Battle of the Bulge: Pregnant Soldiers in Combat

Recently much has been made about female soldiers becoming pregnant while serving in a combat zone. Maj. General Anthony Cucolo III, determined to maintain combat readiness, has made clear that there would be repercussions (for both male and female soldiers) should they chose to engage in behavior that removes them from their duty:

"Anyone who leaves this fight early because they made a personal choice that changed their medical status or contributed to making someone no longer deployable is not in keeping with a key element of the Army's warrior ethos – 'I will always place the mission first,'" Cucolo said. "I believe there should be professional consequences for making a choice like that."

US general in Iraq defends tough pregnancy rules

It is important to note that the soldiers are not being punished for being pregnant; they are being reprimanded for violating their oath, and committing to actions that made the solider unable to perform their assigned duties. I understand, primal urges are hard desires to resist; but that is what we ask of our soldiers every day, to be at the optimum of their mental and physical best.

There is nothing new with the military, and by extension combat commanders, taking steps to ensure full combat effectiveness. Pregnancy is just another in a long list of physical and/or mental changes that are known to deter fighting readiness, and can result in punitive actions against the solider:

Being overweigh, excessive drug or alcohol use, self-injury, reckless behavior, even getting a sunburn (if it affects the soldier’s ability to perform their duties to their fullest) can result in an official warning.

Unfortunately, the debate has taken a wrong turn. Pro-abortion groups, liberal feminist organizations (such as NOW, which called the policy "ridiculous.” “How dare any government say we're going to impose any kind of punishment on women for getting pregnant," NOW President Terry O'Neill said. "This is not the 1800s."), anti-war groups want to somehow make this an issue about choice in favor of pregnancy (a hard sell considering their fanatically support for abortion at all cost). Each of these groups has ulterior motives, none of which have anything to do with the combat readiness of the US Military.

But the most operant intervention is when politicians decide to intervene for self-seeking motives, and not in the best interest of the combat status of a unit serving in a hot zone. Four US Senators, Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-California), Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) prematurely sent a letter in opposition to General Cucolo’s orders:

"We can think of no greater deterrent to women contemplating a military career than the image of a pregnant woman being severely punished simply for conceiving a child," the senators wrote to General Cucolo. "This defies comprehension. As such, we urge you to immediately rescind this policy."

The heavy tone of the letter is not only indicative of the Senator’s misunderstanding of the true role of the US Military, but the factual crisis General Cucolo was trying to address…….the selfish actions of a few soldiers under his command that were jeopardizing not only the mission, but the lives of fellow soldiers. It is the actions of these soldiers, some more than likely getting pregnant to avoid a long deployment, which “defies comprehension.”

Additional links:

Senators Demand General Rescind Order on Pregnant Soldiers

Knocked up and deployed: A Combat Commanders Point of View

UK Military Concerned About Pregnant Female Soldiers

North Korea: Happy Independence Day, America!

North Korea showed its solidarity with America by launching 7 large firecrackers into the sea in celebration of the U.S. Independence Day:

N. Korea Fires 7 Missiles Off Eastern Coast

Unfortunately, President Obama was unable to see the display, in more ways than one.

Memorial Day Speech - Why They Fought: The Story of the Fighting 36th

On Memorial Day (May 25, 2009), I was asked to present a speech at a gathering in Market Square, Portsmouth, NH. Below is the transcript.

Why They Fought: The Story of the Fighting 36th
By Jeff Chidester

Today we are brought together to honor those who have given the last full measure of devotion in service to this great and noble country. We gather here today not only to honor their legacies, but to thank them for their sacrifice.

Millions of men and women have died fighting for a belief that all here today share….that America “is that shining city on the hill,” a beacon in the darkness of tyranny and oppression, shining for all those seeking freedom and liberty.

But how can you truly say thanks to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for a cause they deemed more important than their own life? We thank them by remembering their stories, recalling the reasons why they fought, and above all, by not letting history repeat itself.
Today I would like to share the story of the 36th Infantry Division with you, the Fighting 36th. The Fighting 36th was one of the first units called into service as the fascist armies of Italy and the socialist armies of Nazi Germany swept across Europe and Africa.

The boys of the Fighting 36th would challenge the armies that fought in service of their tyrannical leaders, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, for four long years.
The Fighting 36th would take the fight for liberty to the sands of North Africa, the beaches of Sicily, the countryside of France, and would later be part of a force that liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp.

