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Meltdown at the YearlyKos? Update: Reid, Pelosi, and Emanuel cancel YKos appearances Update: Dems apologize for House debacle

By Michelle Malkin  •  August 3, 2007 02:21 PM

Update 8/4: PJM has an exclusive interview with the censored soldier. Allah points out the hypocrisy of the moonbat vet who tried to squelch dissent at Ykos.

Update 10:15pm Eastern. Hell freezes over. Democrats apologize for the debacle in the House last night.

Yep, no wonder the Dem leaders don’t want to show up at YKos.

Update: For what it’s worth, Reid, Pelosi, and Emanuel have canceled their appearances at the YearlyKos conference because of weekend vote scheduling.

Question the timing?

Update: LGF has the video.

Update: Readers send a reminder of Kos community double standards when it comes to anti-war troops protesting in uniform.

***

Who is surprised? Anyone? Anyone?

A left-wing blogger at The American Prospect witnesses the crushing of dissent at the YearlyKos:

As the Military and Progressives panel came to an end, a young man in uniform stood up to argue that the surge was working, and cutting down on Iraqi casualties. The moderator largely freaked out. When other members of the panel tried to answer his question, he demanded they “stand down.” He demanded the questioner give his name, the name of his commander, and the name of his unit. And then he closed the panel, no answer offered or allowed, and stalked off the stage,

Wes Clark took the mic and tried to explain what had just occurred: The argument appears to be that you’re not allowed to participate in politics while wearing a uniform, or at least that you shouldn’t, and that the questioner was engaging in a sort of moral blackmail, not to mention a violation of the rules, by doing so. Knowing fairly little about the army, I can’t speak to any of that. But it was an uncomfortable few moments, and seemed fairly contrary to the spirit of the panel to roar down the member of the military who tried to speak with a contrary voice.

I’m sure there’s video of this somewhere out there.

Hey, all ye Democrat presidential candidates: What’s your reaction to this?

Allah: “[T]hat the left in general and Wes Clark in particular would balk at someone using their Absolute Moral Authority to advance a political agenda is an irony too enormous to be absorbed in one take.”

Charles at LGF: “I’m not familiar with the exact regulations on this, but for the sake of argument let’s say that it was against the rules for a uniformed soldier to ask a question. When did it become the duty of a YearlyKos panel moderator to enforce Army regulations? I wonder how they would have treated Scott Beauchamp if he had shown up in uniform?”

See what others have said

Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.

Trackbacks

  1. Right Angles » Blog Archive » The “new center” cannot hold
  2. Did global warming impact the YearlyKos? « Volunteer Opinion Journal
  3. Your Fox News Meltdown For The Evening » The Pungo Picayune
  4. Bill's Bites
  5. Ankle Biting Pundits » Blog Archive » Friday Follies (Updated)..(Updated Again)
  6. This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here » YearlyKos moderator enforces DoD policy
  7. Are We Lumberjacks?
  8. PAXALLES
  9. Sister Toldjah » Be afraid, be very, very afraid (SAT AM UPDATE: PRO-WAR MILITARY SILENCED AT KOS CONVENTION)
  10. Cao's Blog
  11. Blue Star Chronicles
  12. Kesher Talk
  13. Right Voices » Blog Archive » Yearly Kos Kicks Around A Soldier And Wants Bloggers to Unionize
  14. YearlyKos Panelist Takes Soldier Out of Action! - The Fighting GOP
  15. Right Wing News
  16. Big Dogs Weblog
  17. More on the Soldier at YearlyKos [Dispatches from the Culture Wars] · New York Articles

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Comments

  1. #1
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:25 pm, metsfan4004 said:

    it’s been many years since I served, but as I recall, publicly expressing political viewpoints while in uniform was a definite no-no. That being said, I totally agree with Charles’ comment.

  2. #2
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:29 pm, Armigerous said:

    Well that sort of thing pretty much blows the left’s ‘chickenhawk’ argument out of the water doesn’t it?

  3. #3
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:30 pm, Just A Grunt said:

    Sounds just like what is happening over in the House of Representatives right now.

  4. #4
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:32 pm, rbb said:

    It does not matter which part of the political spectrum you belong to, there are just some things you do not do in uniform.

  5. #5
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:34 pm, Artbyruth said:

    “I wonder how they would have treated Scott Beauchamp if he had shown up in uniform?”

    -Oh man, he would have been given the podium and about an hour to talk as well as answer questions!

    I think it is against policy for a uniformed military person to participate in this sort of debate. I’ll e-mail my hubby at work and ask him. (Former Marine)

    I remember seeing uniformed service members at a Bush rally in 2004 in Phoenix, but they were just sitting there not clapping or responding to anything being said. They did applaud and stand at the end….so I am not sure what the policy is.

