Associated Press reporter Ben Feller needs a better copy editor to keep him from inventing history for Barack Obama. Near the end of a dispatch filed early Saturday morning on the president’s speech at Camp Lejeune on Iraq, Feller claimed:
The president who voted against the war as senator and ran against in his upstart White House bid said the Iraq conflict is one huge, painful lesson.
The vote authorizing President Bush to wage combat operations in Iraq was on October 11, 2002, and Obama wasn’t elected until 2004. Then Feller failed to note Obama’s "no" vote in the Senate on Bush’s successful surge of troops, although this may have been the most critical-sounding passage in his story:
He applauded the armed forces for its successes in Iraq, where U.S. deaths and violence in many parts of the country are significantly down. He never credited Bush's buildup of troops in 2007 as contributing to those improvements.
Feller opened with a flourish: "President Barack Obama consigned the Iraq war to history Friday, declaring he will end combat operations within 18 months and open a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East."
It also contained several paragraphs that slapped at the last president:
Just six weeks into office, Obama used blunt terms and a cast-in-stone promise to write the last chapter of a war that began six years ago. It has cost more in lives, money and national stamina than ever envisioned....
More than five years have passed since Bush declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq, a statement that proved false as sectarian violence brought Iraq to the brink of disaster.
Obama did not claim a mission accomplished. Instead, he suggested America accomplished the mission as best it could.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.




















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Watch out
February 28, 2009 - 11:26 ET by ahusserFor those Iraqi "boat" people soon to be fleeing their re-education. Vietnam redux anyone? You can always tell when the Runo-crats are in charge.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
The job is not done
February 28, 2009 - 11:27 ET by ricklailI posted this in the OT earlier this AM but I am adding it here too. It is a letter that I sent to the local editor. He said the job is done not mission accomplished as best you could. What is the difference between you got the job done and mission accomplised?
When Bush stood on the USS Lincoln and declared “Mission Accomplished” he was laughed at and drug through the dirt by the left and the mainstream media. Dear Leader stood in front of a crowd of Marines and sailors at Camp Lejeune and stated “You got the job done!”
When I worked for the power company traveling from plant to plant performing maintenance when our job was done we packed the tools in our crew trailer and called to have it moved to the next job.
If the job is done why are we going to stay there indefinitely? If combat operations don’t end until August 31, 2010 then the job is not done. If you leave a contingent of troops to protect our interest the job is not done. The job is done when they pack their equipment and they and their gear are home. Many of those Marines and sailors who heard this speech will be going back to Iraq. Are those words going to ring in their heads as IUDs are exploding around them?
The same lefties and media are still around that laughed and just utterly tried to destroy a good man over his words. Where are they now that Dear Leaders has said “You got the job done?” I am not going to hold my breath until Dear Leader is held to the same accountability as Bush was.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. RWR
I saw most of obama's
February 28, 2009 - 11:31 ET by MidAmericaI saw most of obama's speech and it should have been called 'Can you fool a liberal'. Obama loves these speeches where he hides in plain sight. He says he's doing one thing while describing a completely different thing. Consider his promise to close GITMO. He will, when he figures out what to do with the detainees. Meanwhile it's just business as usual. In Iraq he's pulling out the troops in 18 months but most will be there for nearly 18 months and then he is leaving 50,000 troops behind. But the media and obama will claim he has met his campaign promise to 'end this war". Only the gullible will not see this is how GWB would probably have done it too.
Newsspeak
February 28, 2009 - 11:32 ET by nadadhimmiJust as Orwell wrote, Big Brother will change "facts", history, truth and a goat into a horse so as not to make the goat feel bad about his horns and short legs. These fucking people are DANGEROUS. The second revolution will flare up like the first did: when the tyrants come for the Powder and Ball. Think HR 45.
Minitrue
February 28, 2009 - 12:36 ET by TjexciteAP should just change their name to "Ministry of truth" and be done with it.
They should employ Baghdad
March 1, 2009 - 23:15 ET by NL207They should employ Baghdad Bob immediately as their official spokesman.