The Fighting 36th was a National Guard Unit in Texas prior to the start of World War II, but whose history dates back to the Alamo in 1835 and the Rough Riders of 1899. As the war in Europe progressed, their ranks would be filled with patriots from every corner of our country.
One such patriot was a young man by the name of Edward Dahlgren, from right up the road in Portland, Me. Sergeant Edward Dahlgren would later go on to win the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor for heroic actions while serving in the Fighting 36th Infantry.

Edward Dahlgren would leave the Army as a Lieutenant, and would work the next 40 years as seed potato inspector for the State of Maine. Lieutenant Dahlgren represents the thousand of men who served as brothers in the Fighting 36th, many who did not return.
But why did they do it? Why did each of these men of the 36th Infantry Division leave their families and the safety of their homes to fight in far off places with names such as Arzew, Rabat, Paestum, and Mannheim.

The questions seem complicated, but the answer is simple, and can be found in the power and solace of the words of Patrick Henry:

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

The people of Europe were in chains, and had been enslaved by the worst kind of evil. This fate would befall America unless good people did something. Good people like those of the Fighting 36th.

On September 9th, 1943, the Fighting 36th would carry Patrick Henry’s words with them into battle as they spearhead the invasion of Italy, in what would become known as one of the bloodiest campaigns of the war.

I have no doubt that as the GI’s of the 36th climbed down into the landing craft that they thought much about how, as the first act of seizing power, both the German and Italian governments nationalized the banks “for the good of the masses.”

Nor do I believe that the men of the 36th thought much about the fact that most major industries were either seized or placed into a “public trust” by the National Socialist Party of Germany and the National Fascist Party of Italy.

What did it matter to the members of the 36th Infantry whether automaker Alpha Romeo built cars based on the wishes of Il Duce Mussolini, or that Chancellor Hitler forced Mercedes Benz to build cars based on Herr Fuhrer’s designs.

As the landing crafts carried the warriors of the 36th Infantry closer to the beaches of Paestum, a loudspeaker could be heard from the landing area proclaiming in English: "Come on in and give up. We have you covered." Yet they stormed the beaches anyway, undeterred by the propaganda.

It is unlikely as these brave souls of the 36th dodged the hail of machine gun fire, that they were thinking about how the oppressive governments under Mussolini and Hitler used similar misinformation to turn their fellow citizens against each other.

The Fighting 36th had more important things to do than worry about how class-envy, perverting religion, and invoking race all were used to divide the people of German and Italy, all under the guise of a change for the better, and a hope for a new and improved country if they would just let the State take care of everything.

And the members of the 36th Infantry could not envision the horrors that awaited them in Dachau, as they fought their way one inch at a time from Italy, through France, into Germany.
Many in the 36th could not image the horror one human could do to another in the name of science, and that one of the willing participants in this evil was a judiciary that answered to the “living rules” of the State, not to the common sense of the law.

But the members of the 36th Infantry would see the devastating affects that an all powerful centralized government could have on the people first hand.
What the members of the 36th did know is that they were fighting for liberty. They were fighting for everything America stood for, and fighting against everything socialist Germany and fascist Italy represented.

The soldiers of the 36th Infantry couldn’t lose because the greater cause is not what you fight against, but what you fight for.
It is not what we fight against that is noble; it is what we fight for that determines defeat or victory. Tyranny never sleeps; it reinvents itself and hopes that people will forget history. There will always be someone yelling from the beach “Come in and give up. We have you covered.”

The questions is - are you going to honor those brave members of the 36th Infantry and fight for liberty, or are you going to be like those who went with the flow in Germany and Italy and suffered totalitarianism? Will you fight for a cause greater than yourself? The choice is yours……..

The Russian Bear and NATO: Another Test For President Obama

The world is a dangerous place, and contrary to what many Obama loyalists believe, the Obama administration has already proven it is incapable of handle one issue effectively, let alone several issues at a time.

In a mere four months, the Obama administration has mishandled every one of the real and imamate threats that loom all around us. Nuclear weapons in Iran and North Korea (as well as the missile systems to delivery them), Venezuela's massive military build up (thanks to Iran, Cuba, Russia, and China), pirates still zipping around the Red Sea, Afghanistan and Pakistan torn apart by the Taliban…and now Russia's push to weaken NATO:

President Obama Must Not Concede to Russian Demands over NATO

So many threats, so little time. But if we handle just one of the crisis' in a manner that sets a tone of confidence, it will not only send a message to those that would do us harm, but reassure our allies that America is still the dominate force for good in the world.