  6. #6
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:37 pm, davenp35 said:

    A soldier can get in trouple for engaging in certain activity while in uniform, but I think there is a very good argument to be made that what he said wasn’t political. He was recounting what he and other soldiers (like myself) have seen first hand. Besides, the real story is that they ignored the comment of a soldier who would have a much better understanding of what is taking place in Iraq than anyone else in that room.

  7. #7
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:38 pm, NeoConNews said:

    I’m still impressed that someone had the grit to go into the lion’s den and make such a statement.

    I would love to see the video as well.

  8. #8
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:39 pm, Gabe said:

    The moderator largely freaked out. When other members of the panel tried to answer his question, he demanded they “stand down.” He demanded the questioner give his name, the name of his commander, and the name of his unit.

    So if you are one of the .000001% of the military who are liberal and you speak out, you have complete moral authority and your views are infallible. If you are one of the 99.999999 percent of the rest of the military who supports the War on Terror and the Commander in Chief and speak out like Scott Beauchamp, you are shouted down and are not allowed to express your views. Furthermore, they try to punish you for “political speech.”

    In liberal doublespeak: This is “supporting the military.”

  9. #9
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:40 pm, RogersUmp said:

    rbb
    what are those things? Fight and demand respect?

  10. #10
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:41 pm, terrig said:

    I am shocked, shocked that the kossacks reacted like they did sarc/off.
    Like davenp35, my husband is also a Soldier and is sick to death of those who aren’t there, haven’t been there and wouldn’t step foot there can control so much of the mush minds. I find it interesting that they even had a progressives and the military panel. There are a few who feel the way the Kossacks do but overwhelmingly they’re not a well liked bunch of people. I know, I know the military is supposed to be non-political but honestly, it’s sickening hearing Murtha, Reid and crew constantly denegrate the military and the although Markos did serve himself the majority of his crew really aren’t fans of those who serve feeling they are above that.

  11. #11
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:42 pm, Sergeant Tim said:

    When General Petraeus reports to Congress in September he will do so in uniform. If he reports that the surge is working, will former General Wesley Clark say to him, “you’re not allowed to participate in politics while wearing a uniform?” No. He’ll just him accuse him of doing so.

  12. #12
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:44 pm, gregorystephens said:

    This is from the Uniform Code of Military Justice. I think this applies directly to what Beauchamp has done, which is far worse than this serviceman asking a simple question.

    932. ART. 132. FRAUDS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES

    Any person subject to this chapter–

    (1) who, knowing it to be false or fraudulent–(A) makes any claim against the United States or any officer thereof; or (B) presents to any person in the civil or military service thereof, for approval or payment, any claim against the United States or any officer thereof; (2) who, for the purpose of obtaining the approval, allowance, or payment of any claim against the United States or any officer thereof

    (A) makes or uses any writing or other paper knowing it to contain false or fraudulent statements;

    (B) makes any oath to any fact or to any writing or other paper knowing the oath to be false; or

    (C) forges or counterfeits any signature upon any writing or other paper, or uses any such signature knowing it to be forged or counterfeited;

    (3) who, having charge, possession, custody, or control of any money, or other property or the United States, furnished or intended for the armed forces thereof, knowingly delivers to any person having authority to receive it, any amount thereof less than that for which he receives a certificate or receipt; or

    (4) who, being authorized to make or deliver any paper certifying the receipt of any property of the United States furnished or intended for the armed forces thereof, makes or delivers to any person such writing without having full knowledge of the truth of the statements therein contained and with intent to defraud the United States; shall, upon conviction, be punished as a court-martial may direct.

  13. #13
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:45 pm, Sergeant Tim said:

    The Daily Kos’ moderator was denying a soldier free speech, not enforcing military rules. You see, we curtail(ed) our rights while in uniform; we do not give up what we earn or earned while serving in it.

  14. #14
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:48 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    There was a Marine reservist (Las Vegas) who did TV adds in the Desert MARPAT uniform during our last local election for Democratic canidates. The libbs were not crying about the no uniform in politics rule, then. The moderator in this ask for the service members chain of command. This is their attitude, they want silence our different view.

  15. #15
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:50 pm, st_james said:

    What did Chris Dodd have to say? I suppose the 5 or 6 extremist blog posters had coincidentally attended to conference too.

  16. #16
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:52 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Simply awesome! I hope someone can dig up video of this…… I have to see it!

    “USA, USA, USA…..”

  17. #17
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:00 pm, NeoConNews said:

    Well, wondering what they had to say about it seems like a moot point. They’ve effectively dodged it, unless I’m totally wrong, and if there is any heat to be taken it’ll go to KOS.

    Now the story is whether or not the soldier violated the uniform code of military justice as opposed to whether or not the surge is being effective or not.

    Unfortunate, but not unpredictable. Who’s got the big evil deny free speech thing going on now, left-wing?

  18. #18
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:03 pm, iamsaved said:

    I don’t read where you can’t voice an opinion while in uniform - especially when defending what one perceives as the truth against lies that are being spoken. What was said was not fraudulent or even have the intent of committing fraud.

