The L.A. Times doesn't understand those ribbons don't come as cheaply as, say, Pulitzer Prizes or Nobel Peace Prizes. 

When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.

Effite fashion writer, no doubt.

I wonder how hard General Petraeus laughed, if he saw this.

Serious sublimely absurd stupidity. Of course, that's just my sartorial opinion.  

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

No education requirements, computer use is optional, you must complete a course called "How to get paid for subjective opinions and liberal political understanding while making yourself appear to be clinically brain dead in print".

He must watch a lot of "Brain Dead Brian" Williams.

On the other hand, he has done very well for a 3rd grade drop out.

If I had to guess, what really bothers DeBord is that Patraeus wears his uniform with pride, his rank and ribbons earned through a lifetime of honorable service to America.

"...the time-honored military virtues of humility, duty and personal reserve."

Virtues DeBord can only demean in snarky fashion.

Give him a break, he's probably got a collection of old typewriter ribbon's, along with some Pabst Blue Ribbon's, so take that Petraeus, plus..........he's a reporter G-Dammit ! 

 "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "

                   - Ben Kenobi on  Liberals, and the MSM.

                               " The Cake is a lie."   

Matthew DeBord, a former editor at Wine Spectator, is the author of The New York Book of Wine (Universe) and the forthcoming Wine Country USA (Rizzoli).  (http://www.thenation.com/directory/bios/matthew_debord)

Wine guy making fashion tips for a military man?

You're waaay out of your league Mr. DeBord.

RRAM Tough! 

"Petraeus' ribbon creep"

I'd say DeBord is the ribbon creep.

Yet if he were wearing a baby diaper and body glitter- which is oh so common in Pelosi's San Francisco Parades...... he would be called "brave".

 Freaks....the lot of em

"Thank God I am young enough, that I shall see all the 60's Anti American, leftist,freak,dope smoking, flag burning hippies all croak - overtaken by the Reagan babies.......soon"

I can't find anything positive about DeBord. Haven't found any record of his education, 'cept he wrote about art, wine, and other have critized him for being a weenie. Such is life.

On the other hand, Petraeus, received a BS from West Point, has Masters in Public & International Affairs, and follows that with a PhD in International Relations.

DeBord also needs to understand that ALL those medals and ribbons were EARNED. Can little mattie say he earned anything, other than the ability to sniff corks? He needs to remember that his ability to roam the vinyards of the world, are due to the protection that Petraeus affords him.

I'd rather talk to a MAN who has ribbons on his chest, than a little guy with wine stains on his tie. 

There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V

Ribbons and awards are considered part of the uniform and required to be worn. It's no wonder America is falling through the crack of communism. Even the self proclaimed left wing democrat elitest don't know one thing about the country or it's history.  To think, we have retards reporting what passes for news. Anyone have that nuts email, i'll send him one he won't like.

22 year military vet.

15 year volunteer fire rescue and still at it.

Old, Retired and glad of it.

Not ALL women love a man in uniform!

There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V

How can any man that still stands up to pee allow himself to be called a democrat much less openly support them?

Old, Retired and glad of it.

For the Military Guy

Coming soon in ABC's new spring lineup.

 I didn't tolerate hippies spitting on my uniform 40 years ago and I certainly won't put up from liberal coward now.

Patraeus wore his dress uniform as required by regulations. To do otherwise would have been a dishonor to himself, the Army and Congress. Most military understand that the medals and ribons that you are awarded are in most part because of your fellow servicemen and women and it is in THEIR honor that you wear the awards, not for your own ego.

DeBord is apparently so narssisistic that he can't imagine anyone else thinking any differently than he himself would. Most people reading this tripe would, I hope, end it with pitifull laughter at DeBord for even conceiving it, let alone writing it. It's also amazing that the editor allowed such a stupid and vapid article to be published at all.

The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.

This is absolutely disgusting.  DeBord is a no-class fool.  I hesitate to label anyone as trash, but DeBord certainly has earned it.

Memo to DeBord: When a member of the military is testifying about military matters to Congress, he or she is performing official military duties and must wear the proper Uniform while performing said duties. In the case of Dress Uniforms, this includes the proper display of all medals and ribbons to which the recipient has been officially awarded. Failure to do so as prescribe is a violation of military regulations and could cause the person in question to face punishment.

In other words, you don't just slap medals, ribbons, and rank and unit insignia on your Uniform because you think they look cute or are trying to impress, you do so because you are required to wear them in accordance to military regulations. It's an official dress code and anyone who fails to follow that code can face punishment that can include Courts-Martial and dismissal from service.

I was a member of the military and I can tell you firsthand that following proper Uniform regulations is VERY important and is highly inforced. I once failed an inspection because I had my rank improperly positioned on my BDU's. After facing a rather humiliating verbal battering by my Platoon Sergeant, and having to perform four hours of "policing" duties (that’s picking up trash to you non-military types), I learned very quickly how important it is to properly follow military dress code, as it is will all military codes and regulations.

I have to wonder how DeBord would have reacted if the General FAILED to wear the required Uniform while testifying? I doubt he'd have anything kind to say about that.

Yes, these same imbeciles who would deny Gen. Petreaus his properly-earned ribbons would also...

- Heap unearned respect on that ludicrously decorated, strangely embittered, immensely self-absorbed, incredibly rude, self-indulgent, pathetic old bat Elton John by referring to "him" as "Sir"

- Lather that cheap, crusty cabaret singer Barbra Streisand in praise for Oscar and Grammy awards (as if those don't count as "flair" at Chotchkie's) 

- Endorse the unbelieveable adornments that that shyster creep John Edwards and his bloated partner-in-kind Al Gore heap upon themselves...whether they be $400 haircuts, 28,000 sq. ft. homes or Gulf Stream jets (I've got no problem with their spending of their own money as they see fit, but don't lecture the rest of us)

- Fall all over themselves on the red carpet just to get the chance to ask such "important" people as Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johannsen and Ben Affleck "who" they are wearing 

- Marvel at the fact that some Hollywood starlet has to hire bodyguards to ensure the gaudy jewel-encrusted Tiffany bracelet or necklace she borrowed isn't stolen or damaged at a self-congratulatory awards show

Yeah, Gen. Petreaus should be really bothered by what this clown has to say.  If I were Gen. Petreaus, I'd respond as Michael Bolton in Office Space did..."Why should I change?  He's the one who sucks."