He was against the war
February 28, 2009 - 11:45 ET by KevroyHe was against the war before he was against it.
Too bad our soldiers are so classy. I would have loved to have heard them boo Present Obama.
Kevroy
February 28, 2009 - 11:53 ET by ahusserHe may not get by the veterans though when Obama deigns to lay the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veteran's day especially after snubbing the Medal of Honor winner's ball and sure to come, as night follows day, more anti-military initiatives from the usurper in chief and his party. There used to be another ceremony near the Vietnam War Memorial. I recall Clinton was mooned by veteran's in that venue but it was never reported by the MSM.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
Yeah, everyone else in the
February 28, 2009 - 15:39 ET by BDYeah, everyone else in the government is splurging on the "Porkulous Bill" but the DOD has been told it will take at least a 10% cut in the next fiscal year. And to prepare for an additonal 10% in FY11.
Obama is taking us back to 1977........
"Obama is taking us back to
March 1, 2009 - 09:35 ET by NL207"Obama is taking us back to 1977........ " An inaccuracte statement like this begs to be challenged. Obama is taking us 'forward' to 1984.
Actually, I was only
March 1, 2009 - 12:31 ET by BDActually, I was only speaking of his defense policies which can easily be likened to those of Jimmuh. I was not speaking of his domestic policies....
Who wasn't paying close attention to American Idol?
February 28, 2009 - 11:48 ET by lareeHe Told Us and Now he is carrying through. The World According to Barack H Obama.
http://cinie.wordpre...
I wish he would just stay in
February 28, 2009 - 11:48 ET by KevroyI wish he would just stay in the WH for a week and keep his trap shut. No appearances, no speeches, no empty promises, no mandates. My 401k would greatly appreciate it.
I agree. His trip down
February 28, 2009 - 15:23 ET by ricklailI agree. His trip down here to use the Marines and sailors as props disrupted two towns, Havelock and Jacksonville. What did it cost? The speech could have been made in his nice cozy 76 degree office. It only got up to about 72 here yesterday so I know he was cold. One other thing that was said that caught my attention. He told them he was going to give them a raise. Big deal. He is saying 2.9% which is only .9% more than they get anyway.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. RWR
We Own It
February 28, 2009 - 12:10 ET by slickwillie2001This is entirely understandable from Feller. Obammy VERY successfully convinced voters in 2008 that he was 'against the war' started in March of 2003. He stated his position in speeches (just words, just speeches....) in 2002 and 2003, when he was an Illinois State Senator and his words or his vote were meaningless. If you go back and look at his statements however, they are full of Kerry-esque 'nuance'. This is an illustration of how poorly the liberal media informed the public about Obammy, and now Feller has proved it. (Does Ziegler cover this?)
Re staying, if the liberals want to look at it this way, Geneva conventions on war clearly state that when you militarily defeat a country, 'you own it'. We are responsible for the security of Iraq until they can defend themselves. They are nowhere near that at this time. They have ZERO air force. An air force typically is the most difficult military branch to set up because of the long training times and investments required. Their navy is a token. They are barely able to keep the peace inside Iraq, let alone defend themselves from other countries.
Aside from international convention, in a moral sense we simply can't break a country and then abandon it. You'd think the so-sophisticated liberals would see that.
We have a history
February 28, 2009 - 13:08 ET by ahusserOf abandoning allies. Vietnam was epitome of abandonment with thousands killed and re-educated. Then came Carter throwing the shah under the bus (look how wonderful a decision that was). The Kurds were abandoned to Sadaam's murderous intent after Bush Sr. dropped the ball and didn't depose Sadaam in the first Gulf War (big big mistake all for the sake of some phony coalition feelings). El Salvador almost went under the bus without Reagan's resolution and resolve. When China rattled their sabers by testing their missiles over Taiwan we were slinking away (Taiwan who?) and soon to be added to that list: Israel and Iraq. You could also make a case for Hungary in 1956 or Czechloslovakia in 1967. So if you are going to be allied with us take all the money and goodies we give you and make a fast getaway. Because we will be leaving you in the lurch when the chips are down or the going gets a little rough.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
If Obama had had his way, the war would have been lost...