    The liberals cannot stand up to facts. This should be interesting if General Petraeus’s report is positive…

  19. #19
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:03 pm, Myra Langerhas said:

    Got the following from this blogpost:

    It is DoD policy that:

    3.1. The wearing of the uniform by members of the Armed Forces (including retired members and members of Reserve components) is prohibited under any of the following circumstances:

    3.1.1. At any meeting or demonstration that is a function of, or sponsored by an organization, association, movement, group, or combination of persons that the Attorney General of the United States has designated, under Executive Order 10450 as amended (reference (c)), as totalitarian, fascist, communist, or subversive, or as having adopted a policy of advocating or approving the commission of acts of force or violence to deny others their rights under the Constitution of the United States, or as seeking to alter the form of Government of the United States by unconstitutional means.

    3.1.2. During or in connection with furthering political activities, private employment or commercial interests, when an inference of official sponsorship for the activity or interest may be drawn.

    3.1.3. Except when authorized by the approval authorities in subparagraph 4.1.1., when participating in activities such as unofficial public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies or any public demonstration, which may imply Service sanction of the cause for which the demonstration or activity is conducted.

    3.1.4. When wearing of the uniform may tend to bring discredit upon the Armed Forces.

  20. #20
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:07 pm, Boomer said:

    From my rapidly failing memory of the old AFR 30-30 we were not supposed to wear the uniform when campaigning for a political candidate there is nothing I can remember from any regulation/instruction in the Air Force that denies a Military member the right to ask a question of anyone while in uniform in a public political open discussion forum. The Military member in question had great courage to walk into this “lion’s den” of hate while in uniform, which cause the moderator to act like the Democrat political parties mascot. The moderator at this event only managed to deny this young man his Constitutional right to free speech. I will admit those of us in uniform have great restrictions put on our free speech while serving, but this should not be considered one

  21. #21
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:07 pm, Just A Grunt said:

    The moderator in question has been identified. He Jon Soltz founder of an organization named Vote Vets dot org. Here is a piece from their website about their goals.

    VoteVets.org Action Fund is a pro-military organization founded by Veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan to be the voice of the 21st century patriot. Our mission is to ensure that today’s soldiers have the necessary resources to successfully complete their missions abroad and the support they deserve when they come home.We are committed to winning the war on terror and preserving the strength of our military

    He is an Army CPT or was, hard to tell if he is still on active duty.

  22. #22
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:19 pm, Wile E Coyote said:

    On August 3rd, 2007 at 2:29 pm, Armigerous said:
    Well that sort of thing pretty much blows the left’s ‘chickenhawk’ argument out of the water doesn’t it?

    The “left” as you call them, only refer to those people who cheerlead for war, but never served themselves as “chickenhawks” A serving soldier would never be called that.

  23. #23
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:20 pm, Brian72 said:

    He is right, or course. The surge is working, and the Iraqis are benefiting from it. That is what is happening whether the idiot libs want to hear it or not.

    This is a preview of the Petraeus report in September. This is how the Democrats in Congress will act when the General tells them that our troops are doing great work and making a real difference for ordinary Iraqi families. They won’t pay any attention to any of the good news. They will stick their fingers in their ears, and chant “Bush already lost!” over and over until the end of the CSPAN coverage. Then they will try to be nice to the General off camera. I hope he gives ‘em a Cheney greeting:)

  24. #24
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:24 pm, NeoConNews said:

    The “left” as you call them, only refer to those people who cheerlead for war, but never served themselves as “chickenhawks”

    Do I count as a cheerleader if I have to rent my pompoms instead of buying a pair of my very own?

  25. #25
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:24 pm, Just A Grunt said:

    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:19 pm, Wile E Coyote said
    The “left” as you call them, only refer to those people who cheerlead for war, but never served themselves as “chickenhawks” A serving soldier would never be called that.

    Uh you might want to go read some of the threads on the Beaucamp debacle. The liberals and even some in MSM referred to those who questioned his story as “chickenhawks” while using the word milbloggers in the same sentence. The key part is the mil portion of the word.
    Go check out Blackfive for his response.

  26. #26
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:26 pm, Brian72 said:

    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:19 pm, Wile E Coyote said:

    What do you call someone who hasn’t served themselves, but are “cheerleading” for our troops, whether they happen to be fighting the “wrong war” or not?

    Do you think that supporting our troops in their mission is “cheerleading for war”?

    You are obviously a liberal who wants to undermine this war that our troops are fighting, and I will continue to “cheerlead” for the success of the U.S. military. I don’t care what you call me.

  27. #27
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:27 pm, brentano said:

    Remember, Al Gore ordered his operatives to challenge all military ballots in 2000 when he tried to steal the election.

    Why?

    Answer: he knows the military is disproportionately Republican.

