reflect upon how they reacted to Khizr Khan and compare it to their reaction to General Kelly's comments.

Examine the inconsistencies and then repent.; 10/19/17, 6:47 PM
n.n said...: that in no way negates how much they still despise those same troops.

They like the military, but not the soldiers.

Hmm. If only they could change their "color" to conform.; 10/19/17, 6:50 PM
Unknown said...: So ARM says "Trump should never, ever have said anything! He should have just let a Democrat Congresscritter lie and smear him without any defense at all! Republicans should never, ever ever defend themselves, no matter what vile and evil bile Democrats spit at them"

Let's suppose Trump goes to Mass, and then a Democrat congress critter claims that Trump was spitting on the Priest and the Eucharist as it was passed around. And Trump says, "No I did not--that's a blatant lie!" And the Priest who was there comes out to explain how the Democrat lied.

ARM would be blaming Trump for defending himself, and for dragging the Priest into it. How dare Trump divulge the sanctity of the ceremony by defending himself from vicious lies from Democrats!

For ARM, a lie by a Democrat is always something to celebrate, isn't it?

--Vance; 10/19/17, 6:51 PM
wbfjrr2 said...: Chuck Hagel is the epitome of a sellout GOPe slug. He's one of the dumbest Senators ever--which is truly impressive when you think about it.

By the way, proper etiquette by classy people is to alert the caller that you are on speaker and identify those listening in on the call.

But black professional victim-mongers like this idiotic, grandstanding, vile, soulless congress person have no class. Ever.

This was s set up.; 10/19/17, 6:51 PM
Drago said...: n.n.: "They like the military, but not the soldiers."

Nope.

They like the military "capabilities" and like using those, but they despise the military members.

There is a difference.; 10/19/17, 6:52 PM
Jaq said...: .
A man who works for Trump complains that women are no longer regarded as sacred

Yes, we have all seen the tremendous respect Democrats have shown women.; 10/19/17, 6:52 PM
Lydia said...: Classic 24-hour turnaround:

Trump yesterday: "I didn't say what that congresswoman said, didn't say it at all," Trump told reporters at the White House before a bipartisan meeting with senators about tax reform.

Kelly today: "In his way, he tried to express his opinion," Kelly said of Trump's phone call to the widow of a Green Beret killed in action in Niger.

"[Green Beret La David Johnson] was a brave man, a fallen hero. He knew what he was getting himself into when he enlisted. He was exactly where he wanted to be with exactly the people he wanted to be with," Kelly said, characterizing Trump's message.; 10/19/17, 6:54 PM
Michael K said...: "Chuck Hagel is the epitome of a sellout GOPe slug. He's one of the dumbest Senators ever--which is truly impressive when you think about it."

Has anyone watched a video of Hagel's confirmation hearings ?

If you want an idea of how smart he is, look at it.; 10/19/17, 6:55 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “They like the military "capabilities" and like using those, but they despise the military members.”

Complete and utter bullshit. Are you truly so ignorant to think that no liberals serve their country or have family members serving? You are unspeakably stupid.; 10/19/17, 6:55 PM
n.n said...: buwaya:

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn ...

This insight in to the American character is not limited to "government". I blame Christianity for proposing and nurturing an unrealistic optimism.; 10/19/17, 6:56 PM
robother said...: Forget it Jake, its Miami-Dade.; 10/19/17, 6:56 PM
Michael K said...: " Kelly is still in a fantasy of order and culture while it is all collapsing. "

I think Kelly got a education this week. There is no understanding combat until you are in it and he was in Washington style combat this week.

I suspect he got an education about what Trump has to put up with.; 10/19/17, 6:57 PM
Quaestor said...: He was great, saying something that should not have been made necessary to say.

