In some ways, Army Colonel Jack Jacobs [ret.] is the perfect military analyst for an MSM outlet like MSNBC. His Medal of Honor, awarded to him for exceptional heroism in Vietnam [read account here], puts him above reproach. Yet his take on Iraq and other military affairs is anything but a parroting of the Bush administration line.But while MSNBC might see him as one of their own, there come moments, as today, when Jacob leaves no doubt that he remains altogether a military man, upholding the highest traditions of valor and sacrifice. At about 10:30 AM EDT this morning, he was brought in to comment after the just-concluded press conference by a number of the British sailors and marines who had been held captive by the Iranians. A clearly outraged Jacobs made no effort to hide his contempt for them.
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"I don't know where to begin. I've gotta tell you, that was the most disgusting, disreputable, dishonorable performance I can remember in more than forty years of my relationship with the military service. I think every man, every woman who wears the uniform, or who has ever worn the uniform of his country, no matter what country it is, ought to be disgusted by this."- "It is clear from their statements today and their actions before, during and after their capture that the single most significant and important thing was going home."
- Jacobs read this quotation from John Stuart Mill: "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing that is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept free by the exertions of other men better than himself." Continued Jacobs: "And I think this sums up this shoddy spectacle better than anyone else can."
- The MSNBC host then played a clip from the press conference of one of the Brits explaining that had they tried to use force to repel the Iranians, "many of us would not be standing here today." Responded Jacobs: "I think it says volumes. I tell you, if his forbears, the greatest generation of Great Britain, who fought and died so that this meathead could be here now, had thought the way he did in the same situation he wouldn't be here today. Words can't express [my] disgust." Concluded a clearly moved Jacobs: "And I can tell you that my feelings are almost undoubtedly echoed by everyone I know who's worn the uniform."
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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That motley crew from the UK
April 6, 2007 - 11:27 ET by CaringwhiteguyThat motley crew from the UK is exactly the kind they'd want to recruit for "Pelosi's Navy". Just roll over, bare your belly, and beg the other guys not to hurt you.
Telemarker
April 14, 2007 - 00:29 ET by telemarkerPerhaps you can tell me what americans would/could have done. We all know that Iran is making and providing bombs used to kill American soldiers yet you do nothing about it, you just sit idley by and watch your men in the army get wasted.
Don't criticise Britain when your own military and govt is screwing things up for everyone in the world!!!
*cue crickets!*
April 14, 2007 - 00:35 ET by mastersofdeceit*cue crickets!*
Our government is screwing th
April 14, 2007 - 00:49 ET by NL207Our government is screwing things up?
Maybe you need to look around your bloomin' arse, limey! You country used to be the pre-eminent power on this planet, and was still a formidble force twenty years ago during the Thatcher government. Today, it is a washed up has been, a little island of equally little consequence which would have little gobal influence were it not still allied with its former colony.
How did this happen? Could it be that somebody in London screwed the pouch? Could it be that socialism has laid low this once mighty power?
Aside from these facts, what sort of world do you think this would be if the United States simpy ceased to exist? Who would be the pre-eminent world power? Maybe the Chicomm tyrants in Bejing? I am sure they would treat everyone with the same benevolence and generosity the United States has, aren't you? Then there are the Islamofascists. Perhaps you would like them, a collection of religious fanatics who behead people on video and broadcast it to make their point, to gain hegemony. These generous and warm hearted folks are making a determined bid to spread their influence around the globe by bringing a suicide bombing to a neighborhood near you today. Indeed, their aim is to erect a Global Caliphate so that all may enjoy the benefits of Sharia. If this ever comes to pass, you and anyone else that sees it will yearn for the good old days when the United States was the sole super power.
Mark,The deplorable actions
April 6, 2007 - 11:29 ET by Dave RMark,
The deplorable actions of the British soldiers, along with the utterly weak-kneed (IMHO) actions of Tony Blair is just further evidence of the continuing decline of Western Civilization. It appears the once mighty British Empire is on its last legs. Winston Churchill would have put up with that nonsense for about two minutes, just long enough to light up a cigar, then order the Iranian Navy be sent to the bottom.