  28. #28
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:31 pm, DesertLover said:

    Wes Clark is a pompous ___ (fill in the blank with your favorite description) …

    I am tired of his being held up as a military expert / hero for sending planes over Bosnia for the U.N. dropping bombs on Kosovo from untold miles away from the theater of operations …

    It doesn’t take a lot of guts to send other people off in armed aircraft over an area where there is little chance of anti-aircraft fire shooting anyone down …

    Boots on the ground gets my respect …

    Not complaining about the USAF and the great job they do and are doing … just feel W.C. and his notoriety are bogus …

    hmmmm … W.C. … I believe that was the downfall of Jack Paar … was it not? …

    well, that’s where Clark’s liberal rantings belong … in the W.C.

  29. #29
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:35 pm, Just A Grunt said:

    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:31 pm, DesertLover

    WC is also what you will find on the door leading to the bathroom in Germany.
    /water closet

  30. #30
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:37 pm, DesertLover said:

    Just A Grunt

    Yep … that was exactly the reference in the joke that Jack Paar told that cost him his job on the Tonight Show … pre-Johnnie Carson … showing my age here … lol … glad someone else got the reference … as I said … that’s where Clark’s comments should be deposited …

  31. #31
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:37 pm, USMCgramma said:

    This makes me furious as does the news a Marine has been convicted of murdering an Iraqi civilian. The Camp Pendleton mess should never have happened while we are at war with insurgents that cannot be identified by a uniform and nobody knows who is armed. Al Zarqwari was taken out on grandson’s tour #1 - my prayer is Al Zarharwi will be taken out on tour #2 that began recently. God bless our brave men and women - they protect our freedom of speech and it should not be denied them. They don’t leak strategic information like the NYTimes does.

  32. #32
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:38 pm, Brian72 said:

    Hey W.E. Cyote, looks like JustAGrunt sent you something, it says A.C.M.E. on it, so be careful……

  33. #33
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:44 pm, walterc said:

    USMCgramma said:This makes me furious as does the news a Marine has been convicted of murdering an Iraqi civilian. The Camp Pendleton mess should never have happened while we are at war with insurgents that cannot be identified by a uniform and nobody knows who is armed. Al Zarqwari was taken out on grandson’s tour #1 - my prayer is Al Zarharwi will be taken out on tour #2 that began recently. God bless our brave men and women - they protect our freedom of speech and it should not be denied them. They don’t leak strategic information like the NYTimes does.

    Amen Gramma. And god bless your marine.

  34. #34
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:46 pm, DubiousD said:

    Wile E… the Left knocks civilian supporters of the war for having never served themselves.

    But… when a soldier says he supports the war, the Left treats him with the same disdain. Therefore, the “chickenhawk” argument is a strawman.

    Moonbat: If you support the war so much, why don’t you go fight in Iraq?

    Soldier: I am fighting in Iraq.

    Moonbat: Awww, shudduppa your face!

  35. #35
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:52 pm, GogglesPisano said:

    With friends like these who needs…Oh wait, I meant to say:
    With radicals like the Kos Convention attendees who needs COINTELPRO?

  36. #36
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:52 pm, gunslingerpatriot said:

    Brentano26-
    Actually al gore was challenging all Florida absentee ballots and sought to disqualify any ballot without the US Postal Service barcode knowing full well that most of the overseas military bases and all of the ships did not have the equipment.
    The sad thing is that I sent my absentee ballot USPS next day delivery with return receipt and didn’t get the return receipt card back.

  37. #37
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 3:56 pm, Snooper said:

    My take as a DAV: if it was OK for John effin Kerry, it is OK for all.

  38. #38
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 4:11 pm, gregorystephens said:

    There seems to be quite a few of my fellow veterans on this blog. That’s pretty cool IMHO.

  39. #39
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 4:11 pm, Brian72 said:

    Haanity is on right now, saying he may just have to rearrange his schedule and head to Chicago this weekend for the KosKonvention! Wouldn’t that be some great T.V.!

    Go get some, Hannity!

  40. #40
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 4:12 pm, gregorystephens said:

    Hannity’s the man!

  41. #41
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 4:45 pm, swj719AWG said:

    He may be the man, but he’ll be attacked if he walks in there.

    Come on, TELL me those nuts would be able to stop themselves…

  42. #42
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 4:49 pm, Brian72 said:

    Like I said, great television. He won’t come unprepared. Man, I would love to see him walk in there, he wouldn’t even have to say a word! Those people would turn into the poo-flinging libmonkeys they really are!

  43. #43
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 4:57 pm, purplepeep said:

    swj719AWG said:
    TELL me those nuts would be able to stop themselves

    But on the other hand, we are talking about girlymen here. Though I suppose some can swing a mean handbag and wouldn’t hesitate to attack Americans. (Look at their hatred for the soldier.)