Unfortunately, a woman who owns 200 sequined cowboy hats who also sits in Congress will inevitably make such speeches necessary.; 10/19/17, 6:58 PM
n.n said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10/19/17, 7:00 PM
n.n said...: Drago:

My point is that the military and soldiers are increasingly separable, and, more so, that each side prefers to have people sympathetic to their interests wielding the guns. The left loves the military, and its capabilities, and has made progress to replace soldiers, especially in command positions.; 10/19/17, 7:03 PM
Snark said...: Watching that was a strange experience. It started out feeling moving and important and deeply credible - and then he just ended up making me roll my eyes by the end. So, an interesting and mixed experience. I understand and accept the concept of sacredness in this context - it's true and important. But there is a line where sacredness become #sacredness bullshit in the vein of #civility bullshit. Kelly coached a shallow and sociopathic president to communicate a layered and emotionally complex message to a grieving widow. What could possibly go wrong. He fucked it up and made the family feel worse and made the soldier's wife cry. That is relevant to who he is, and who he is is relevant to everybody who can be impacted by him and his actions. In other words, it's relevant to just about everybody on the planet. It was newsworthy, and it therefore made news.; 10/19/17, 7:06 PM
Rusty said...: Blogger AReasonableMan said...
Gahrie said...
You're just mad because Trump refuses to be a complaisant punching bag

"I am not the slightest bit mad. I have exactly zero emotional investment in Trump,"

" for obvious reasons, it is all about Trump and only ever about Trump. He is a functional sociopath. But, just as I am not angry with Trump, I feel no sympathy for him either, he truly is a fucking moron. He is completely unsuited to the position he now holds."

Thereby making your first statement a lie.; 10/19/17, 7:06 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: Lydia said...
Classic 24-hour turnaround:

Kelly won't lie for Trump, he just wants to fix a situation that should never have happened, starting with Trump dragging Kelly into this mess earlier in order to defend his short-sighted attacks on his predecessors.

Frum had it exactly right, the last thing anyone who has just lost a son or daughter needs is a sympathy call from a sociopath. The white house should make sure it doesn't happen again.; 10/19/17, 7:06 PM
Michael K said...: No, they don't. In fact, they are enthusiastic supporters and defenders of waging wars of their choice, wielding the military, the sword, the scalpel, to promote their interests, and their ideals.

Madeline Halfbright was quoted as saying "What is the use of having this military if we can't use it for our purposes."

"Foreign Affairs" had a cover story about that time titled, "Foreign Policy as Social Work." That is not a conservative magazine.

Clinton repurposed the Special Forces mission in Somalia from food air to arresting war lords and got the men killed. There were no US tanks when they needed to rescue the downed helicopter crews because Les Aspin, Sec Def under Clinton, would not authorize their presence because they were "provocative."

We had to borrow Pakistani tanks to run the rescue protection.

It's all in the book, "Blackhawk Down."

I'm sure Inga never read it.; 10/19/17, 7:08 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: Rusty said...
Thereby making your first statement a lie.

I think it is self-evident that Trump is a sociopath, it is certainly a widely held view, on both sides of the aisle. If you can't see that I would guess it is because you overly invested emotionally.; 10/19/17, 7:08 PM
Michael K said...: "Food Aid..."; 10/19/17, 7:09 PM
Matt Sablan said...: Don't worry. Like Cindy Sheehan and others, the media will cease exploiting the war dead when a Democrat is back in office.; 10/19/17, 7:09 PM
Michael K said...: ARM practicing psychiatry again.

Did you learn anything from your psychiatrist ?; 10/19/17, 7:09 PM
Jaq said...: I think it is self-evident that Trump is a sociopath

There's a dodge, what a surprise that je chooses deflection.; 10/19/17, 7:11 PM
StarBanker said...: So you have nothing to say except it shouldn't get air? Well, you lost me there. No sense wasting my time at Althouse.; 10/19/17, 7:11 PM
Matt Sablan said...: If the media spent as much time grilling people about covered up Russian corruption, maybe the bribes we learned about this week would be come out years ago. But, no. More newsworthy is the president used the same statements that have been used for centuries and it is now bad.; 10/19/17, 7:13 PM
Michael K said...: Democrats once participated in the military just as they once had a number of different points of view about a lot of things.

I became convinced of the evil nature of the modern Democrat when they abandoned South Vietnam.

No US soldiers or Marines were there.

All we had promised was aid to buy ammunition.

They ran out on an obligation and I have not trusted a Democrat since.