Murtha Madness: An Airport To Nowhere

Our politicians are fond of having the taxpayers fund follies that can be named after them. One only need to look to West Virginia to see how the self-serving Senator Byrd has transformed that State into his own personal shrine.

The most recent example of Washington's "let them eat cake" mentality comes from Congressman Murtha's and his airport to nowhere:

Murtha Airport Got Military Upgrades

The ethically challenged Murtha, whose past contempt for the military is well documented, has no problem hiding behind the military to justify support for this project. But this is just another series of questionable moves on the part of Murtha (and his family) that has some calling for an ethics probe:

Groups Wants Ethics Probe On Murtha

Mutha's Nephew Received Millions

Is this just another example of the corruptible nature of "pork" spending? Why do we allow public funds to go towards the vanity of those that should be serving the interest of the people? Should we pass a law that does not permit the naming of any project receiving federal funds after any senator, congressperson, cabinet member, etc? Should we reserve the naming of these projects for those that gave their lives in the services of their country?

Thank God For the Navy Seals!

Proving once again that we have the greatest military in the world, and that American determination can prevail against all odds, Congratulations on the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips.

A Call To Liberals: Support Our Troops, Vote McCain

The very people the next President will lead as Commander-In-Chief have spoken, and they overwhelmingly support Senator John McCain:

Military Times: Military Stands With McCain

Much was made a few months back by the Liberals, that based on political contributions, Obama was favored by those in the military. What the Liberals failed to mention about "this survey" was:

• The sample data was small
  
• The survey only addressed contributions of $200.00 or more, which almost immediately eliminates those in the enlisted ranks.
  
• Most of those that were supporting Obama were serving in the US Air Force. Not to disparage those that serve in any military branch, but the Air Force tends to be the more Liberal of any of the Branches.
  

This survey is without a doubt one of the more important ones conducted during this election. The very people fighting for this country, who could ultimately be asked to serve in a combat zone (or maybe already are) want John McCain as the next Commander-In-Chief by a margin of 68% to 22%.

Now is the time to test the resolve of the Liberals, many of who have opposed the mission of our military. For all those Liberals with the bumper sticker "Support Our Troops" on their Prius's or Volvo's , now is the time to put up or shut up. Our Troops have spoken, they want McCain. If you truly want to "Support Our Troops" do what they have asked and help elected McCain!

Nancy Pelosi Bans Posters Of Fallen Soldiers

Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) wanted to honor the soldiers from his district that paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. So, outside Congressman Jones Congressional office were six displays that featured the pictures of fallen Marines from Camp Lejeune. It was meant to be a simple, but poignant tribute. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wouldn’t have any of that:

House Speaker Pelosi: Rules are rules

Some of these displays have been on exhibit since 2003, but for whatever reason, it was determined that they needed to be removed. Talk about arrogant and disconnected. Is it any wonder that Congress’ approval rating is hovering in single digits?

Once again the Democrats have shown a complete lack of judgment. I have no doubt that the Democrats will change their position once they start to feel the heat. Like good little politicians, the Democrats will try and throw Pelosi under the bus, who in turn will chuck a lowly bureaucrat under the bus. But this incident will join a long list of insults to members of the military and their families.

Russia Invades Georgia: The Bear Walks Out Of The Woods

I go away on vacation and the whole world falls apart, but at least I can count on the culprits remaining the same. Russia invades a sovereign nation, and immediately the list of reasons grows. My favorite excuse is that the West (translation: the United States of America) provoked Russia:

Newsweek: Pushing Russia’s Buttons

Leave it to the media to sit on the sidelines and immediately find someway to blame America. I particular like Hirsch’s statement – “Putin's invasion of Georgia is unforgivable.” If you wait long enough, along comes the “but monkey” – (Hirsch’s statement continues) “But let's face it: the West helped to provoke Moscow's aggression.”

Saying the West provoked Russia is like blaming the rape victim for the rape. How dare Georgia flaunt democracy and liberty like some sort of freedom “hussy.” What was Russia to do, just sit there and let Georgia go on governing themselves? Well, as a matter of fact…yes.