  44. #44
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:09 pm, swj719AWG said:

    I’m going to cut and paste something that happened to a girl that was engaged to a soldier who died in Iraq earlier this year. Happened just a couple of days ago…

    First, I was driving to the bakery to pick up a birthday cake for my boss, because we’re a cool company like that and we get birthday cake for our bosses… Anyway, I was driving along minding my own business, when a car turned onto the road and was right behind me. Okay, nothing strange yet… I saw him reading my back window (Which I forgot to take a picture of so you can see… I will soon though.) which reads:

    My Soldier, My Love, My Hero
    [name of soldier here]
    Killed in Action 08 Feb 07
    Land of the free, Because of my brave
    .
    .
    .
    And then he got right up next to me, flipped me off and screamed
    “F*** YOU AND YOUR F***ING SOLDIER!!!”

    These people disgust me on so many levels…

    I’d love to join Mr Hannity if he goes to Kos… MM, do let him know I’m available to take pictures if he’d like…

  45. #45
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:09 pm, Rusty said:

    I love the Kos link. If this actually happened at YearlyKos, I can’t think of a worse way to handle it. Man up and stand up for what you believe in, libs!

  46. #46
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:15 pm, Pickle said:

    Don’t question their patriotism!

    They support the troops! Just not the war!

    Blahblahblahblah…

  47. #47
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm, purplepeep said:

    swj719AWG said:
    I’m going to cut and paste something that happened to a girl that was engaged to a soldier who died in Iraq earlier this year. Happened just a couple of days ago…

    I did a quick googling to make sure that wasn’t one from one of those anonymous “pass this along” emails.

    By way of attribution, here’s the blog from whence the quote is derived.

    Cool, Calm & Collected

    The jerk is lucky there wasn’t a man around to pound him senseless, though it sounds like the lass was quite willing to do the job! God bless her - and her brave soldier’s soul.

  48. #48
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:27 pm, swj719AWG said:

    As I said on her blog…

    Not enough cops in her town to pull me off that jerk.

    Normally, what he said would have just pissed me off, but saying that after you know that “effing” soldier has died?

    Yeah. Total pile of crap.

    Bet he thinks he’s a real american too. Tough guy yelling that at a young gal.

    Sorry. Steam shooting out of the ears. Time to go.

  49. #49
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:39 pm, purplepeep said:

    swj719AWG said:
    As I said on her blog…Not enough cops in her town to pull me off that jerk.

    I’d venture if the police heard what he’d said they’d have to call backup to pull them off the jerk’s sorry rear. I mean, good people anywhere would line up around the block to kick his disgusting a$$.

    I’d like to see him try that line on one of our military personnel in a situation where he couldn’t run. (Though maybe he was just in a hurry on his way to make it to “yKos.”)

  50. #50
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:41 pm, collinb said:

    The soldier should be free to speak.
    It was not a matter of endorsing either legislation or a candidate, or the war effort.
    If Wes Clark and YKos want to strong-arm … I say let them … and expose them for all they do.
    Exposing the lack of chracter of the Left is one of our best offensive tools.

    Collin
    http://evangelicalperspective.blogspot.com

  51. #51
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:59 pm, doriangrey said:

    On August 3rd, 2007 at 5:27 pm, swj719AWG said:

    Not enough cops in her town to pull me off that jerk.

    If that had happened where I live not only would you have had to stand in line to kick his ass, but you would have been standing in line behind the Sheriff’s here.

  52. #52
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 6:25 pm, RhymesWithRight said:

    You guys have to realize that, in recent weeks, Kos diarists have called soldiers moral retards and idiots. Unless they desert or murder their commanders, they have no moral authority in the eyes of the KOSsacks.

  53. #53
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 6:28 pm, JDPendry said:

    Soldiers may wear their uniforms to events such as this and ask questions, if allowed, just as any American may. What they cannot do in uniform is political campaigning or partipation in protests.

  54. #54
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 6:39 pm, CommentGuy said:

    I just want to know , how did anyone in Military uniform get into the Kos Kids kiss butt.

    Sounds bogus to me.

  55. #55
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 6:46 pm, purplepeep said:

    I was going to watch the video a LGF but it seems as if a lotta other peeps had the same notion. Looks like their server is a bit busy ( unless it’s just me).

  56. #56
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 6:48 pm, Yashmak said:

    Not just you. . .I haven’t been able to get on LGF for an hour or two.

  57. #57
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 6:49 pm, purplepeep said:

    Yashmak said:
    Not just you. . .I haven’t been able to get on LGF for an hour or two.

    Thanks for that heads up.

  58. #58
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 6:51 pm, purplepeep said:

    Maybe a copy of the video can be cross-posted to YouTube or the like for wider public distribution & viewing?

  59. #59
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 7:02 pm, CommentGuy said:

    Call me cynical, but for an active duty person to sit there through a Kos Kid session and hold their water until the end just doesn’t smell right.

    It may have happened, but what’s the odds.

    I smell potted plant to play a game.

    I may be wrong, but it just doesn’t seem right.

  60. #60
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 7:11 pm, purplepeep said:

    Saw the video - Kos edited out most (if not all)of what the soldier said; Kos went completely 1984, censoring the audio to non-existence.

    Kos’ deletion of the audio makes it even more damning.

