The answer is an unqualified yes. This is not about trusting soldiers: this is about the perceived threat from our men and women against the current administration. The government has labelled returning veterans as possible domestic terrorists (along with God-fearing patriotic Americans). It appears that this definition has just become more comprehensive and now includes our active military.
If this is not a fair assessment of the lack of respect that the military is shown by the "commander-in-chief" and his minions, the only other option is that the administration considers our military as a threat to their security.
For what it is worth, I give our military the respect and honor that they deserve for defending this country against enemies both foreign and domestic.
David DeGerolamo
In a sign of the nervousness surrounding the visit, Marines and other troops among the 200 people gathered in a tent at Camp Leatherneck to hear Mr. Panetta speak were abruptly asked by their commander to get up, place their weapons — M-16 and M-4 automatic rifles and 9-mm pistols — outside the tent and then return unarmed. The commander, Sgt. Maj. Brandon Hall, told reporters he was acting on orders from superiors.
“All I know is, I was told to get the weapons out,” he said. Asked why, he replied, “Somebody got itchy, that’s all I’ve got to say. Somebody got itchy; we just adjust.”
Normally, American forces in Afghanistan keep their weapons with them when the defense secretary visits and speaks to them. The Afghans in the tent were not armed to begin with, as is typical.
Later, American officials said that the top commander in Helmand, Maj. Gen. Mark Gurganus, had decided on Tuesday that no one would be armed while Mr. Panetta spoke to them, but the word did not reach those in charge in the tent until shortly before Mr. Panetta was due to arrive.
General Gurganus told reporters later that he wanted a consistent policy for everyone in the tent. “You’ve got one of the most important people in the world in the room,” he said. He insisted that his decision had nothing to do with the shooting on Sunday. “This is not a big deal,” he said.
Comment
Comment by David DeGerolamo on March 16, 2012 at 2:41pm Any additional comments not related to the original scope of the article will be deleted. I have deleted the last fifteen comments.
Comment by David DeGerolamo on March 16, 2012 at 12:46pm Any additional comments not related to the original scope of the article will be deleted. I have deleted the last two comments already.
Comment by Walter T Jennings Sr on March 16, 2012 at 12:11pm Again, what has made you so negative and aggressive?
Comment by Walter T Jennings Sr on March 16, 2012 at 12:08pm Scott,
What about the double standard applied concerning Rush/Moyer? Was she really testifying about hormonal care or the cost of her contraceptives? She bemoaned she can't afford it yet she goes on vacation to Europe. You don't see anything wrong here? Take your blinders off.
You raised your hand in 1979. I have a few years on you.
Comment by Debrajoe Smith-Beatty on March 16, 2012 at 11:58am Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Scott have you seen and/or read this before.
Comment by Walter T Jennings Sr on March 16, 2012 at 11:32am Scott Roney,
I believe your pointing out your vision of the right also ,applies to the left. Look at the double standards just recently. Limbough (spelling) being crucified for aptly naming a poster child that can't keep her legs crossed and wants everybody to pay for her activities. Yet Moyer did the same to Palin and no out cry. I agree the extremes need to be neutralized and we meet and UNITE in the middle as in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Finger pointing and purposely stirring the pot seldom gets anything done. I am every bit the patriot you are and don't forget. ARMY stand for Ain't Ready to be a Marine Yet. Ask my brother. He is retired Army and nI have him convinced. We "discuss this annually at the family reunion around the beer keg with our nephew retired NAVY Never Again Volunteer Y. This all comes from Me USMC Uncle Sam's Misguided Children.....Lighten up!!!!
Comment by Debrajoe Smith-Beatty on March 16, 2012 at 11:31am Right on Ron.
Comment by Ronald Sorrells on March 16, 2012 at 11:28am Debrajoe:
He probably has not made it to AA...yet !
Got to surrender first...right ?
Ron
Comment by Debrajoe Smith-Beatty on March 16, 2012 at 11:21am Ron - Scott won't answer questions ask of him. He just types away without putting his brain in gear. Yesterday, he ignored Janet and myself. So I have decided that I not only want an answer, I DEMAND AN ANSWER. He has secrets. In AA they have a saying, You are only as sick as your secrets.
Just ask Scott.
Comment by Ronald Sorrells on March 16, 2012 at 11:12am Roney:
PATRIOT MY ASS !
I RAISED MY RIGHT HAND AND "TOOK THE PLEDGE 50 YEARS AGO...HOW ABOUT YOU BOOT" WHEN DID YOU PUT UP YOUR PAW" ??
Ron
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