I'm still holding out hope for us, but to be blatantly honest here, I am beginning to lose faith in our own country's resolve to defend itself. I give as Exhibit "A" the Democrat Party's effort to outlaw the term Global War On Terror. I could go on, but this is Masters week, and I promised myself I would enjoy it.
BTW-I am in the midst of reading The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, so maybe I am a little jaded here, but the parrallels are just too striking to ignore.
This republic will not survive the continued neglect of its people.- Neal Boortz.
I've always noticed a paral
April 7, 2007 - 10:57 ET by The PresbyterI've always noticed a parallel between the Roman Empire and America. Nothing could touch them from the outside. At least until Rome was weakened from the inside.
One example would be the ironically named Honoria, sister of the emperor, who pretty much sold out the entire kingdom to Attila the Hun. I draw a loose parallel between her and Pelosi actually.
Love the "Debbie Downer&
April 6, 2007 - 11:30 ET by Roger the ShrubberLove the "Debbie Downer" photo, Mr. Finkelstein.
HAHAHAHA! PERFECT! as u
April 6, 2007 - 12:50 ET by kathleenirishHAHAHAHA! PERFECT! as usual, of course! That deserves one more laugh! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
British Hostages
April 6, 2007 - 11:51 ET by Pasco ConservativeI agree whole heartedly with Jacobs. My guess is that he won't be on Hardball with that juvenile whiner Chris Matthews
Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any
man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.
-- Sir Winston Churchill
I heard Jacobs comments this
April 6, 2007 - 12:08 ET by bigtimerI heard Jacobs comments this morning and didn't know quite how to take them or what to think after the press conference....thought I would do exactly what I am doing, waiting to see how military men, women and families here feel.
Will read more later.
Also interested in what Jack Bauer has to say and how he feels about this whole situation.
I loved the quotation that Jacobs used by John Stuart Mill...says volumes doesn't it?
Jacobs
April 6, 2007 - 12:23 ET by pocomocoJocobs should be directing his disgust, not at the sailors and marines, but at the country of Britain instead. Britain is now a Politically Correct country, where any show of aggression is forbidden. The sailors and marines were only doing what their PC government now preaches.
Not one gun was raised, nor shot fired, because the British motto today is: Don’t fight, negotiate. Don’t fight, appease.
The Brits learned nothing from WWII.
In case there was any doubt,
April 6, 2007 - 12:46 ET by kathleenirishIn case there was any doubt, my fellow freedom-loving and patriotic Americans:
We are now officially on our own. Can't count on any of 'em. Our "allies". HA!
Between Nancy Pelosi and the female British Marine, I am chagrined with these so-called "women". Apologies to my brother and cousin U.S. Marines for even using the term "Marine" to describe the former hostage.
The Iranians exposed the truth once again about the West. Let's take it for what it is. Get ready for what's next.
Winston Churchill, if he wasn't already spinning before this, is approaching light speed right about now.
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
thanks kath
April 6, 2007 - 12:50 ET by bigtimerWinston Churchill, if he wasn't already spinning before this, is approaching light speed right about now.
Kath..you said it all there.
kathleen & bt
April 6, 2007 - 13:07 ET by Dave RSee above.
David.
This republic will not survive the continued neglect of its people.- Neal Boortz.
Actually, the female prisoner
April 6, 2007 - 14:27 ET by GalvanicActually, the female prisoner was a Royal Navy sailor. I don't believe there were any females among the Royal Marines captured.
Still, the Iranian propaganda release of one of the Royal Marines in front of a map, briefing their alleged 'transgression' as if he were holding a press conference, was deplorable.
There is apparently a significant public concern in the UK regarding the RN's surrender without a fight. Britons may be doing a bit of soul searching regarding this incident.
Brit Captives
April 6, 2007 - 13:04 ET by FlippoFrom the Washington Times, March 28 - it pretty much sums up what Jack Jacobs is talking about:
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erik Horner, executive officer of the USS
Underwood, which shares patrol duty in the Shatt al Arab with the HMS
Cornwall, expressed surprise that the British let their sailors and
marines be taken without a fight.
"U.S. Navy rules of engagement say we not only have a right to
self defense, but also an obligation to self defense," Lt. Cmdr. Horner
told the British newspaper the Independent. "Our reaction was 'Why
didn't your guys defend themselves?'"
British rules of engagement "are very much de-escalatory,
because we don't want wars starting," the former First Sea Lord,
Admiral Sir Alan West, told the BBC.
