Posted on 01/21/2010 9:04:32 PM PST by Free ThinkerNY
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. General David Petraeus said on Thursday it was "disturbing" that a manufacturer had embossed biblical citations on rifle scopes sent to Afghanistan and Iraq, and the firm announced it would voluntarily halt the practice.
"This is a big concern to the Army and the Marine Corps, who have contracted for these particular sites," said Petraeus, the head of U.S. Central Command, noting the religious sensitivities American forces face in the two Muslim countries.
"This is of serious concern to me and to the other commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan because, indeed, it conveys a perception that is absolutely contrary to what it is that we have sought to do," Petraeus told a forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
"It is disturbing to us, frankly, that this was done," he added.
President Barack Obama has sought to convince the Muslim world that the U.S. fight against al Qaeda militants should not be viewed as a war against Islam.
Former President George W. Bush heightened those concerns shortly after the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington when he referred to his war on terrorism as a "crusade," a remark critics warned raised images of Christian knights attacking Muslim cities during the Middle Ages.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Fine, if they don’t like them, I’ll take them all. After all, my tax money helped pay for them and I have NO problem with a biblical inscription on my hardware.
Sometimes, being a moron must be mandatory for public service.
most definitely...
We have PCd ourselves into silliness. It’s not that I do not respect the general or have the highest regard for our troops. In fact, because the general has such a high profile, why doesn’t he just say NOTHING. That’s a loud enough message that says we’ve had enough PC, let’s get on with the real job of killing terrorists.
But can't find a buckle, a gun, a saber or any other regular issue item with a religious inscription or design.
I'm thinking some of the states made have produced such material during the Civil War but have come up empty.
Anyone know of any instances?
These scopes might be quite the collectable....
You know, I think you're right. This would have been a much better thing to say. I just get frustrated when people bust on our military leaders.
Kit
I’m not saying my fellow FReepers are in the moveon camp. My comparison was a little over the top. My apologies for that.
Having worked for ‘Big Dave’ on more than one occasion, I was trying to defend his decision because he is a good man with good judgement and a good leader.
I’ll tell you that what he says in situations like this doesn’t affect the morale of the troops. At least not mine. What you say about his boss’ boss’ boss (CJCS/SECDEF/the Pres_ _ ent) is correct.
If you’d like me to establish my military bona fides:
Kuwait - 2002
Iraq - 2003
Afghanistan - 2006
Iraq - 2008/2009
USA - 1985-Present
I think I’m in good shape to comment on these matters. ;)
Kindest FRegards,
Kit
‘Nothing’ would have been good, but I like exit82’s idea in post #52...
Get off Petreus’ case.
He says things to protect his men. He is politically savy to get his goals accomplished. Big whoop if he says “outloud’ he is surprised or upset. So f...g what? His heart and head has always been in the right place, its not easy to have a military that has to be able to work with Congress.
Petreus is not there to shoot off his mouth gung ho...he is there to win a war,keep the political loonies at bay and get funding for his war and troops.
The word you're looking for is sights, Reuters morons.
I find Petraeus’ disturbance disturbing.
"An army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team.
This individuality stuff is a bunch of bull***t."
"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
"Watch what people are cynical about, and one can often discover what they lack."
"There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."
"I dont give a damn about the color of your skin, just kill as many sons of bitches wearing green as you can."
"Better to fight for something than live for nothing."
"You need to overcome the tug of people against you as you reach for high goals."
Sometimes I doubt if Western Civilization has the spiritual strength-(I don’t mean the Old Time Religion)-to mount a crusade. As a case in point I offer this General’s remarks. Lord! What a bunch of non-entities!
I appreciate your being up front about your service with the General. I appreciate his service and have been quite impressed with his public appearances and a majority of his statements as reported in the media. Of course you have a better knowledge of the man, which allows you to judge his character.
I accept your judgment. Of course, you can see how those of us who don't have that personal knowledge, could take the words he spoke, in this time when political correctness from the top down is once again tying the hands of our military, and wish he hadn't made that big of an issue, publicly about the embedded references of Biblical verses.
Thank you again for your service and the kindly reply!
Greg Adams
Brownsville, TX
He’s not obliged to say diddly about anything, particularly on a media-made politicized item. This whole thing was a non-item until ABC got their panties in a bunch. If anything, it should be “No Comment”.
Like anyone else who missteps when they speak, they get to take the heat for it.
I suggest you actually try to read the postings to see whether they are really an “attack”.
I like it too.
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