Posted on 08/30/2005 12:49:23 PM PDT by InvisibleChurch
Newsweek Reporter Asked to Apologize for 'Mercenary Army' Comment By Susan Jones CNSNews.com Senior Editor August 30, 2005
(CNSNews.com) - A group that supports the U.S. military is demanding an apology from Newsweek magazine's Eleanor Clift, who recently characterized America's armed forces as a "mercenary Army."
Her comments -- made this past weekend on the syndicated TV program "The McLaughlin Group" -- were "unfounded and grossly inappropriate," said the Freedom Alliance.
In an Aug. 30 letter to Clift, Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon asked her to retract her comment and apologize to the armed forces and their families.
Clift made the comment during a discussion about military recruiting efforts:
"But I think what we're coming to grips with is the fact that we actually have a mercenary Army," Clift said, according to a transcript of "The McLaughlin Group" program.
"And it doesn't have a nice ring to it. We call it 'volunteers,' but we're basically paying people to serve their country. And if you're going to pay people and have a mercenary Army, you're going to have to pay the market rate. And so the bounties are going up -- more money for tuition, higher enlistment bonuses -- and I think it's appropriate."
The Freedom Alliance said it is "wholly inappropriate" to describe America's military men and women as mercenaries.
"It is a vile and thankless description of those who are responsible for defending your life and right to free expression," Kilgannon wrote in the letter.
"A professional wordsmith such as yourself should understand that mercenary troops have no loyalties, no ties and no bonds to any nation. They fight not for duty, flag or country but for selfish gain. They have no regard for political ideology and no respect for national interests. Often, at the first sign of resistance, mercenary troops turn and run."
Those qualities do not describe U.S. troops, Kilgannon said, adding that Clift should "be ashamed of yourself for suggesting otherwise."
Kilgannon suggests that during her next appearance on "The McLaughlin Group," Clift should apologize - and retract her description of U.S. troops as "mercenaries."
"You may also want to search your heart for a little more consideration for those who keep this nation strong and free," Kilgannon writes.
The Freedom Alliance, founded in 1990 by Lt. Col. Oliver North, describes its mission as advancing the American heritage of freedom by honoring and encouraging military service, defending the sovereignty of the United States and promoting a strong national defense.
It also exposes anti-military bias in the media.
They may get paid, but they sure don't get paid enough compared to the sacrifices they make. People do not volunteer for this low-paying job without an absolute devotion to their country. The U. S. Armed Forces are the best and Eleanor should be ashamed of herself for making such a comment.
Eleanor, smealanor
nasty little eleanaor.
Here are a couple of other useful email addresses:
Eleanor's email: eclift@newsweek.com
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Ombudsmen
[comment page]: http://www.cpb.org/ombudsmen/
You may also want to contact your local PBS affiliate online.
This hag never gives up
Yes, like mercenary doctors, mercenary nurses, mercenary firefighters, mercenary police officers, etc. Eleanor Clift has always been an idiot.
Blech! Did you have to include her picture? (at least it was her good side. <;)
I used to be a loyal viewer of the McLaughlin Group (which included Eleanor Clift with the DNC talking points). The Clinton impeachment turned me off the program. Eleanor always seemed jealous of not being in Monica's position, and started becoming increasingly irrational. (If that's possible).
I saw Ellie on some Fox show a while back. She was clearly not happy. The expression on her face & her demeanor reminded me of a black standard poodle named `Jet' (three legs: lost one chasing cars) back in Georgia way back when.
Poor 'Jet' was straining, really having some trouble trying to pass a peach-pit. It had a happy ending, and we did not see him eating any more peaches, and I have not seen Ellie on Fox since.
remember in 2000, when Marhgaret Carlson said something like "the military all lived in Florida because they didn't want to pay state income taxes."...anyone have the exact quote..I recall it caused a huge stink.
I don't recall that, but it doesn't surprise me.
Newsweak is owned and operated by the WaPo Co. Cliff is employed by them. What do expect from the WaPo about the military or Bush? I'd be amazed if they took any other position.
Skeletor is at it again.
That harpy doesn't have a charitable bone in her body when it comes to trashing the Armed Forces, our British allies or anyone else whose loyalty lies with the United States as opposed to her role model Karl Marx.
Can anyone tell me if perhaps she was referring to the large number of private contractors fighting/doing work over there like haliburton, blackwater, etc? If she was that would make a little more sense, if not she should be ashamed.
Which one is Clift? The one on the right does not have a long enough beard.
Kick the witch off the air.
She also said that Pat Robertson and Hugo Chavez should have a duel and maybe both would be gone...or words that implied that.
She should apologize, and then get kicked off the air.
How about we have a CONSCRIPT army? Yea, that's got a nice ring to it.
Margaret Carlson is plenty ugly too.
" but we're basically paying people to serve their country..."
For decades, Eleanor has been receiving a weekly check to serve enemies of her country, so what does that make her?
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