It’s even worse than a ridiculous term applied to a warrior. Rockefeller is tiptoeing into far left nuttiness, the path that leads to the argument that modern weaponry is immoral, and that McCain could be described as a war criminal for dropping bombs that might harm non-combatants.
Take note that Rockefeller mentions McCain dropping laser-guided bombs. These were not used in
Vietnam. Laser-guided missiles and bombs minimize civilian casualties. [Update: More primitive guided weapons
were used in Vietnam. By the Air Force, but so far as we can yet tell, not by the Navy.]
This is the same line of reason which ends up justifying suicide bombers "because they don't have tanks or fighters." Demonizing high tech weapons is a form of abuse of the the US military. That is how we fight.
Perhaps Rockefeller forgot McCain was a POW and was tortured. It would be kind of hard to keep your sensitivity in full flower undert the hideous torture to which he was subjected.
Hat tip: Ed Lasky
Update -- Glenn Krumel writes:
Laser and TV guided bombs were used by the Navy and the Air Force in Vietnam, but not until well after Sen. McCain’s shoot down. He actually does know the impact of air dropped bombs better than most, having been in Hanoi during the Linebacker B-52 raids.
15 Jan 1973:
| The squadron led the first massive laser bombing attack against targets in North Vietnam. A coordinated strike was launched involving squadron A-6s, which used their Pave Knife Laser Designation System, and A-7s from VA-113 and VA-25. These strikes succeeded in destroying 14 bridges in North Vietnam.
|
Sen. Rockefeller should ask Sen. McCain what it means to “know the ropes.” Once he understands this phrase he will be less inclined to diminish the contributions of our aviators and POWs
Update -- Gerd Schroeder writes:
Senator Rockefeller, a question from a Soldier
Senator. Would you put on a “man-dress”, and run at a US patrol in Bagdad yelling; “Allah al akbar!!!”?
I think the question answers itself. Why would the Senator not do that? One may ask. Because through all the hyperbole that he expresses to score cheep political points against a “friend” he is experienced enough to know that the US Military man aims at only what he is ready to kill; and kills what he shoots at.
We are unmatched by any Army in the World at killing what we mean to kill and sparing what we mean to protect. Anyone that has seen our military in action experiences two emotions: #1 - Awe, and #2 -Thankfulness that they are on our side.
The hapless stab that the Honorable Senator from West Virginia took at his friend, John McCain, the military man; once again shows the deep felt, but usually cleverly concealed, utter disdain and hate that the Left feels toward the average Soldier.
As an “average” Soldier I say this to Senator Rockefeller, who has already apologized:
“We accept your heartfelt apology because we are gentlemen; but Senator, we will not forget how you and your partners on the left truly feel about us come this election”.
While the “shot” taken by the Senator at his dear friend will no doubt turn out to have missed it’s mark. The Senator can rest tonight assured that the Soldiers that protect him, his family, and this country will not miss their mark tonight, or any other night for that matter.
Gerd Schroeder is a Major in the United States Army. He has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His views are his own. He does not speak for the US Army or the Department of Defense.
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