Look at the vote on Iraq. Cut and run after the vote.; 10/19/17, 7:14 PM
Jaq said...: "Sociopath" is in their talking points roday, who dragged this public for political gain, there's your sociopath. That would be the Congresswoman looking for a way to bash Trump, no matter the emotional cost.; 10/19/17, 7:15 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “Frum had it exactly right, the last thing anyone who has just lost a son or daughter needs is a sympathy call from a sociopath. The white house should make sure it doesn't happen again.”

Exactly. Trump should not be allowed to make anymore “condolence” calls. Have his staff write a letter for him.; 10/19/17, 7:15 PM
Ann Althouse said...: “Ann, I think Kelly's performance pretty much deflated the whole story so we should see no more about it except for the true die hards. ....”

I hope so. The honor owed to those who died should stop anyone who thinks there’s a political point to be made... on any side.; 10/19/17, 7:16 PM
Snark said...: I think people need to stop seeing "sociopath" as partisan political name calling and see it as an accessible, knowable thing with profoundly important implications that are both predictable and predicted. It's as serious as a heart attack.; 10/19/17, 7:18 PM
Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...: Hillary is some sort of a sociopath. The left stole it from her and applied it to Trump. Doesn't work.; 10/19/17, 7:21 PM
readering said...: Wilson: "Basically, he (Trump) said, 'Well, I guess he knew what he signed up for. But I guess it still hurt.' That's what he said."

Trump: "Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad!"

Kelly: "In his way he (Trump) tried to express that opinion -- that (Johnson) is a brave man, a fallen hero. He knew what he was getting himself into because he enlisted. There's no reason to enlist, he enlisted. And he was where he wanted to be with exactly the people he wanted to be with when his life was taken. That was the message. That was the message that was transmitted."; 10/19/17, 7:22 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: Ann Althouse said...
I hope so. The honor owed to those who died should stop anyone who thinks there’s a political point to be made... on any side.

Just as in Benghazi? No partisanship over the deaths of those poor souls who died serving the US?; 10/19/17, 7:23 PM
Drago said...: ARM: "I think it is self-evident that Trump is a sociopath"

Actually, the only things that are "self-evident" are the truths: "that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" as well as the entire political left is comprised of sociopaths.; 10/19/17, 7:24 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “Trump: "Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad!"”

Yes, once again Trump is proven to be a liar.; 10/19/17, 7:25 PM
Drago said...: ARM: "Just as in Benghazi? No partisanship over the deaths of those poor souls who died serving the US?"

You'll have to ask the film maker that the dems blamed for that.

And Hillary made that "mistake" when she wasn't even under sniper fire!

BTW, quick rule of thumb: when under sniper fire do not wear your pumps and rush down any stairs quickly. That can lead to all sorts of accidents. Like dehydration. Or a flu. Or something.; 10/19/17, 7:26 PM
Drago said...: Unknown: "Yes, once again Trump is proven to be a liar."

Russian dossier fan says what?; 10/19/17, 7:26 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “Just as in Benghazi? No partisanship over the deaths of those poor souls who died serving the US?”

It’s different when they do it.; 10/19/17, 7:27 PM
Jaq said...: ARM is weapons-grade obtuse.; 10/19/17, 7:28 PM
Snark said...: It honours no one in the military, living or dead, to not take every opportunity to comprehend and communicate exactly who the man is that in many way holds the fates of servicemen and servicewomen in his stubby little hands. It's both political and beyond politics.; 10/19/17, 7:28 PM
Drago said...: Whom to believe, whom to believe? General Kelly, or the lunatic lefties who would have us believe there are about eleventy-billion genders.

It's a tough call.

Tough I tellya.

But, on balance, I'll have to go with Kelly.

Thankfully, this isn't the dem congress-critter who thinks Guam will capsize due to the increasing numbers of "irredeemable" and "deplorable" military members.

A real MENSA meeting breaking out over there on the dem side.

Can a Nobel prize be far behind?; 10/19/17, 7:28 PM
Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...: General Martin Dempsey said ...
POTUS 43 & 44 and first ladies cared deeply, worked tirelessly for the serving, the fallen, and their families. Not politics. Sacred Trust.

