Military Responds To 7 Soldiers' Critical Op-Ed in 'NYT' On Iraq

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Military Responds To 7 Soldiers' Critical Op-Ed in 'NYT' On Iraq


By Joe Strupp

Published: August 21, 2007 11:05 AM ET

NEW YORK Military officials responded Tuesday to a unique New York Times Op-Ed column by seven U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq that had raised concerns about the operation there, saying they had the right to voice their opinions -- but urged readers to take other viewpoints into account.

"The individuals' perspectives expressed in the New York Times reflect their unique 'boots-on-ground' experience," the statement from the Multi-National Force Iraq press command in Baghdad, sent to E&P this morning, reads, in part. "While they are in their own right valued and important, each perspective is going to be different based on an individual's assignment. Ultimately, it is context in such a historic and monumental effort which remains paramount in conveying the significance of their contributions, service and sacrifice."

Military officials gave no indication in their statement that any disciplinary action would occur, and appeared to support the soldiers' right to express their views. "We offer soldiers a variety of means by which they can express their personal views, provided they don't compromise Operational Security or Army regulations," the statement declared. But it also pointed out that their perspective was only one viewpoint.

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The entire military statement is posted below:

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We are proud of the intelligence, determination and grit of our
soldiers, and we recognize they each have tremendous and unique insights borne through personal experience. We offer soldiers a variety of means by which they can express their personal views, provided they don't compromise Operational Security or Army regulations.

It is important to note that as individuals voice their opinions on matters, that those viewpoints are representative of their personal perspective. With approximately 160,000 Americans serving in uniform here in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, you'll probably get that many different perspectives if you ask each of them.

The individuals' perspectives expressed in the New York Times reflect their unique 'boots-on-ground' experience. While they are in their own right valued and important, each perspective is going to be different based on an individual's assignment. Ultimately, it is context in such a historic and monumental effort which remains paramount in conveying the significance of their contributions, service and sacrifice. We'd refer you to their parent unit to determine their individual standing within their units."

"Ultimately, it is context in such a historic and monumental effort which remains paramount in conveying the significance of their contributions, service and sacrifice. We'd refer you to their parent unit to determine their individual standing within their units."


What a load of psychobabble.

The administration line directly from our beloved Dear Leader and his hand-picked spokespersons, or some guys who've just finished up a 15-month tour, might be using drugs, almost certainly have some sort of post-traumatic stress issues, and weren't even smart enough not to join the military when there was a war on?

We leave it to you, the unbiased reader . . .

:crazy: :crazy: :crazy: