Chicken hawks using military for political purposes

[GostHacked]

That too. Come'on man, Obama uses the military for political purposes all the time.

As had every other president before him, including Bush!

[guyser]

That too. Come'on man, Obama uses the military for political purposes all the time.

Lets see Obama....Commander in Chief.....Romney....not so much .

[guyser]

sir! You were asked for your

Anytime shady is pinned down and asked for something he runs and hides. He hasnt answered a question I posed to him a couple of weeks ago. But judging by the 'bridges and roads 'thread, I suspect comprehension in english is a struggle for the wee lad.

[Shady]

Anytime shady is pinned down and asked for something he runs and hides. He hasnt answered a question I posed to him a couple of weeks ago. But judging by the 'bridges and roads 'thread, I suspect comprehension in english is a struggle for the wee lad.

My expert testimony is that he won't make public more than the last couple of years because he doesn't have to, but more importantly they'll be used as political fodder by the Obama campaign. Because he pays the Capitol gains rate in his income, because it's investment income and not regular income.

Now, what's your professional testimony as to why Obana won't release his college records?

[GostHacked]

Now, what's your professional testimony as to why Obana won't release his college records?

Why dwell on the past? Let's look forward to the future !!!

[punked]

My expert testimony is that he won't make public more than the last couple of years because he doesn't have to, but more importantly they'll be used as political fodder by the Obama campaign. Because he pays the Capitol gains rate in his income, because it's investment income and not regular income.

Now, what's your professional testimony as to why Obana won't release his college records?

If people like Mitt Romney's ideas on the tax structure how much he pays in capital gains shouldn't make one bit of difference. What you are saying is Rmoney wont release his taxes because people don't like the current tax structure. Sounds like a problem for the republicans but it isn't a real excuse not to release them. The questions aren't going to go away.

Edited August 14, 2012 by punked

[Shady]

If people like Mitt Romney's ideas on the tax structure how much he pays in capital gains shouldn't make one bit of difference. What you are saying is Rmoney wont release his taxes because people don't like the current tax structure. Sounds like a problem for the republicans but it isn't a real excuse not to release them. The questions aren't going to go away.

Nope. Nobody likes the current tax structure. Reforming the tax code was one of the ideas most discussed during the primaries.

[Guest Derek L]

oh my!... using the backdrop of a naval battleship as a political prop... to introduce a couple of non-serving GOP presidential/vice-presidential candidates... says chickenhawk to me!

"Then Romney says, "… the next president of the United States, Paul Ryan."

Snickers and puzzled expressions muted a building ovation for a heartbeat or two. But then came a throaty outburst, nearly drowned out by heroic movie-theme music loud enough to be felt through the pavement, as Ryan bounded down the bunting-draped steps from the USS Wisconsin, gave Romney a quick hug and joined him in waving to a crowd aflutter with flags."

perhaps one shouldn't be that critical of Romney's service... after all, his avoiding the Vietnam draft associates to a most arduous alternative undertaking - one where he volunteered to knock on doors in France in search of Mormon converts. That mission, Romney said earlier this year, was made “tough” by the presence of American troops in Vietnam!.

Are you also making a “pre-emptive attack” on a Presidential candidate’s “war service”? I never understood why this is a issue when selecting a President…….As I’ve said above, has Biden or Obama been “attacked” for their lack of service? This seems like a made up, non issue………..In actuality, within the last 100 years, you could count on one hand the President’s who have seen combat or served in a significant capacity during a war….I count Bush the elder, Ford, JFK, Ike and Trumann…….strangely enough, they all have/had or will have the pinnacle of US military might named after them, an aircraft carrier…..I doubt we’ll ever see the same tribute paid to Clinton/Bush jr/Obama or Romney………

[Moonlight Graham]

Is it as much of a problem that politicians do things like this, or is it more of a problem that having speeches on aircraft carriers etc. actually appeals to certain significant portions of the population?

These certain people who think themselves tough guys and get patriotic over war machines which cause death & suffering is pretty ridiculous. Interesting that these tough guys go ballistic whenever anyone mentions the possibility of reducing US defense spending, even when the country is on its way to bankruptcy. Also interesting that many of these people are in the church pews on Sundays. I'm confident Jesus would not approve. Paul Ryan's budget plan cuts a lot of things, but it's clear to stipulate that it won't cut defense so that these grumpy tough guys won't get mad and direct their votes or donation money elsewhere. The fact that he has to do this shows just how many of these types exist and what a powerful voting population they are.

They've drank the Kool-Aid, they legitimate the use of force our governments use in really stupid ways sometimes. These war machines should be respected as necessary tools needed to secure the defense of our nations, but they shouldn't be worshiped and gawked over like cool man-toys to be played with like G.I. Joe's. Not many greater sources preventing international peace than these idiots.

Over the past year Harper has tried to deify Canadian war machines with his military flyovers during celebrations and whatnot. No thanks bro, not a US export I'm interested in buying.

[waldo]

This seems like a made up, non issue………

the thread might have died out quickly... until you chirped in with the ridiculous implication that they only used the military battleship backdrop given the 'Wisconsin' ties. The chickenhawk labeling is fitting given the blatant ploy to leverage the military for pure political theatre. Detailing chickenhawkish examples is simply a natural extension... it offers clear perspective to realize that Romney served his country during the Vietnam War by battling across French doorsteps in search of Mormon converts!

[Guest Derek L]

the thread might have died out quickly... until you chirped in with the ridiculous implication that they only used the military battleship backdrop given the 'Wisconsin' ties. The chickenhawk labeling is fitting given the blatant ploy to leverage the military for pure political theatre. Detailing chickenhawkish examples is simply a natural extension... it offers clear perspective to realize that Romney served his country during the Vietnam War by battling across French doorsteps in search of Mormon converts!

Contrasted with Obama/Biden service? Has either yet to be attacked over such during said go around?

Now you say it's a "ploy" to leverage the "military vote" within the United States, and I'll assume you'd also include the Military Industrial Complex in that too……….Funny that they delivered said announcement aboard a retired vessel with tie’s to the candidates home state, moored within a swing state, in a region that will be devastated by Obama defence cuts, both in terms of reductions in military personal levels and the production of the future fleet………..But this has something to do with Romney’s lack of service in Vietnam and as such, he’s required to trick them simple military folk………..I’ll tell you a secret, military folk tend to support Conservative/GOP governments regardless…………Has Obama/Biden made any announcements to the AFL-CIO yet?

I’ve also seen Ryan wear a Green Bay Packers jersey……Clearly making up for his short comings of never playing professional football………

[The_Squid]

Contrasted with Obama/Biden service? Has either yet to be attacked over such during said go around?

When they were campaigning, did either of them ride on a tank with a banner? Use a warship? No. If you do not understand what hypocrisy is, there is no hope for you. And once you are Commander-in-chief, it's different.

Edited August 14, 2012 by The_Squid

[waldo]

When they were campaigning, did either of them ride on a tank with a banner? Use a warship? No. If you do not understand what hypocrisy is, there is no hope for you. And once you are Commander-in-chief, it's different.

I'd suggest the Dems learned their lesson with another Massachusetts governor candidate for U.S. President... the infamous Dukakis tank photo! In any case, your suggestion is sound - MLW member 'Derek L' doesn't understand... doesn't get... the Romney/Ryan U.S.S. Wisconsin hypocrisy - chickenhawks all around!

[Guest Derek L]

When they were campaigning, did either of them ride on a tank with a banner? Use a warship? No. If you do not understand what hypocrisy is, there is no hope for you. And once you are Commander-in-chief, it's different.

You do understand the USS Wisconsin is a museum/convention center now right? You can even book it for graduations........

[waldo]

You do understand the USS Wisconsin is a museum/convention center now right? You can even book it for graduations........

not quite... the Norfolk Convention Center is about a block away - but nice try! So... you're saying the Norfolk Convention Center was booked... the connecting Marriott was booked? The only backdrop available was the U.S.S. Wisconsin battleship? It was no biggee to fly Romney and Ryan into Norfolk just for the photo-op? Chickenhawks!

[Guest Derek L]

not quite... the Norfolk Convention Center is about a block away - but nice try! So... you're saying the Norfolk Convention Center was booked... the connecting Marriott was booked? The only backdrop available was the U.S.S. Wisconsin battleship? It was no biggee to fly Romney and Ryan into Norfolk just for the photo-op? Chickenhawks!

http://www.nauticus.org/exhibits/battleship-wisconsin

To add:

http://www.visitnorfolktoday.com/

See that building, right next to the ass end of the Battlewagon.....

Edited August 14, 2012 by Derek L

[guyser]

In actuality, within the last 100 years, you could count on one hand the President’s who have seen combat or served in a significant capacity during a war….I count Bush the elder, Ford, JFK, Ike and Trumann…….

Best get bigger hands, or use two of 'em....

Reagan ,Carter, Nixon, Johnson, and throw in FDR for good measure.

[Guest Derek L]

Best get bigger hands, or use two of 'em....

Reagan ,Carter, Nixon, Johnson, and throw in FDR for good measure.

the President’s who have seen combat or served in a significant capacity during a war

Reagan sold war bonds

Carter was in Annapolis

Nixon, a rearguard logistics officer

Johnson was in the FDR government

And FDR had a carrier named after him.

[guyser]

Reagan sold war bonds

A Captain, two enlistments....

Carter was in Annapolis

Lieutenant Korean War

Nixon, a rearguard logistics officer

Commander during WW2

Johnson was in the FDR government

Commander WW2 , why did he get a silver star then? The airplane he was in was attacked. But hey, you can write him off if you wish. Others wont.

And FDR had a carrier named after him.

Yes, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. WW1 in France

Edited August 14, 2012 by guyser

[Shady]

Obama's the worst kind of chicken hawk. Hasn't served a day in his life. But he triples the number of troops in Afghanistan, an unwinable situation, where soldiers are killed on a daily basis by the Afghans they're trying to train. What the hell's his problem?

[BubberMiley]

I'll get you that link to tonight.

No, you won't. Transcripts are by their nature private information. There is no need to "seal" them because they're already sealed.

Once again, your birther friends are feeding you false information.

[The_Squid]

Obama's the worst kind of chicken hawk. Hasn't served a day in his life. But he triples the number of troops in Afghanistan, an unwinable situation, where soldiers are killed on a daily basis by the Afghans they're trying to train. What the hell's his problem?

You are seriously confused about what a chickenhawk is.

Let's use wiki.

Chickenhawk (also chicken hawk and chicken-hawk) is a political term used in the United States to describe a person who strongly supports war or other military action (i.e., a War Hawk), yet who actively avoided military service when of age

Sorry, he does not fit this description in any way, shape or form. You are talking out of your ass.

[Shady]

Transcripts are by their nature private information.

Tax returns are also private information.

[BubberMiley]

Tax returns are also private information.

Right. So it would be ridiculous to say Romney had his tax returns "sealed", wouldn't it?

But it is also traditional for presidential candidates to release tax returns. Are you saying presidential candidates shouldn't be expected to do that anymore? (Awaiting typical non-answer )

[Guest Derek L]

A Captain, two enlistments....

As I said above, no combat service.

Lieutenant Korean War

Carter was in the Navy (Silent Service) but didn't go to Korea.

Commander during WW2

Yes, a commander of logistics way in the rear areas.

Commander WW2 , why did he get a silver star then? The airplane he was in was attacked. But hey, you can write him off if you wish. Others wont.

Veterans have been calling bullshit on LBJ “gallantry” for decades:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080613123509/http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/johnson.silver.star/story/storypage.html

Yes, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. WW1 in France

Indeed, but he got the carrier named after him for croaking in office during the war.

Like I clearly stated above, though the above Presidents did serve, as I qualified initially, with no combat experience nor as pivotal contributors to the war effort…….Reagan got a carrier named after him for his role in the creation of the “6oo ship navy” and the Peanut farmer got his name put on a sub during the defence cuts of the Clinton administration…………..Obama gave a nod to LBJ by naming a new tin-can after him (The Navy also bit their lip with the awarding of the John P. Murtha)……Nixon would be lucky to get a barge named after him……