Ask yourself, why did he feel it was necessary to say this?; 10/19/17, 7:29 PM
Jaq said...: It’s different when they do it.

Did Hillary lie or not?; 10/19/17, 7:29 PM
Drago said...: tim in vermont: "ARM is weapons-grade obtuse."

Actually, he's not.

That's what makes it worse.

Unknown-Inga is a easily led, voice-actuated buffoon. ARM knows better. But "narratives gotta be narrative-d".; 10/19/17, 7:30 PM
Unknown said...: UnknownInga Let me remind you that your last three candidates for the presidency have all bashed the military. John Kerry called them all rapists and murderers remember Genghis Khan? Obama pardoned Bowe Bergdowe calling him a hero this was a man who is a traitor. And Hillary lied to the soldiers families right over their caskets. And who can forget Democrats spitting on Vietnam veterans or the cheering from the left as military people were killed in Iraq? Ask Markos Moulitanous about his wild ccelebrations when US people were hung on a bridge. Not a single Democrat criticized him did they? And the other celebrated soldiers the left loves are Nidal Hansen and Bradley Manning— traitors both. And it’s always a truism that the left is trying to ban military recruiters. And they love the military you say? Please. If this is leftist love I shudder to think how you would treat them if you hated them. Oh wait I do. Obama’s good friend Bill Ayers tried to up a Bunch of soldiers. The left never has condemned that but Bill Ayers sure is defended and remains a proud leftist to this day.

So don’t even try to claim the left loves the military. Heck just today we read About militant leftists trying to destroy a memorial to WWI US troops. Crickets from you about that! Leftists love the military? It’s a flat out lie and you know it. You would have more luck claiming the earth is flat.
-Vance; 10/19/17, 7:31 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “Kelly: "In his way he (Trump) tried to express that opinion -- that (Johnson) is a brave man, a fallen hero. He knew what he was getting himself into because he enlisted. There's no reason to enlist, he enlisted. And he was where he wanted to be with exactly the people he wanted to be with when his life was taken. That was the message. That was the message that was transmitted."”

Too bad Kelly let the cat out of the bag, that Trump actually did say what the Congresswoman said he said. Kelly tried to make excuses for Trump’s oafishness. Poor General Kelly.; 10/19/17, 7:32 PM
Matt Sablan said...: Wait. Is someone really saying the left didn't politicize the deaths at Benghazi first by lying about them? There'd have been no investigation without the lies. If Hillary Clinton had been as honest with Americans as she was with her daughter using a pseudonym on her secret server, she'd never have had to deal with the fallout of the catastrophe that was Benghazi.; 10/19/17, 7:34 PM
Drago said...: ARM: "Ask yourself, why did he feel it was necessary to say this? "

Because Dempsey accepted the Chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under obama at the low, low price of looking the other way as obamas political appointees set about to do to the Pentagon what the lefties always wanted to do.

Once bought and paid for, Dempsey has no choice but to stay "bought".

A very straightforward Faustian Bargain.; 10/19/17, 7:35 PM
Jaq said...: "Actually, he's not."

No, he is. Obtuse is his only move.; 10/19/17, 7:35 PM
Jaq said...: Trump is sort of oafish, that's a long ways from sociopathic.; 10/19/17, 7:36 PM
Jaq said...: Gets things done, though.; 10/19/17, 7:37 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “General Martin Dempsey said ...
POTUS 43 & 44 and first ladies cared deeply, worked tirelessly for the serving, the fallen, and their families. Not politics. Sacred Trust.

Ask yourself, why did he feel it was necessary to say this?”

Yet we have fools on the Right who say the Left hates the military.; 10/19/17, 7:37 PM
Rabel said...: "Ask yourself, why did he feel it was necessary to say this?”

Please. tell us.; 10/19/17, 7:40 PM
Drago said...: The lefties have already overshot this latest pathetic attempt to twist reality.

We are seeing alot of that lately and more is highly likely to come.

There is a reason the dems are at their lowest electoral ebb in about 80 years. Their schtick is tired and worn out and no one is fooled anymore.

Letting men into little girls bathrooms, pretending you can change your biology just by wishing it were so, defending the selling of baby body parts, excusing Female Genital Mutiliation, etc. It's all out there. All topped off by the lefts embrace of the most powerful pimping and pedophile service in the history of the nation.