February 28, 2009 - 12:20 ET by krendlerand we'd have chaos and mayhem in Iraq right now.
Instead, Saddam Hussein and his sons are dead and we see a fledgling democracy in Iraq that may lead to a more stable middle east. Our troops are returning home victorious.
The contrast couldn't be starker.
The U.S. won the Iraq War, no thanks to people like Barack Obama.
The rewriting of history
February 28, 2009 - 12:46 ET by KC MulvilleWho said that "journalism is the first draft of history"? We see it playing out here.
I respect Odierno, Gates, and Mullen, so the pullout doesn't bother me so much. I'm worried about it, of course, because as these guys have said themselves, the progress in Iraq can evaporate quickly. What really bothers me is Obama's dismissal of credit. No class.
Post-partisan, my ass.
Give the fella and his editors a break . . .
February 28, 2009 - 12:50 ET by CKA in Red State USAHe's a "reporter" and they're "editors" with the advocacy/adversary media.
They're only doing what comes natural: being ignorant of history and everything else, thus making things up as they go.
To them, that's what they're supposed to do.
Give the fella and his editors a break . . .
February 28, 2009 - 12:50 ET by CKA in Red State USAHe's a "reporter" and they're "editors" with the advocacy/adversary media.
They're only doing what comes natural: being ignorant of history and everything else, thus making things up as they go.
To them, that's what they're supposed to do.
I almost heaved! A CNN
February 28, 2009 - 12:56 ET by billbI almost heaved! A CNN contributor was reporting about a recent victory in Afghanistan in which 1600 Taliban were killed. He stated that the operation was in progress for about 6 months. Get ready now, the pretty moron anchor asked, "do you think this was because of new leadership in the Whitehouse?"
Oy.
February 28, 2009 - 20:29 ET by KimberlyDear CNN Cutie:
The party in charge six months ago was the Republican party. It hasn't even been six months since Election Day, much less since Inauguration Day. If you need any help figuring out what days those were, read the U.S. Constitution, moron.
Hope this helps...
Kimberly
It is still Bush's
February 28, 2009 - 12:58 ET by billbIt is still Bush's war......and He won it!
For the time being . . .
February 28, 2009 - 15:43 ET by CKA in Red State USAGive Obama nd the adovcacy/adversary media enough time and they'll criticize Bush for not doing enough, soon enough.
The "Obamiacs" in the press
February 28, 2009 - 13:01 ET by JohnJDunbarIs the rumor true that the MSM will now start broadcasting and printing reports in Russian. So they can really feel like they work for Pravda. Now Comrade Olbermann will report on how Czar Obama saved trhe world. Later Comrade Harry Smith will show how Czar Obama makes other comrades cry with joy, and Comrade Stephanapoulous will give Czar Obama another "A" on his grading of the Czars speech.
"President Barack Obama
February 28, 2009 - 13:24 ET by Jack BauerHey Feller -- didn't they teach you anything at Riting Good Cliche Class in Journalism School?
If you're going to paraphrase hackneyed phrases, such as "consigned to history" do try to get cliches correct.
It's consigned to 'the dustbin of history'.
Though how something can be consigned to history when it's hasn't yet happened, is beyond my guess. Maybe he's a seer?
One thing for sure, he's a pathetic excuse for a journalist. But aren't most them these days? I blame Cronkite. the old charlatan.
Good comment . . .
February 28, 2009 - 15:48 ET by CKA in Red State USATo the journalist-imposters, they don't know enough to understand about history to know its timeframe.
Of course, they could argue that what just happened a nanosecond ago was history--and they'd be right.
But, then, they'd be wrong in a broader sense.
But, then, again, given that the Dawn of Hope and Chnage occurred Jan. 20, 2009, and given that it's now no longer A.D. -- Anno Domini -- in America but A.B. -- After Barack, a la Spike Lee -- history did just begin recently, didn't it?
And, FWIW, everytime BHO does ANYTHING, it's history, because it will be the first time a black man who is president of what's still called the United States of America will have done something in that position.
"Incredibly," Obama never credited Bush..
