ABC's Bill Weir interviewed the Gen. Petraeus as part of a Good Morning America special today marking the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq. The opening segment focused almost exclusively on the costs of the war. Some producer had apparently calculated that the war has cost 19 times the annual budget of Los Angeles. Who knew? But a subsequent segment did highlight some of the progress that has been made, notably in terms of former insurgents now come over to the multi-lateral side. Then came the Petraeus interview, which ended with this exchange.
BILL WEIR: You serve at the pleasure of the president. If our new president, a year from now, says general, I want out of here in a year. What do you say? Is that even feasible?This could be shaping up as a key issue in the presidential campaign. My two cents say a winning campaign theme would not be: "vote Dem: I'll ignore David Petraeus's advice and replace him!"Story Continues Below Ad ↓
DAVID PETRAEUS: Well I think you have to look at what the conditions on the ground are at that time, obviously, and then offer your best professional military advice. And we always have the option of allowing them to pick someone else for his or her best professional military advice. As I told congress back in the confirmation process in January of 2007, that if at any time someone wanted someone else's best professional military advice, I'd be happy to allow that to happen. I am also coming up on three-and-a-half years in Iraq on top of a year in Bosnia, so my family would be, would not be disappointed I don't think if, you know, Dad were to come home --
WEIR: Sure.
PETRAEUS: For awhile.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Very diplomatic, General.
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 08:31 ET by Mica the MagnificentSome producer had apparently calculated that the war has cost 19 times the annual budget of Los Angeles
I wonder when some producer will calculate what percentage of Los Angeles' annual budget has the 'war on poverty' cost? Maybe it's time to pull out of these programs?
Some producer had
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 08:38 ET by motherbeltSome producer had apparently calculated that the war has cost 19 times the annual budget of Los Angeles
Someone should have asked: And your point is.......?
Well you know, Mica, Leon has figured out that if we pull out of Iraq, we will have enough money for universal health insurance.
General Petraeus is a man of honor.
Really, motherbelt?
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 08:46 ET by Mica the MagnificentReally? Leon did?
I must ask Leon if we 'pulled out of' medicaid for the able bodied would we have enough money to pay off everyone's mortgage?
Woo-hoo!
I can't work because I'm too hung over to get out of bed, but I know the demmycrats will take care of me - - acceptable reason for medicaid approval (apparantly)
Yes he did. Check out the
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 08:51 ET by motherbeltYes he did. Check out the "Universal Health Care Thread" started by Tracheostomy in the OT Forum.
FYI-
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 10:14 ET by SyriusI'll help you here...
http://www.nationalpriorities.org/costofwar_home
Syrius
"...the dire consequences to society when people begin to believe that by
renaming someone to erase their humanity opens the door to the
devaluation of everyone's life..."-dscott
Wow, you went right for a
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 12:50 ET by Gary P JacksonWow, you went right for a left wing presentation. Why am I not surprised!
This site says 700,000 Iraqi's were killed and 4 million refugees. That is so over the top it is beyond laughable, sort of like yourself. Even the most nutjob of nutjobs use a number 100,000 less than this.
The REAL number is somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000. War is hell, people die. It's sad, but true.
As far as the money, It's overstated too, but answer me this, just what is YOUR life worth? YOUR security? Absolutely nothing matters if there is no national security. It's all money well spent.
And unlike all the entitlement programs the dims have initiated, and grown over the decades, protecting the nation is actually a Constitutional requirement of the President and Congress!
Latest estimate by
Mon, 03/17/2008 - 10:53 ET by BDLatest estimate by disinterested parties...... 84,000.
As Stalin said...
Mon, 03/17/2008 - 11:34 ET by SyriusGar,
"A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic."
Once again, the callousness of your talking point speaks volumes on how the radical right wing authoritarians view the Iraqi war. So what if it's 10,000 to a million...War is hell, people die. It's sad, but true. Then, I should "get over it" b/c it's for my own benefit to be satisfied that the nation is secure from the 'evildoers'. You or I, as an individual, dying of a terrorist attack is minuscule. The shock of 9/11 permeates our souls and the current Administration has tried to get a lock on how to scare the living sh*t out of us for years. If you want to continue to believe in this garbage- go buy some duct tape & plastic sheeting and wrap yourself up in your house. Please stay inside and leave the rest of us, liberals, to live our normal lives freely. I am not afraid of the terrorists just the Admin. taking our freedoms away for the sake of national security. Bush continues to lie as soldiers die. Support the troops, bring 'em home.