Not to mention the dems now-exposed Russia collusion lies meant to mask an actual, no-kidding, massive corruption operation which resulted in payoffs above $145 Million to the Clintons.

Yes indeed, if the dems aren't careful, they will end up nominating another McGovern who, will obviously not lose as badly as the first simply because of about 20 million additional 3rd world socialist mentalities in the voting booths, but nonetheless, will not be successful.; 10/19/17, 7:41 PM
Snark said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10/19/17, 7:42 PM
Snark said...: There's eleventy billion references out there to Trump's personality structure, but one recently caught my ear that I found interesting because I've read this guy before. He's done useful and novel work on addiction. He has a segment on the linked podcast in this larger piece that starts at about 23:40. Dr. Lance Dodes on Trump's sociopathy/malignant narcissism:

https://www.salon.com/2017/10/14/is-donald-trump-a-sociopath-a-psychiatrist-speaks-out/; 10/19/17, 7:42 PM
Drago said...: Unknown: "Yet we have fools on the Right who say the Left hates the military."

Lefties take time out from 50 years of spitting on the troops to complain that after decades of despising the troops and calling them baby killers and "genghis khan", the troops....noticed.

Just like the middle-and lower class voters in the mid-west who used to reliably dem.

All those deplorables made a mental note that the dems hate them and literally write articles calling for their deaths.

Yet those deplorables....persisted.; 10/19/17, 7:43 PM
buwaya said...: Everyone has knives out.
Metaphorically, but I wonder what would happen if you were all together IRL?
What you all need is an actual, real Thunderdome to release all this suppressed rage. Catharsis.; 10/19/17, 7:43 PM
Drago said...: Snark: ........

You mean this guy who you found interesting?

You've read him before?

He's done useful work?

He's been on a podcast?

Well, say no more! Let's all just genuflect immediately. Why, I'll bet he even has a newsletter!

Of course, he's no Charlie Sykes. Obviously.; 10/19/17, 7:45 PM
Jaq said...: Yeah, you have to jand it to them that they've got us talking about this instead of the stifled bribery probe of the Russians, the $145,000,000 they gave to Clinton, and her illegal destruction of records of meetings and emails during that time. Better to talk about clumsy Trump.; 10/19/17, 7:46 PM
Matt Sablan said...: "He felt it was his obligation -– part of what those broader shoulders are for. He did his duty to his country and deployed to Iraq..." -- Who spoke such unfeeling, sociopathic words?; 10/19/17, 7:47 PM
Jaq said...: Salon, well there's an honest broker!; 10/19/17, 7:48 PM
Drago said...: buwaya: "What you all need is an actual, real Thunderdome to release all this suppressed rage"

Hardly rage. Just as with most veterans and active military, simply not going to sit by silently and put up with the lefts lies. Too many decades of the lefties pulling this stuff.

They aren't fooling anyone anymore. And thats whats led to the insanity of the left where they are now screaming "Dialogue is violence".; 10/19/17, 7:48 PM
Matt Sablan said...: "A man of service who persevered, knowing full well he would not receive all those things he was promised, because he believed his efforts would deliver a better life for those who followed." -- Truly, claiming someone believed in something that would lead him to do something that may harm or even kill him is the height of sociopathy. Who would speak such flawed words?; 10/19/17, 7:51 PM
Jaq said...: Any psychiatrist who diagnoses a person that they have never met, in a public forum, while referencing their license, should have their license pulled.; 10/19/17, 7:52 PM
Drago said...: The lefties who called Reagan "Dunce Hitler", then called HWBush "Family actually funded Hitler-Hitler", then called W "Chimpanzee Hitler", then called McCain "Angry Hitler", then called Romney "theocrat Hitler", who say all opposing views are "hate speech" and white supremacy, would like to take a moment to lecture us about how to take the high road.

Riiiiiiiight.; 10/19/17, 7:54 PM
Jaq said...: Once again I ask, if you guys hate Trump so much, why did you run a candidate justifiably detested by half of America?; 10/19/17, 7:55 PM