February 28, 2009 - 13:31 ET by Gary HallA few additional tid bits in Feller's work, if I may.
I found it interesting - refreshing, to be sure - that 1. Feller stated that Obama had called Bush to "to brief him on his plans," and 2. that Feller reported that.
Feller also said this, which surprised me:
I surprised me, 1. That he reported it, and 2. He skipped out. Had Feller expressed the obvious, it would have been a bit more refreshing. How could he miss not saying it in this manner:
Did Feller have to make the desision to leave out a single word - "incredibly?" As a journalist (tongue in cheek) one has to stand in disbelief at the diss given President Bush by President Obama. Oh, yea - bring us together now. (:~/ gary
feller is deliberately misleading his readers.
February 28, 2009 - 15:28 ET by puredmashiethen-senator obama voted against the surge, not to initiate the iraq war. at the time of that vote he was still in illinois state politics. this is a subtle misassociation which i believe to be deliberate.
however, it is worthwhile noting that if you could point to one thing and one thing only that is the reason iraq has changed from a country marred by sectarian violence and on the brink of a civil war to the relative calm of today that allows our new commander-in-chief to have the opportunity to make good on his campaign promise to bring troops home, it is the very surge that bho voted against. had obama and all his liberal cohorts in the senate gotten their way iraq would be total chaos, and force now president obama with the unenviable decision of whether to initiate his own surge (highly unlikely) or to cut and run. what exists today drips with irony. and don't hold your breath waiting for a thank you to george w., or general patraeus (sp?), the real hero of the surge.
swing hard in case you hit it.
Credit Bush? Obama's ego was too big to even include . . .
February 28, 2009 - 15:53 ET by CKA in Red State USA. . . his handlers and robots in Congress when the signed Porkulus.
He left D.C., traveled 2,000+ miles to Denver and sat a table with a backdrop of enough Old Glories to fill a parade--and signed the document with only Joe "Paying taxes is patriotic" Biden anywhere near.
NOTHING George Bush ever did right will EVER get mentioned by Obama.
After all, can't possibly suggest that His Hope-and-Change-ness is anything less than a demi-god, right?
Oh goody goody goody goody goody!
February 28, 2009 - 17:14 ET by JWFPresident Barack Obama consigned the Iraq war to history Friday, declaring he will end combat operations within 18 months and open a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East.
Well now we can all have ice cream and buttered puppies! Can someone tell Iraq that they are now nothing more than a history lesson.
Let's just hope it is not the same history lesson of Cuba in the early 20th century where we had to go back in several times.
Let's hope it is not like Vietnam where we won and left. Then turned our back on a new ally 2 years later.
Myself? I prefer the history lesson of South Korea, Japan, and Germany where we stayed and forged a new relationship with a new ally and protected them against very nefarious neighbors, the Nork's and the Russian Bear.
Say, has anyone asked Iran about this new history lesson yet? Cuz, yea, they have a full inkwell and are looking to write some new lessons last time I checked.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
No choice but bite their lips and hope he leaves soon
February 28, 2009 - 19:08 ET by Robert S LaRuersl775
I was in the military and you have got to know these Marines are really struggling with being in the presences of this person. I remember cringing every time I saw Clinton wearing a military jacket and I cannot express the full contempt I feel when I see this man on any Marine Base or wearing any piece of attire that has a Marine logo or name displayed. This man who would be President tries to associate himself with American excellence whether it is the 16th President, a distinguished military organization or any other thing/person of American excellence that he wants to marginalize by his presence by showing he ranks above it and can flaunt I won. All he leaves behind is a lingering undistinguished smell that will pass when he is exposed for what he really is.
Nicely put, thank you.
February 28, 2009 - 19:12 ET by BlondeI cringe every time I see Obama in a setting that has anything to do with the military. I can't imagine what it must be like to put everything on the line, only to have some pretender use me as a prop.
I hope he fails, too.
Good coment. Thanks. I especially appreciated . ..
March 1, 2009 - 08:16 ET by CKA in Red State USA. . . "All he leaves behind is a lingering undistinguished smell that will pass when he is exposed for what he really is."