What Hirsch, as well as many others seem to be missing is that Russia is only reacting on instinct; an instinct of oppression and brutality. Many in the media seem to be just realizing that the Bear is back, and it’s hungry. But a year ago I warned of Russia’s forthcoming aggression:

Putin on the Ritz: The Evil Empire Never Went Away

Maybe the West is to blame to some degree, but not for the reasons stated by many. The West turned its back on the Bear believing it to an impotent, only to turn back around and find a sleeker, but no less dangerous Bear. The West forgot the lessons of the past, we forgot the words of Ronald Reagan:

Poll Show That Most Americans Believe McCain Would Be a Stronger Commander In Chief

Two separate polls concerning American’s attitudes towards Iraq and Afghanistan were recently released. Both ABC News – Washington Post and Quinnipiac University Polling Institute conducted surveys that show support for the War on Terror is far greater than the mainstream media has been reporting:

Fox News: Americans Split On Military Action

The two interesting element of the ABC-Washing Post poll were that many American’s felt that John McCain has been clearer than Barack Obama on his intentions for withdrawal from Iraq, and that many considered McCain a stronger commander in chief by 72%, even capturing most Democrats’ support.

Obama was a one issue candidate when he entered the race. Obama and his supporters have spent the past months trying to convince the American people that Obama’s judgement regarding Iraq was better. It would appear that the American people aren’t buying what Team Obama is selling.

Israel 'ready to act' over Iran

Israel’s Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, declared his country’s wiliness to response to the growing Iranian threat:

BBC: Israel 'ready to act' over Iran

Diplomacy is wasted on this Iranian leadership. Short of a regime change, Iran is on a course that will require military intervention.

Iran “Test Fires” A Missile Capable Of Reaching US Targets

From the BBC:

Iran missile test 'provocative'

And what was Obama’s response, “stronger sanctions:”

Obama, McCain split on Iran's missile tests

Obama - “Iran must suffer threats of economic sanctions with direct diplomacy opening up channels of communication so we avoid provocation, but we give strong incentives for the Iranians to change their behavior."

Iraq's Yellow Cake Recipe Is The Envy Of Betty Crocker

Most reasonable Americans have no illusions where the media stands ideologically on the political spectrum. Whether it is a local newspaper or television station, or a larger international media conglomerate, such as the New York Times or MSNBC; it is only a matter time before the viewer is able to deduce that media’s bias in one direction or the other.

There is no better example of this than in a recent story published by the New York Times titled “U.S. Helps Remove Uranium From Iraq:”

New York Times: Uranium Removed From Iraq

550 metric tons of uranium (yellow cake), enough to make 100 nuclear weapons, existed in Iraq at the time of the invasion, a fact that most news agencies were aware of for over 5 years. The New York Times had other things on their mind though while conveying this story to the world:

“The yellow cake removed from Iraq — which was not the same yellow cake that President Bush claimed, in a now discredited section of his 2003 State of the Union address, that Mr. Hussein was trying to purchase in Africa — is used in an early stage of the nuclear fuel cycle.”

Who cares which yellow cake it was!? It was the necessary component needed to make a nuclear bomb, but thanks to military intervention from Israel and the United States, the World was spared. But the scary part is that many American were completely unaware of this story, due in large part to the Left leaning, media bias in America.

Randall Hoven, at the American Thinker, had a perfect response to this (non-) story:

American Thinker: 550 Tons of Yellowcake Is Dangerous

The media has been playing fast and loose with truth and facts as it pertains to the War on Terror, which is a dangerous game. Just as this story was under reported, ignored or downplayed by the US media (most in the Canadian media covered the story as the lead), so have been other reports of Saddam’s WMD initiatives:

Fox News: National Ground Intelligence Report

The fact is not whether the WMD’s existed prior to 1991 (and may not work), or that the yellow cake posed no harm at the time it was seized is insignificant. Does anyone in their right mind believe that Saddam was going to use any of these materials for peaceful means? Would anyone like a hostile nation such as a Iran or Syria getting hands on this "harmless" yellow cake? And if the WMDs, such as the mustard and sarin nerve gas (that Saddam was not suppose to possess!) were no big deal, why did they need to be destroyed? Why not just place them on display in the front foyer of the New York Times? Oh, that’s right….according to the New York Times, WMDs don’t exist!

