Posted on 10/26/2012 11:53:54 PM PDT by John Semmens
US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta explained that the US military commander for Africa, General Carter Ham, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, and himself all decided against any intervention to rescue those besieged because we lacked a clear picture of what was happening.
Panetta admitted that while the drone surveillance did give us a real-time view of events on the ground, there were still some unanswered questions. First, we couldn't be sure how many attackers were involved. Was it 50, 100? Without knowing this we couldn't be sure how many reinforcements to send.
Second, the pictures from the drone couldn't clearly establish the intent of the attackers, Panetta continued. We had no way of knowing they would actually kill the Ambassador. Maybe if those under attack had simply surrendered they would have been taken alive. We couldn't risk negating this potential option.
There was always the chance that an attempt to rescue the Ambassador might make things worse, Panetta added. As it now stands, only four Americans were killed. If we had sent in troops there likely would've been more casualties on both sides. By declining to charge in we at least have no Libyan blood on our hands.
The Secretary brushed off reports that those under attack were desperately pleading for help. It's to be expected that persons in their position would have a rather narrow perspective of the situation, he said. It's hard to appreciate the bigger picture when you're in fear for your life. Those of us with broader responsibilities must maintain a calmer demeanor and balance the costs and benefits of escalating the confrontation.
if you missed any of this week's other semi-news posts you can find them at...
http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Opinion/121509-2012-10-26-semi-news-a-satire-of-recent-news-october-28-2012.htm
My favorite bites:
- “First, we couldn’t be sure how many attackers were involved. Was it 50, 100? Without knowing this we couldn’t be sure how many reinforcements to send.
- “Maybe if those under attack had simply surrendered they would have been taken alive. We couldn’t risk negating this potential option.
- “If we had sent in troops there likely would’ve been more casualties on both sides. By declining to charge in we at least have no Libyan blood on our hands.
- It’s hard to appreciate the bigger picture when you’re in fear for your life. Those of us with broader responsibilities must maintain a calmer demeanor and balance the costs and benefits of escalating the confrontation.
John, you did something deeper/wider with this “article”. I read it and laughed out loud. Others read it and wrote the serious comments above. Thanks for your effort.
Jonathan Swift received much of the same criticism for his satire...and it wasn’t because he chose noncontroversial, amusing subject matter. The pointed criticism in this piece is directed at the dithering incompetence and political considerations that cost the four lives. It should be roundly criticized, mocked, assailed and attacked in every way. IMHO, not doing so would be a disservice to those who died.
WOW John! THAT one hits on the mark. THAT’s precisely the attitude of Leftist’s as we’ve seen before. Thinking back on “Collateral damage”, “Death Panels”, and the like. These asshats of the Left haven’t any respect for yours, nor my life whatsoever, but I’d sure like to see one of them when they have to face the business end whimpering, and pleading of an enemy weapon themselves.
Hopefully we’ll see them whimpering, and pleading in court one of these days.
“Have we reached the point where no one can any longer recognize satire?”
Apparently so because the inmates now run the asylum.
Moreover, Obama wants to make it perfectly clear that he did not in theory officially request the denial of a virtual authorization for a proposed rescue mission by operatives whose potential existence cannot be confirmed for reasons of national security.
You put “satire” right at the beginning and you’re still fooling people. Excellent
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