"Rather than roaring into action and sinking everything in sight
we try to step back and that, of course, is why our chaps were, in
effect, able to be captured and taken away," he said.
It's a great day for the Musl
April 6, 2007 - 13:12 ET by kathleenirishIt's a great day for the Muslim extremists and terrorists in Britain, wouldn't you say? Thumbs Up, Al-Queda!!! Osama knows, they all know. Green light! The Eye of Mordor sees even more clearly this day.
My prayers are with what's left of the West.
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
Me thinks their "chaps&q
April 6, 2007 - 13:48 ET by RackieMe thinks their "chaps" are first taught to grab their ankles when worse come to worst.
British Capitulation
April 6, 2007 - 14:03 ET by pocomocoWhat the Brits have managed to accomplish is a total denial that their attempting to appease Hitler during WWII ever happened. Their appeasement, as you well know, resulted in Hitler fire-bombing London.
Their ‘de-escalatory’ strategy can only lead to one path – humiliation, which is what we saw in the videos and pictures from Iran.
This is what Trafalgar’s and Nelson’s country has come to. Utter capitulation when an enemy goes - BOOO!
sitting alone Col.?
April 6, 2007 - 13:26 ET by foolnomoreNot carrying the"white flag" for the sell-out's, will only get you the chance to be retired early Colonel,not to worry ,what was said will never be repeat again and is on the cutting room floor already, an will never be seen again.
John Stuart Mill was English
April 6, 2007 - 16:10 ET by AuH2OmanJohn Stuart Mill was English and lived from 1806 - 1873. The quote is one of my favorites.
"The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse."
This is also part of that quote and is so a propos(sp ?).
The Brits have received a wake up call, but all you hear about on the US news is how Iran can be so easy to deal with, just talk to them. We still have not learned anything and when HRC and the rest of the gang take over in 2009, we will see our policy mirror this behavior.
What can anyone tell me about Costa Rica.
The female probably had mor
April 6, 2007 - 16:47 ET by ammo johnThe female probably had more balls than those wusses! I thought Royal Marines were supposed to be badass like the US Marines.
Brit Captives
April 6, 2007 - 18:26 ET by CellaI just got back from a trip to see my hair dresser. She is a lovely Iranian woman.
She just spent a month in Iran. It was her first visit in ten years.
She says that everyone in Iran hates the president. When pressed, she said that, yes, everyone hates him.
I am in such a state of cognitive dissonance. These British military personel waving the white flag was disgusting. And the taking of them was outrageous.
The thing that my friend, my hair dresser, and I agreed on was that we were relieved that no one started a war!
Well..that is all precious an
April 6, 2007 - 18:34 ET by bigtimerWell..that is all precious and stuff like that...
Newsflash for you and your hairdresser though..we are at war with Iran already...just haven't made a declaration yet...or haven't you noticed?
Yes and...
April 6, 2007 - 18:34 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasYes and I would in a minute decimate that entire country. Oh no, that is not just hyped rhetoric. Those people need annihilated. No need to worry however. The civilized world has no stomach for such necessities and prefers to remain hostage to the threat of bullies. Not for a minute could a nuclear annihilation of Iran occur in this day and age. So all is well and everyone gets to go back home and be cozy and comfy with mommy and daddy. WAFUWWLI
Shut up and blog! If you claim to be a conservative, please don't disgrace yourself and conservatism by thinking and arguing like a liberal. Go Rudy!
GAT... For me you said it all
April 6, 2007 - 20:03 ET by bigtimerGAT...
For me you said it all with....
WAFUWWLI
Couldn't agree more...I pray it changes before my end days here.
Chuckle
April 6, 2007 - 22:30 ET by Ynot59First, I'd like all to know I'm a Brit and an ex-paratrooper who has fought for his country, more than once.
Second, I'd like to know what some of you armchair Generals/Admirals would have done if you were commanding two rubber boats carrying only small/side arms and were surrounded by eight larger boats all with heavy weapons?
Shades of Steven Segal maybe?
Now, as to the conduct of said sailors, and marine, during their captivity I can only say I'm embarrassed and can offer only the usual epithets given by airborne infantry about the Navy and it's Marine escorts.