Obama: The Shift Is On

Senator Obama may be “open to redefining” his Iraq withdrawal plan, or maybe not. In two different appearances before the media on July 3, he left the reporters, and much of America, scratching their heads.

Guardian: Obama The Flip-Flopper

Obama first indicated that additional information may require him to reconsider his long-standing commitment to a 16-month troop withdrawal. Obama justified this “shift” by stating that he may have to reconsider Iraq after meeting with the Generals. Gee Mr. Obama, don’t you think you should have waited to commit to a planned retreat until after you sat down with the military leaders in Iraq in the first place?

Obama came out later in the day to state his earlier comments had been “misunderstood,” and that “make no mistake about it” he was still committed to the 2 brigades a month withdrawal, with a 16-month retreat. Obama blamed the “confusion” on the McCain camp (?)……..Pathetic.

But Obama also told reporters that when he talked earlier about refining his policy, he was not referring to the 16-month timeline, but to how many troops may need to remain in Iraq to train the local army and police and what troop presence might be needed to ensure "al-Qaida doesn't re-establish a foothold there." This is the first time America has heard this part of Obama’s plan, but exactly what McCain warned about months ago. Obama’s past troop retreat comments made no reference to leaving troops behind to assist the Iraqis, but it begs to be ask, how long would the troops need to remain.....100 years? Obama and his liberal clan made it point to criticized McCain for recommending maintaining a US troops presence in Iraq, as we did in Japan, Germany, Kosovo, and Kuwait, something Obama now supports. To leave troops in harms way is not a withdrawal, and to leave a token force behind as Obama has suggested, would be a disaster.

But how did the media report on these conflicting press conferences? By stating that the “Republicans quickly pounce on Obama’s comments.” But so did the media. There were so many conflicting stories on the Internet related to Obama’s statements, no one, including Obama, can give a clear answer on exactly what happened between the two press conferences?

The only thing that surprised me regarding this was that it happened this soon. As I wrote on July 2 (Obama Advisers Seem Confused), Obama had to change his position on Iraq, because his plan would have doomed us to a failed retreat, and inevitably would require us to return to the region from a position of weakness. This recent Obama gaff proves once again he lacks the experience and military understanding to serve as Commander-in-Chief.

Navy Academy and Prayer:

The United States Naval Academy was established in 1845, to ensure a highly skill military on the water. The Navy Academy's mission statement is simple and to the point:

“To develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to provide graduates who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.”

To aid the midshipmen, both morally and mentally, the Navy Academy has maintained a long-standing tradition of a devotional prior to the midday meal. Navy Chapman’s of all faiths lead this devotional. The devotional is a reflection of thought and is meant to serve all the midshipmen. But it was only a matter of time before this tradition came under attack by secular-progressives.

Several Midshipmen and the ACLU are considering “bringing suit” against the Navy Academy. But will stopping the midday devotional satisfy the ACLU? And what of the Midshipmen who find solace in the devotional?

World News Daily: Faith and the Military

If the ACLU has their way, will the campus Girl Scouts and National Eagle Scout Association come under fire as well? Or how about the Gospel Choir or various religious organizations sanctioned by the Navy Academy? And what will happen to the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel, which houses a Jewish chapel, the honor board, ethics committee, and the character learning center, and to which the architecture features Jerusalem stone. Will any tradition be safe if we allow the degradation of this time-honored commitment?

But how do the Midshipmen fell about the midday devotional? Who better to address that question than a former Midshipmen, and current Naval Officer:

Girl Sailor Blog: Why A Noon Meal Prayer?

Obama’s Advisers Seem Confused

A day after Wesley Clark tried poorly to convince the American public that Obama’s leadership experience (you know, he was the Editor of the Harvard Review) trumps McCain’s, we now receive a confused Obama message on Iraq:

Obama Advisers Differ On Iraq

Obama’s position on Iraq will change upon returning from his “fact finding mission.” Obama will give a grandiose speech, and explain how after meeting with the Generals (something he has refused to do up to this point), and talking with the Iraq leaders, he has a better understanding regarding the situation “on the ground.”

Although Obama won’t come out and say he has changed his position, we will see a shift in his rhetoric on the war, slowly, but surely Obama will back away from his 16 month withdrawal.

