Why should Congress be muzzled from questioning a general ?

Question

Since when did Generals run this country?

Oh, for heavens sake. Look at all the posts saying "How dare Congress disrespect a general?"
It's their responsibility to cut the spin and get the truth.

Answer 1

Because America is fast becoming a totalitarian nation and Bush's new lap dog, General Petraus, might slip and actually tell congress the truth. Truth is no longer an option in government.

Answer 2

I don't think Congress should be muzzled at all. It is their responsibility to get the real deal in this matter as they are the ones in charge of authorizing the funding that fuels the entire operation. However, I did think there was some disrespect in the way they were confronting the general. With some of these politicians they were most likely all aboard the war in Iraq within the last year, and now they are taking the oppurtunity to make it look like they have the USA's best interests in mind.

Unfortunately we are in a situation where we, as the people of the USA, do not know who to trust. Who's cutting through the BS? Who has only their political careers in mind? Is it the general? Congress? Things right now are mired and we are being controlled by fear and seeds of distrust.

Answer 3

From my understanding, it wasn't a question and answer session, but a report. I believe that Congress has every right to ask questions, and I would be disappointed if they didn't. However, if the meeting was not set up to have a Q & A session, then there shouldn't be an impromtu one. Besides, Congress should take time to read the report, decided which questions they wanted to ask, and then have a meeting to clarify the points.

Answer 4

I believe they asked their questions or should I more accurately say that they used the opportunity to get on a soap box and take political jabs for their next campaign commercials. Generals should have more flexibility to tell the ignorant members of Congress that military operations arent about getting democrats elected to office, they are about protecting the country and its interests.

Answer 5

Since when did politicians know how to run the military? A general knows what he is talking about when it comes to the battlefield, not career polititions who have already made up their minds long before the general even speaks.
Yes, question to get information, don't shoot the messenger because you don't like the message!

Answer 6

They shouldn't be. They have every right to question him. However, moveon.org should be muzzled for running an ad, denouncing him, without giving him the opportunity that Congress gave to him.

That is pure bias and underhanded.

Answer 7

They are not. they SHOULD be asking questions!

But the insulting "speechifying" that took place made the politicians look like what they are - ignorant, rude blowhards more interested in scoring points than listening to the experts.

If they want to make fools of themselves in such a way, it's fine with me. but it does seem disrespectful, and a waste of time.

PS I hope people remember your phrase - since when did generals run this country - when they criticize war supporters who never served.

Answer 8

You liberals are NUTS! When was ANY member of CONgress muzzled during the questioning?

Why don't you liberals ever have to be honest? Why do you keep having to lie to try to prove your point?

Answer 9

we should muzzle congress from telling the general how to run the army.

Answer 10

Do they? The last general I remember running this country was President Eisenhower. If you have some other information please share it with us.