  61. #61
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 7:14 pm, purplepeep said:

    CommentGuy said:
    I may be wrong, but it just doesn’t seem right.

    The Kos thugs aren’t the sharpest pencils in the box, but I suspect even they aren’t stupid enough to do a setup in uniform such as this.

    So, yes, I’d call ya cynical :)

  62. #62
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm, blacktygrrrr said:

    Why are we turning up the pressure now? It would make more sense to wait until the convention is over, rather than give any of the kids running for the democratic nomination a chance to back out and save face.

    I hope Simon Wiesenthal is sending his minions to this conference…perhaps we can catch a few more.

    No, they are not all hatemongers, but enough of them are for this to be an issue. I say let them speak loudly, and let the videotapes be replayed in every RNC commercial until 2009.

    http://blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/us-liberals-and-palestinian-terrorists-different-means-same-end/

    http://blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com/2007/06/24/liberals-palestinians-and-other-warm-fuzzy-moonbats/

    Respectfully,

    eric

  63. #63
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 7:51 pm, zorro said:

    Wesley Clark is such a weenie. And that punk calling out our Sgt. in uniform… well, I’ll remain civil (for now).

  64. #64
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 8:13 pm, bear1909 said:

    Prediction 08:

    The Bolsheviks of America will be the ruin of the Democratic Party.

    I am having a good time watching it happen.

    Cindy SheBiscuit
    Medea Benjamin and Code Stink
    Daily Kos
    HoHo Dean
    The Editors at TNR
    The Editors at NYT
    ACORN
    …and hundreds more

    These folks are way out of touch with what many many Americans believe and how we vote.

    We can stop Hillary and Obama in their tracks because there *are* so many of us who don’t trust who either of these two will let into the house once they are elected.

    But I’m less interested in the uninformed getting the smoking gun proof that the Bolshevik left and their people are nuts and cannot be trusted. That will take too long.

    It will be faster if Pelosi and Co. just throw them under the bus to distance themselve, alienate them in the process, and force the Bolsheviks to vote for someone other than the DNC’s candidate in November 08.

    Aikido politics work. Let them come crashing by with all their “outrage” and “caring”. Watch the whole circus go out a plate glass window to their demise.

    Don’t get me wrong. We must be organized and work hard wherever we are. But don’t do any unnecessary heavy lifting.

    Let our opponents get up their “steam” and watch them boil away.

  65. #65
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 8:57 pm, iamsaved said:

    Wesley Clark is to the military what Jesse Jackson is to the cause of Martin Luther King.

  66. #66
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 10:22 pm, Terri said:

    Vote Vets is not what they appear to be on their web site. First, they are sanctioned by Kos. That should tell you most of what you need to know. They are not soldier friendly. I’ll bet this poor guy thought he was with a vet friendly group and quickly found out otherwise.

    Vote Vets takes the anti war side in debates on Fox against pro-war recent vets. I’ve seen them on Fox and Friends.

  67. #67
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 10:25 pm, swj719AWG said:

    They appologized, sure… But they want a re-vote…

    I say screw that…

  68. #68
    On August 3rd, 2007 at 11:14 pm, TheBigOldDog said:

    The House debacle, unprecedented in US history, will come back to haunt them. Look at what they are willing cheat to protect: Federal money for illegal aliens. Good luck explaining that to the American people. If there is a person left in the RNC with an IQ above 50, they better pound this story home non-stop. If they are asked if the sky is blue, they better reply that Dems are willing to reverse legal votes in order to give money to illegal aliens.

  69. #69
    On August 4th, 2007 at 1:16 am, puhiawa said:

    The Dems have turned themselves over to dangerous, cowardly, kids and corrupt nitwits. The GOP is made up of fat idiots that want to sell out our borders and nation to the highest bidder. The President has a PR team made up of of Mexicans. We are in trouble.

  70. #70
    On August 4th, 2007 at 2:21 am, Perk said:

    Wesley Clark was known for his inability to make a decision, most of the decisions with the Bosnian campaign were made while he was absent. He garnered the credit, but his second made all of those decisive decisions, not Wes. His staff hated him. He took all credit, and if there was a mistake, it was their fault. He was the epitome of a poor leader. It is a joke to use him as a military expert by the MSM and Fox. He is a political animal, totally.

  71. #71
    On August 4th, 2007 at 7:44 am, walleyworld said:

    I would think if a solider on the battle field can question his commanders orders he has the right to question the loony tunes at the Yearlykos convention… Uniform or not…

  72. #72
    On August 4th, 2007 at 7:52 am, walleyworld said:
  73. #73
    On August 4th, 2007 at 8:42 am, ArmywifeArmymom said:

    I could understand upset if this soldier stood up to endorse a candidate in uniform — or was telling people how to vote on a certain measure. That would certainly be political. It sounds to me as if he was simply trying to explain and defend military maneuvers and operations by giving a first hand account of how the surge is going. Since when is a soldier not allowed to talk about his work? It is only deemed as “political speak” because he was defending the war instead of bashing it. Furthermore we all know exactly what would have happened if he had stood to bash the war… he would have been greeted, allowed to say what he pleased, and then given a glass of kool-aid at the end.