BRITANNICUS SUM
What concerns me is that a Ro
April 7, 2007 - 00:43 ET by BDWhat concerns me is that a Royal Navy Destroyer or Frigate was nearby that they had been dispatched from, why did they not manuever back towards its position when the Iranians appeared in the distance and potentially outnumbered them?
If they had gotten to far from it for it to offer support, why?
BD,I have been waiting patien
April 7, 2007 - 00:52 ET by bigtimerBD,
I have been waiting patiently for someone come along to ask the very questions you did.
I respect and thank Ynot...but I sure am heck not qualified to put myself in any such to postiton to even ask as far as I am concerned.
I thank both of you for your service...hope to catch answers over the next day or so...as I am so curious too about some things.
Brit
April 7, 2007 - 00:54 ET by Emma GrumpYnot, I am a former member of the US military, I can understand how outnumbered and outgunned those sailors and marines were, and I would probably have reacted as they did. Inexcusable, however, was the inaction of the frigate nearby with the firepower that would have prevented the incident in the first place. Looks to me like the HMS Puffnstuff just sat and watched.
Orders, Emma, orders. They
April 7, 2007 - 01:03 ET by bulletproofOrders, Emma, orders. They were under general orders not to engage and awaiting further orders...baffling as it may seem, that's discipline--abiding by what goes against your every instinct because you committed to it by oath. I commend the nearby vessel. Nevertheless, I also believe that the standing order was short-sighted. MO
Obviously I'm not Emma...but
April 7, 2007 - 01:14 ET by bigtimerObviously I'm not Emma...but thanks for that answer.
People like me out here want to know.
Cella,I'm a bit confused by y
April 6, 2007 - 18:40 ET by BlondeCella,
I'm a bit confused by your post.
Did your Iranian friend mean that everyone hated the President of Iran? Or President Bush? Your post wasn't very clear on that point. Would you mind clarifying?
The Iranian hostage taking was very much on purpose. I read an account several weeks ago of a deliberate attempt (which failed) of Iranians attempting to capture U.S. personnel in Iraq.
I found the Royal Navy's "explanation" that they gave in to avoid an escalation to be disingenuous in the extreme. I can't imagine a bunch of our Navy Seals in a RIB just saying "okay fine, we'll come along quietly".
Lord Nelson must be spinning in his grave, as is Winston Churchill.
How embarassing for the Brits.
British Captives
April 6, 2007 - 19:34 ET by CellaOh, no! I am sorry I was not clear on that. Thanks for pointing that out.
The Iranian woman said that everyone in Iran hates Ahmadinejad.
As for bigtimer's snarky comment - he doesn't seem like a big time kind of guy.
One can tell so much about a person's character in the postings they make.
So, you're saying there has
April 6, 2007 - 19:40 ET by Free StinkerSo, you're saying there hasn't been any shooting between the USA & Iran since the '79 "revolution" ?
Thanks for the clarification,
April 6, 2007 - 19:48 ET by BlondeThanks for the clarification, Cella.
That's what I suspected you meant.
I've read that the Iranians hate Imadinnerjacket.
Which is why, although I'd find it gratifying to nuke that country, I don't think we should. An appropriate response to this latest provocation of theirs, though, might be to take out a couple of their capital ships. Ooops!
I suspect if we play our cards correctly, we will ultimately create a better middle east. But not if the meddlers (like Popeye Pelosi) keep it up.
I hope I didn't put you on the spot, Cella...I just didn't think you meant what other posters here obviously interpreted your writing to mean. :)
Cella...I'm a bigtime kinda g
April 6, 2007 - 19:48 ET by bigtimerCella...
I'm a bigtime kinda gal...
Snarky enough for ya?
I still do not understand the insinuations you were making in your post besides claifying now they were talking about pajamahead...not President Bush.
I still stand by my post.
I think Jacobs hit the nail o
April 7, 2007 - 18:32 ET by Bill AdkinsI think Jacobs hit the nail on the head re the Brits. And, sadly, Ahminejad did, too, when he said the Brits put on a show. Of course, so did the Iranians. As to Jacobs' statements, don't leave this one out.
"Retired Col. Jack Jacobs: "If that isn't a civil war in Iraq, then I don't know what else you would call it, and you'd be wrong if you called it anything else." [MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann, 11/27/06]"