Syrius
"...the dire consequences to society when people begin to believe that by
renaming someone to erase their humanity opens the door to the
devaluation of everyone's life..."-dscott
Syrius!!! Come out and play!!!!
Mon, 03/17/2008 - 15:01 ET by BDOnce again, the callousness of your talking point speaks volumes on how the radical right wing authoritarians view the Iraqi war. So what if it's 10,000 to a million...War is hell, people die. It's sad, but true. Then, I should "get over it" b/c it's for my own benefit to be satisfied that the nation is secure from the 'evildoers'.
Mathematically speaking, you correct. The key is to minimize casualties while improving conditions and focusing on Center of Gravity of our Foe. I believe we are doing that as well as can be expected.
You or I, as an individual, dying of a terrorist attack is minuscule.
Historically, that might have been correct, but with a larger Islamo Fascist effort, improved weapons technology, and a more deidcated enemy, it will not be so in the futre unless we confront it.
By the way, the odds of you or I suffering from the following is miniscule:
Starvation,
Death from a civilly owned Automatic weapon.
Rickets,
Cholera,
Breast Cancer,
Death from involvement with a Powder Cocaine dealer.
The shock of 9/11 permeates our souls and the current Administration has tried to get a lock on how to scare the living sh*t out of us for years.
Please tell me how 9/11 and Pearl Habor differ in this respect. How about 9/11 and the invasion of Luzon in 1941?
I am not afraid of the terrorists just the Admin.
Then you do not know them. Might i introduce you to an old foe. His name is Abu Sabaya. Look him up.
taking our freedoms away for the sake of national security
Please present a list of all freedoms you have lost over the past four six years. Please offer proof that you have lost these particular freedoms.
Bush continues to lie as soldiers die.
Please present proof of a difference between Bush doing so and FDR doing so for the period 1940-1946.
Support the troops, bring 'em home.
Support the troops, stop bad mouthing them ala Code Pink, John Murtha, and the Berkley City Council.
Why should I believe a counter on a left wing website?
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 17:57 ET by MystapittInteresting to see who funds and sits on that websites board of directors. No other comment needed.
Does anyone seriously
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 08:34 ET by ThisnThatDoes anyone seriously believe Hillary Clinton would retain Gen. Petraeus?
Does anyone seriously believe that Obama even knows what a General does?
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
It would take...
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 09:01 ET by OneZeroIt would "take a willing suspension of disbelief" to believe either.
There are 10 types of people. Those who understand binary and those who don't.
Hillary
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 09:04 ET by allanfI am not sure what Obama would do. He has no real track record and his associates have been shrill and extreme at times.
As for Hillary, she is savvy enough not to let herself become saddled with defeat. Her calculation would be cool, calm and strictly political.
I'd rather have a President whose calculation was based on what was best for the country.
Let's See . . . .
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 10:26 ET by BourbeauLet's see, you have one pick for a military advisor, and your choices are:
a. General Wesley Clark
b. General Sanchez
c. General Petraeus
d. General Casey
Say what you want about Petreaeu, you get sound advice, and a man who will deliver exactly what he tells you - it's not even close. So, we know now, he won't have any roll in a Clinton or Obama White House - how inspiring is that?
Whatever happens here, I hope this country finds additional assignments for General Petraeus; he's in the same league as Colin Powell and equally impressive.
What Would B. O. Do?
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 10:27 ET by JoelCT"CENTCOM Commander Admiral William J. Fallon was relieved this week by President Bush for insubordination, although the President had enough respect for his 41 years of service to the Navy that he allowed him to resign. Admiral Fallon had built up a significant record of offering opinions and making statements that were at odds with the administration. The usual suspects made the usual asinine statements following Fallon's resignation, claiming that he had been fired for offering honest but unwelcome advice to the President. Sen. Ted Kennedy said, "It's distressing... President Bush's oft-repeated claims that he follows the advice of his commanders rings hollow if our commanders don't feel free to disagree with the President." "
If Obama told Patraeus to surrender (to who?) and retreat from Iraq, but Patraeus told Obama that it was his military opinion that this would be a disaster, what would Obama do???
I suspect that if any Dem wins in November
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 11:23 ET by c5thenThe entire Joint Chiefs will tender their resignations on January 21, 2009.