Thing is, how much effort will it take and who will finally expose Obama for what he is?
As an OIF vet I was deeply offended
March 1, 2009 - 00:41 ET by traditionalistby the fact that this moron chose to characterize us as victims of this war. I volunteered for that theater. The men I commanded volunteered. We may be many things, but we are far from being victims. I accomplished my mission while I was in theater and I'll be damned if I allow this pretender to spit on the memories that I was blessed and priviledged to lead.
20 Jan 09: The day the Republic died
traditionalist... My
March 1, 2009 - 00:54 ET by Clear thinkertraditionalist...
My family humbly thanks you for doing the right thing.
God bless you, and all those that volunteered to do what had to be done.
I Love This Woman
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Yes, thanks for your service.
March 1, 2009 - 08:22 ET by CKA in Red State USAMen like Obama have no idea what it is to serve America.
They cannot or will not even dare to call evil, evil; or threat, threat.
They have no steel whatsoever in their spines.
They exist, beleiving their privileged arrogance is reality.
They exist in their cowardice and dishonor, knowing that in places that they will never reveal, they are just that: cowardly and dishonorable.
Therefore, to cover for their own inferiority and insecurity and lies, they must disparage those who have served and do serve.
They are threats to our freedom and well-being.
You wonder: How many in the military, if called upon by Obama to something they though morally unconsionbable, would refuse his order?
Somehow, I suspect he knows that the military loathe him and would turn on him in a heartbeat.
From what I am hearing from guys
March 1, 2009 - 09:29 ET by traditionalistThat are still in, the contempt for the poser in chief is above what it was in the Clinton days. But of course you won't hear that anywhere as that story is spiked everywhere. The guys have considerable doubts about about the occupant of the White House starting with his citizenship. But remember our loyalty is always to the country first.
20 Jan 09: The day the Republic died
Men like Obama want America
March 1, 2009 - 09:37 ET by NL207Men like Obama want America to serve them.
Obama IS evil. Do you expect him to identify himself?
A steel spine is not necessary but an iron fist will come in handy later.
Obama's arrogance IS real! Obama is nothing if not arrogant.
Obama cannot hide what he really is. Half of the American people already know and half of the remaining half will soon learn, no matter what his friends in the media do to cover up this truth.
In Obama's mind, he is righteous and those he disparages are evil parasites, partaking of that earned unjustly at the expense of others. This view covers both the successful and those defenders of a system he views as corrupt.
Obama most certainly sees men of courage and conviction as threats to himself and his ideology!
UCMJ forbids any officer or enlisted rate from obeying an illegal order. I would interpret any order that violated the Posse Comitatus Act as an illegal order. Clinton/Reno's fiasco in Waco, TX was just such an order. At some point, Obama and the Democrats will repeal or override that law.
Why do you think he wants to establish a Civilian National Security Force?
Where are the liberals??
March 1, 2009 - 11:43 ET by Sergeant ROCKOh, that's right.. they're busy posting falsehoods about Bobby Jindal on that other thread.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
The Objective and Factual Press
March 2, 2009 - 08:30 ET by GeneralAlIt is so wonderful to know that a resident of fly over country, such as myself, can count on the likes of Comrade Feller to give such an unbiased and factual report. There's only one problem Sir, I can read! As a resident of Illinois, now known as the Land of Stinkin', I am fully aware of Commisar Obama and all his views. Since his immaculete conception to the Senate in the disgraceful election of 2004, his face has been plastered around the news media, much as Saddam or Mao. The sad fact is our state is infested with the lazy welfare crowd that can quote the stats on every sports team in Chicago, heck, even in the country and all the Hollywood gossip. Ask them an intelligent question about the war or the economy and they will quote their pastor or their politician. Interestingly, I can't get my liberal friends to have an engaging conversation about their Obamessiah. All I hear is "Give him a chance" to which I reply, "The same chance you gave Bush?" End of conversation! As the stock market continues to tumble, my only bright spot is soon our new Soviet leader will not have much left to confiscate from us evil cnservatives in this new totalitarian society he and Comrade Joe are establishing in the name of equal wealth distribution!