Wesley Clark: Hatchet Man for Obama Campaign

I almost embarrassed to admit that General Wesley Clark and I served in the same branch of the US Military, crossing paths while I was assigned to the Protective Service Unit assigned to the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. My embarrassment stems from the inappropriate comments Clark made about Senator John McCain, a fellow Vietnam Vet, during an appearance on “Face the Nation:”

Mr. Clark has every right to question Senator McCain’s policies and Presidential plans if elected, but to call into question his honorable military service is hard to fathom. Senator McCain’s devotion to his country and commitment to duty is well established, and beyond approach. The fact that a former military commander of Mr. Clark’s esteem would stoop to such a level call into question Clark’s integrity. Clark’s statement reeks of a political hit job, it is clear he learned a lot from the Clinton’s.


Finally, Iraq Veteran and Vets for Freedom Chairman Pete Hegseth provide the perfect response to Mr. Clark’s statements:

National Review Online: Vets for Freedom Response to Wesley Clark's Comments=

Iran to EU: Stick Your Carrots Where The Sun Don’t Shine

Representatives for Iran did not mix words while discussing the recent EU (European Union) reaction to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The EU’s expansion of additional sanctions is in response to companies, such as the Bank Melli, for providing financial backing to companies involved in procuring goods for Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said in a statement that the "carrot and stick policy" by the EU won't stop Iran's "pursuit to realize its nuclear rights." Referring to the new sanctions as a "narrow-mindedness decision" by the EU, Hosseini was quoted as saying that "it will not help create a suitable atmosphere for a diplomatic solution" to the nuclear dispute. That sounds inviting.

Not to be outdone, fan favorite and all-around megalomaniac, President Ahmadinejad was quoted by the state IRNA news agency as saying that "a court should be formed to try and punish all world criminals who invade the rights of the Iranian nation."

The world sits by as Iran inches closer and closer to nuclear weapons. We all better pray that Israel does take action, because the EU and the United States “action of inaction” is empowering Iran to do as it pleases.

BBC Reports: New EU Sanctions

Obama To Appoint Piglet Secretary of Defense

Richard Danzig, former Under Secretary of the Navy under Bill Clinton (and the presumptive choice to serve as National Security Advisor under Obama) revealed during an interview that Obama’s security strategy would be based on the lessons learned from that noted diplomat, Winnie the Pooh:

The 100 Acres Diplomacy Plan

Brilliant! The fate of the Western World will rest in the hands of a security philosophy based on a factious bear, whose best friends are a stuttering pig, a depressed donkey, a mean-spirited rabbit, and a bouncing tiger (sorry…two g’s).

Danzig went on to compare European soccer hooligans with terrorist, and terrorist to Luke Skywalker. Obama wasn’t kidding when he said “Change,” I just don’t know if it is “Change We Can Believe In!”

Once again very little was mentioned about this story in the mainstream media in the United States. But the story is front page fonder all around the globe. Not sure Winnie the Pooh is going to help us “regain our place in the world.” Besides most Europeans prefer Paddington the Bear, who unfortunately is unavailable due to immigration “issues (Paddington the Illegal Immigrant Bear).”

Are British Soldiers Wimps?

Former male prostitute and Madonna gal pal Rupert Everett is feeling the heat over disparaging comments he made about British soldiers:

Rupert Everett - No Room In The Foxhole

The actual quote was “pathetic, whining wimps.” Statements such as “The whole point of being in the Army is wanting to get killed…” plays into the belief by many that all soldiers are warmongers, and shows a complete lack of understanding for those that serve.

As a former soldier, and having served with British soldiers, I have never meet anyone who wanted to “get killed” as Everett has suggested. It is counter to everything we as soldiers are taught. To win by defeating the enemy is what soldiers are trained to do. No army would be very successful if it soldiers wanted to get killed, that's just ridiculous!

Of course this wasn’t the only thing Rupert Everett had to say, also taking the time to criticize Americans as well.

Everett described us as "whiny victims" whose entire language is taken from US TV series Friends and Sex And The City. Everett stated that "I'm totally off the States now. The reaction to 9/11 and then George Bush - really, they've got very blobby as a nation." Blobby....ouch, that hurts.

Everett - "I'm totally off the States now."

I could careless what someone like Everett thinks of America. But, Mr. Everett’s callous comments directed at the British military comes from a place of contempt that many elitist have for those that serve their country. Mr. Everett lives in a world where at the end of the day he wipes off his makeup and goes bar-hopping with friends. Everett is an idiot and owes his fellow countryman an apology.