As for admiral Fallon, giving advice to the CINC in private is one thing, publicly disagreeing with your Commander is quite another. Speaking negatively of, or publicly disagreeing with your superior officer (including the CINC) is specifically prohibited in the UCMJ and grounds for disciplinary action up to and including a court Martial.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Kennedy, the Dims, and privacy
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 11:50 ET by ThisnThatPrivacy isn't understood by the Dims, unless it's all about teenagers and abortions (don't tell the parents), or terrorists' phone calls (don't tap those lines, those terrorists have rights you know), or votor registration (no proof of residency, or even nationality required, might dis-enfranchise the dead and illegal aliens), or sex in the oval office (now that's a private matter).
But, military intelligence, advisor advice to the President, top-secret information? To the Dims, keeping this stuff private turns Bush into Hitler.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Yesterday's DC Pro Troop March - -
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 11:39 ET by JayTeeNext Month there will be Petraus "fans" in DC to support him, but Saturday in DC, yesterday, was a Warmup.
Don't know who noticed on MSM, but I've never been able to piss off so many Drivers in Traffic before - - with just me an my car. But walking along Penns. Ave. with about a 1,000 or so Troop Supporters, seemed to get things jammed up a little.
As we carried a boatload of Flags and Banners from USMC, to Gold Star Mom flags, to SUPPORT THE TROOP Posters, a veteran in a wheelchair leading with flags on each Handle, and waving your everyday American Stars and Stripes, we were picking up some Spontaneous Participation as some from the Tourist side of the streets, joined in. But as they say "The Military is at war, America is at the Mall". Since It's Spring Break time, there was a Convoy of Buses from all over.
We manage to garner such enthusiasm from onlookers than One Bus emptied it's entire contents of School Students, and joined in our Parade. They probably needed the Exercise.
A couple of Joggers running around us because we blocked their route, ended up jogging down the side of the parade in the opposite Direction, Carrying flags we gave them.
All in all, a parade that starts out with a 1,000 or so, and grows to a Bigger size is a slight Victory in DC for the Troops, as congress and Special Interest Groups try and exert their un-popular attitudes upon the real Citizens of this Country.
We're waiting for Petraeus to come in April, and he will be Greeted more warmly than Last time . . . from BOTH sides of the Aisles in Congress ?
Thanks, JayTee
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 11:49 ET by BlondeExcellent.
Begs the question, though, where is the MsM?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
We made a Splash . . . Lots of Camera's trained on us
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 11:59 ET by JayTeeBut most of the Video Cams were held by amateurs Photogs, or professional Travelers touring DC. A warm sunny day, and lots of People.
As I soaked my legs in the Hot Tub at the Spa this morning, I ran into an 82nd Airborne guy, and we talked. He was a Viet Nam era guy, in his 50's, . . . and when he learned about why I was soaking my feet, he said "No way I'd go to DC, I was Spit upon when I got back from Nam, never again, they're not doing it to me again."
Looks like we have some more work to do, to prevent Pelosi from creating an Instant replay.
Winter Soldier Counter march Video 3/15
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 17:20 ET by JayTeeCheck out HERE the Winter Soldier Counter March in DC
>
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 18:17 ET by general companyThanks Jay, wish I could make some of these events.
"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest". Mark Twain
gc... Me too.
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 20:26 ET by bigtimergc...
Me too.
As some of you have noticed....
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 11:56 ET by Jnoble..the ONLY time the MSM and the libs care about something being really expensive is when it's a military operation or a proposed tax cut.
Democrats are Antichrists, dude.
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 20:35 ET by thoridflyThe only time Taxocrats care about expenditures is when THEY'RE ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE ... THEN they go balls to the wall to shut that program down.
1 John 2:18
Little children, it is the last time [eschatos hora - the lowest, or trying, hour ... the hour of adversity ... the time to rise up and speak the Truth with all boldness] : and as ye have heard that [the spirit of] antichrist shall come, even now are there MANY ANTICHRISTS; whereby we know that it is the last time [eschatos hora - the lowest, or trying, hour ... the hour of adversity ... the time to rise up and speak the Truth with all boldness].
Democrats Would Fund Al-Queda
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 20:34 ET by thoridflyIf they could get away with it, Democrats would FUND AL-QUEDA to get us out of Iraq and bring about defeat there.
There vested interest in Iraq is DEFEAT ... that's what helps them POLITICALLY, FINANCIALLY, and above all PSYCHOLOGICALLY.
Victory, success, and stability in Iraq have no place in the "Democratic" NON-PLAN for that country.
Bulls-Eye thor.... The
Sun, 03/16/2008 - 20:44 ET by bigtimerBulls-Eye thor....
The good ol' enemy within... busy little bees non-stop the dem. party.
With friends like these...