Jackass, The Columnist
William Arkin of the Washington Post is tired of hearing American soldiers griping about support:
These soldiers should be grateful that the American public, which by all polls overwhelmingly disapproves of the Iraq war and the President’s handling of it, do still offer their support to them, and their respect.
Through every Abu Ghraib and Haditha, through every rape and murder, the American public has indulged those in uniform, accepting that the incidents were the product of bad apples or even of some administration or command order.
… So, we pay the soldiers a decent wage, take care of their families, provide them with housing and medical care and vast social support systems and ship obscene amenities into the war zone for them, we support them in every possible way, and their attitude is that we should in addition roll over and play dead, defer to the military and the generals and let them fight their war, and give up our rights and responsibilities to speak up because they are above society?
I can imagine some post-9/11 moment, when the American people say enough already with the wars against terrorism and those in the national security establishment feel these same frustrations. In my little parable, those in leadership positions shake their heads that the people don’t get it, that they don’t understand that the threat from terrorism, while difficult to defeat, demands commitment and sacrifice and is very real because it is so shadowy, that the very survival of the United States is at stake. Those Hoover’s and Nixon’s will use these kids in uniform as their soldiers. If I weren’t the United States, I’d say the story end with a military coup where those in the know, and those with fire in their bellies, save the nation from the people.
But it is the United States and instead this NBC report is just an ugly reminder of the price we pay for a mercenary - oops sorry, volunteer - force that thinks it is doing the dirty work.
I nominate Arkin for a combat embed. On the peacenik chickenhawk theory that, if you want to talk about something, you have to do it. He should be able to tell those GIs to their faces what ingrates they are.
Or, because he doesn’t have much time for American soldiers or much concern about terrorism, a walk down Haifa Street all by himself will do.
Blackfive: “A Hearty F*** You to William Arkin.”
Dan Riehl: “It’s Official, the Press has gone to War”
Captain’s Quarters: “Our Mercenaries?”
Can’t find anyone who agrees with Arkin. At Media Bistro, however, Patrick doesn’t know what to think and needs your help.
Topics: Uncategorized
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 11:18 pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
9 Responses to “Jackass, The Columnist”
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January 31st, 2007 at 11:45 pm
You know, I’m an NCO, and as such I’m supposed to be accomplished in the profane arts, but there isn’t a sting of ef you’s big enough for me to put together in Mr. Arkin’s honor.
February 1st, 2007 at 12:28 am
I too suggest an embed for this guy…with AQ though. Then we cut a PPV deal with’em on the beheading snuff vid and all get rich. He gets to spend the rest of his (short) life pondering how wrong he was.
February 1st, 2007 at 12:37 am
The brave men and women of our military, serve to protect the freedoms and people that populate our great nation. It is unfortunate that people like William Arkin are among those protected.
February 1st, 2007 at 1:21 am
It’s called “Cojones Envy.” (Multiple updates)
I guess when you don’t have what it takes to be a real man all that’s left is to try to drag down those who do. It’s beginning to smell way too much like the ’60s again.
February 1st, 2007 at 3:38 am
I’m with CavMed on this. I’m not called “Salty” for nothing, but that load of dreck left my mind sputtering.
February 1st, 2007 at 9:00 am
By the Beard of the Prophet!
Moqtada is very much liking this William Arkin! He is being most sensible and intelligent commentator in the very finest tradition of your American Lamestream Punditocracy!
What is United States needing these so-called “troops” for anyway? Only to oppress and illegally occupy downtrodden Third World nations without the permission of enlightened nations like Germany and Phrance!
FEH!!!!
February 1st, 2007 at 10:12 am
[...] Ingrate. And “ingrate” is an understatement. I have lots of other choice words for him (as do many others), but I think he’s been so thrashed already, that chicken-embed Arkin isn’t worth the effort. Loser. (Owned!) [...]
February 1st, 2007 at 12:08 pm
If there is cosmic justice, Mr. Arkin will find himself in a bar some evening when a cadre of Rangers walk in to have a beer. And they will recognize him.
February 1st, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Moqtada would buy certainly for this Mr. Arkin many brewskis!
He is thinking we have many things in common. The Arkin, he is not so good-looking, but as the old American saying goes, “all the girls get prettier at closing time”…