What I'm seeing from some posters on this board is that questioning General Patraeus is unpatriotic, but questioning Generals Clark, Batiste, Eaton, Odom, Zinni, Newbold, Trainor, etc... is not...
What's your take?
2007-12-02 05:48:58 · 17 answers · asked by Fretless 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Bubba... Much worse things than "betray us" have been said about the generals who have come out against the war and you well know it.
2007-12-02 05:55:44 · update #1
Nibbles... questioning a service record, huh? Yeah... we wouldn't want anyone to get "swift-boated" now would we?
2007-12-02 05:57:31 · update #2
Scuba... Whatever you're implying, I did serve. I did over 8 years and I don't need to prove anything to a foul mouthed chat-room troll.
2007-12-02 05:59:04 · update #3
Dark.... I've never read any criticism that was "for the purpose of encouraging the enemy". You listen to too much hate-radio.
2007-12-02 06:01:19 · update #4
It's very funny to see these "Questioning is one thing, but Patraeus was attacked" answers... EVERY one of these other generals were attacked in the press for saying what they believed about the war. Hello Mr. Pot.... Meet Mr Kettle...
2007-12-02 06:58:08 · update #5
Funny how the cons say things like Questioning his service record is for shame...
Aren't they the same ones who said it was OK to questioning Kerry's service record?....
2007-12-02 06:00:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
There is no reason why you shouldn't question a general, if their actions are questionable (which many are).
I don't agree this the General Patreaus "Betray Us" ads, but yes, it should be a right to question a general.
In fact, it could be argued that blindly following a general and taking all that they say at face value is unpatriotic, becuase if that general has made any errors in their judgement, or perhaps are corrupt, then you are willingly allowing them to do harm to society, or the military.
2007-12-02 14:00:01 · answer #2 · answered by ch_ris_l 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It is not unpatriotic to question a general especially when the general in question chose to politicize his position.
As for the "betray us" issue, that label pales in comparison to what the General's own commanding officer (William Fallon) said about him.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=39235
I am not anti-war, but I am opposed to this war and I do question the judgment (and honesty) of Bush and Co. I also have to question Petraeus when so many others disagree with him.
2007-12-02 14:18:30 · answer #3 · answered by Nancy G 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Fretless...there is a FINE line between questioning (which absolutely people should do) and slander!
Questioning his service record....well...there's that line again.
Every American has EVERY right to question their government. But they do not have the right to slander said government.
EDIT - Did I 'say' just General Petraeus? No...I didn't...I don't believe in questioning anybody's service record! Face it...war is hell...and those who serve during times of war deserve UTMOST respect!
2007-12-02 13:53:54 · answer #4 · answered by Nibbles 5 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Questioning the Surgeon General is not only unpatriotic, but potentially causes serious detriment to one's health
2007-12-02 13:55:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
well, who's the ultimate general? the Commander-in-Chief?
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
-Theodore Roosevelt
2007-12-02 14:00:51 · answer #6 · answered by Andrew 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
N O, it's when people start slandering the General
is when it becomes unpatriotic!!
2007-12-02 18:06:47 · answer #7 · answered by Vagabond5879 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No problem with questioning...
However, General Petraes was attacked BEFORE he gave his report and AFTER both sides approved him. How is that defensible?
2007-12-02 13:57:25 · answer #8 · answered by Erinyes 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Isn't questioning anything a right in the USA. You know it's called the " Freedom of Speech"
2007-12-02 13:55:22 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
No, but being slanderous to the active general who is leading our forces in Iraq is borderline traitorous
2007-12-02 13:53:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