  74. #74
    On August 4th, 2007 at 9:40 am, Dasher said:

    Nobody seemed to complain a few years ago when Sec of Defense Don Rumsfeld was in Baghdad and soldiers asked tough questions of him.

  75. #75
    On August 4th, 2007 at 9:51 am, abinitioadinfinitum said:

    This is so much like Middle East Propaganda. If you don’t agree with them, THEY silence you. This should not happen in America.

  76. #76
    On August 4th, 2007 at 10:43 am, Bicyea said:

    He demanded the questioner give his name, the name of his commander, and the name of his unit.

    Typical demanding. This soldier should have said, “With all do respect sir, you are not my superior and I don’t have to give you dick”!!

  77. #77
    On August 4th, 2007 at 11:12 am, The Raging Republican said:

    Who is surprised? Anyone? Anyone?

    Sadly, I’m never surprised by the ‘Hate America’ crowd anymore.

    George Patton’s View on the War on Terror and our current Dem led Congress.

  78. #78
    On August 4th, 2007 at 11:23 am, Sergeant Tim said:

    You ALL ARE MISSING SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT. “Captain” Jon Soltz was either a captain or no captain of anything while angrily attempting to intimidate that off-screen Army Sergeant. His status while attending the Daily Kos convention is very much worth exploring.

    If Jon Stolz is a US Army Reserves officer on active duty for training, I venture that he is the one in trouble. You see, he called himself an Army Captain and he may have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), for ‘Conduct Unbecoming of a Commissioned Officer,’ for the political statements he made while on active duty as our military is responsible for such statements whether in or out of uniform. Conversely, if he is not on active duty for training or had previously resigned his commission, he has absolutely NO authority over that Army Sergeant and said Sergeant was not required to answer any of his questions of follow his orders.

    One more point about Jon Stoltz. If he is not currently on active duty or has resigned his commission, he may have violated federal law just by purporting to that Sergeant that he was a Captain in the Army and had authority over him. Officers receive their commissions from the President and I believe impersonating a federal official is a federal offense. The legal types here and at the MilBlogs ought to do a lot more snooping about Captain or Mister Jon Soltz.

    BTW. There is a reason for ‘Sergeant’ by my name; I retired a Sergeant First Class. I am not subject to the UCMJ yet Jon Soltz’ military status or his alleging to have status makes ought to bring either a military or federal investigation down on his sorry butt.

  79. #79
    On August 4th, 2007 at 11:35 am, Kevlaur said:

    The latter posts have hit the nail on the head (I’m glad someone posted the UCMJ articles… I was looking for them yesterday at lunch but had to run back to work). You can not advocate while in uniform that the gov’t, or your service, endorses whatever is being ‘pushed.’ Be that a product, or a political candidate. I’m thinking that Sgt Tim has it down. The so-called Capt has some explaining to do. If he were ANY kind of leader, he would have allowed the question to be answered and later on politely talked with the soldier about what he felt was wrong about him wearing his uniform to the event; which is not particularly ‘wrong’ in an of itself.

    Kevlaur
    18 yrs, 11 month, AD USAF.

  80. #80
    On August 4th, 2007 at 1:18 pm, ArmywifeArmymom said:

    Excellent point Sergeant Tim! Now where can we file a complaint, or who needs to see the video?

  81. #81
    On August 4th, 2007 at 1:32 pm, coffee260 said:

    So it’s ok for the moderator, who happens to be an officer puke (just kidding Sirs and Mams) to pull rank on the good Sgt because he doesn’t like what he’s saying but it’s not ok for the Sgt to wear his BDU’s to an open forum? Besides, the George Soros funded moderator is SOoooo political it’s not even funny.

  82. #82
    On August 4th, 2007 at 1:57 pm, iowavette said:

    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!!! A DailyKos link. Excuse me while a quick Clorox dip is arranged.

  83. #83
    On August 4th, 2007 at 2:47 pm, 29Victor said:

    Excellent point Sergeant Tim.

    For someone who seems obsessed about a soldier voicing his political opinion in uniform, Cap’n Soltz sure likes to remind people of his military status.

    He seemed to be attempting to act in a military capacity to effect a political discussion while scolding a military man for discussing politics.

  84. #84
    On August 4th, 2007 at 3:06 pm, 29Victor said:

    The more I think about it, the more I realize how important it is to the lefties to shut the military up.

    A large part of the left’s anti-war shtick is that they care so much for the troops and that they are, in fact, advocating for them.

    They know that active duty military personnel have certain restraints place upon them regarding political speech, in fact, they count on it. The left knows that they can say whatever they want about the wants/needs of the military and that soldiers, for the most part, aren’t going to stand up and refute them. And when a soldier stands up and does just that, they try to intimidate him and push him around.

    I wonder if this “captain” got this upset about Fauxchamp and the lies he got published in TNR. I wonder if he called up Fauxchamp and ordered him to “stand down.” Somehow I doubt it.

  85. #85
    On August 4th, 2007 at 3:14 pm, swj719AWG said:

    Fauxchamp

    Oh I do like that…

  86. #86
    On August 4th, 2007 at 3:38 pm, Sergeant Tim said:

    Dear ArmyWifeArmyMom (#80 above):

    Thank you and your family for their service.

    No need to complain; if Soltz is still in or was on active duty, his bosses have seen or will soon see the video.

    Imagine the Company Commander and First Sergeant receiving word about their Sergeant wearing a uniform to the event from Jon Soltz. While they know the UCMJ, they also know that Sergeant and it is their call as to what action to take. We had counselling statements to both correct bad behavior and steer good troops to better behavior. Jon Soltz acts like they are going to come down on that Sergeant yet he is the soldier that CO and 1SG will go to war with next time. Who will they take care of now, a courageous Sergeant or a loud-mouthed Captain (maybe) in the Daily Kos’ camp bad-mouthing their country?

  87. #87
    On August 4th, 2007 at 3:51 pm, twoninerkilo said:

    Wes Clark; how in hell did he get four stars? Must have done some serious a$$ kissing in Congress

  88. #88
    On August 4th, 2007 at 3:57 pm, Myra Langerhas said:

    Saw this post from a milblogger:

    The fact is, CPT Soltz, who told the SGT to “stand down” and tactily threatened him with UCMJ action, wouldn’t know if the question were political or not until it had been asked. Instead, he sat up on his stage and used his commission to bully prior restraint on a Soldier.

    And even if the question were political, that is not “engaging in politics, which has generally been interpreted to mean running for office or campaigning. Attending a political event is not included and if it were, the CPT would have been setting the SGT up for failure by not turning him out when he first showed up at the event.

    The CPT is welcome to come have a “CPT to SGT” talk with me anytime he likes. If the SGT here didn’t teach him what a real NCO is like, I think I can manage.

    He’s out of line and is misusing the regs for his own political purposes.

    The CPT is a partisan hack using his military service as a shield from criticism. Period.

    Funny, while any ACLU lawyer wets their pants at the suggestion of ‘prior restraint of speech’, CAIR and Kos seem to wholly embrace it.

  89. #89
    On August 4th, 2007 at 4:02 pm, 29Victor said:

    @Myra Langerhas

    Excellent points. Thanks for the quote.

  90. #90
    On August 4th, 2007 at 4:12 pm, 29Victor said:

    Jon Soltz in uniform, pushing an political opinion. Hypocrisy, thy name is Soltz. Soltz, I’m witholding the names I want to call you because I don’t want Michelle to ban me.

    BTW, he’s a vet, meaning that he had no authority to command the sergeant further meaning that he was just another leftie wanker yelling at a soldier.

  91. #91
    On August 4th, 2007 at 5:37 pm, gunslingerpatriot said:

    The sad thing about this whole episode is that the left claims that they support the troops, that they have served the military with distinction (aka 3 ph, and out of Nam in 90 days), and that people are supposed to be in awe of them.
    Fortunately the conservative vets know that their service is respected by most of the country without a backhanded slap coming from the left. Sadly most of the left isn’t worthy enough to shine the boots of a vet, muchless understand the pain we have gone through.
    My only fear is not that we are going to lose Iraq, but that this group of vets will be denied their rightful place in history and be denied the honor due them because of the left, and the msm.
    Sadly it took over 20 years for Vietnam vets to even begin to get their honor back after it was destroyed by the likes of Kerry, Clark, and Cronkite.

    “Dhimitude or Freedom-Your Choice!”

  92. #92
    On August 4th, 2007 at 8:08 pm, Vatar said:

    If the soldier was wrong for participating in political activities in uniform, then VoteVets is equally wrong for doing the same thing as a 501(c)(4) organization.

  93. #93
    On August 4th, 2007 at 8:44 pm, ArmywifeArmymom said:

    The thanks goes both ways Sergeant Tim. Thank you too for your service!

    Once again, good point. I am sure that the clip of this incident is making the rounds and being viewed by those who need to see it.

  94. #94
    On August 5th, 2007 at 4:25 pm, Kevlaur said:
  95. #95
    On August 5th, 2007 at 4:26 pm, Kevlaur said:

    Ah… ooops. I made the AR the link.

    Kevlaur

  96. #96
    On August 5th, 2007 at 11:41 pm, Vatar said:

    AR 670-1 Chapter 30-2
    Army National Guard and USAR personnel are authorized to wear the Army uniform on the following occasions.
    … (4) When attending social functions or informal gatherings of a military character.

    Wouldn’t a panel called “The Military and Progressives: Are They That Different?” be considered a social function of a military character?

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