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Bergdahl story

H

HighlandHomie

Well-Known Member
I'm not too political and mostly avoid news because the media sucks. But this latest story seems like the Republicans' new fetish to attack Obama about. Can someone provide cliffs?
 
Bergdahl reportedly wandered off his base 5 years ago and became the only American soldier to be captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. He has beena POW this entire time.

State Dept negotiated his release by giving the Taliban 5 "senior commanders" in exchange. Sections of the right (such as Sen Cruz) are yelling about America not negotiating with Terrorists. With the impending American withdrawal of all but about 10k troops from Afghanistan later this year I do not have a problem with this. Seems like attempts to score political points.

If the these critics really have it in for the Taliban so hard why are they not bellowing about the withdrawal of forces? If we are going to leave them (The Taliban) to their own devices now then why worry about 5 more?

I am sure there is more I am missing.
 
Obama exchanges 5 Taliban for a deserter?

Hmmmmm... What are your thoughts?

https://www.cnn.com/2014/06/01/us/bergdahl-deserter-or-hero/

The sense of pride expressed by officials of the Obama administration at the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is not shared by many of those who served with him: veterans and soldiers who call him a deserter whose "selfish act" ended up costing the lives of better men.

"I was pissed off then, and I am even more so now with everything going on," said former Sgt. Matt Vierkant, a member of Bergdahl's platoon when he went missing on June 30, 2009. "Bowe Bergdahl deserted during a time of war, and his fellow Americans lost their lives searching for him."

Vierkant said Bergdahl needs to not only acknowledge his actions publicly but face a military trial for desertion under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

A reporter asked Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Sunday whether Bergdahl had left his post without permission or deserted -- and, if so, whether he would be punished. Hagel didn't answer directly. "Our first priority is assuring his well-being and his health and getting him reunited with his family," he said. "Other circumstances that may develop and questions, those will be dealt with later."
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I find the total character trashing of Bergdahl done by right wingers and their media disgusting. He did ballet, he was drunkard, his parents raised him as a Calvinist, his dad is a liberal hack, etc, etc. What happened with "thank you for your service" and "no one left behind". If all this was coming from anti-war lefties - I can at least understand. But in it's effort to politicize and blame Obama the righties have no shame. At least we stopped hearing about Benghazi.
 
He is American. Period. You bring him back, as safe as possible, and then look at any consequences that he may face for actions he took. You do not place requirements on getting our men back.

Absolutely shameful. Krauthammer had an interview where he said basically that and put those attacking this on blast. He is one of ours and we protect, and discipline, our own.

I agree with the State Dept, and by extension the President, making this deal.
 
VINYLONE said:
Like most things, the news is not for the lazy. There are more than a few decent outlets.
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I find that the qualification of "decent" most often stems from ones own political views and how a news source aligns themselves, or not, with that view point. Who would you list as decent news sources?
 
Stoked said:
He is American. Period. You bring him back, as safe as possible, and then look at any consequences that he may face for actions he took. You do not place requirements on getting our men back.

Absolutely shameful. Krauthammer had an interview where he said basically that and put those attacking this on blast. He is one of ours and we protect, and discipline, our own.

I agree with the State Dept, and by extension the President, making this deal.
Click to expand...

Or just dont negotiate with terrorists.
 
VINYLONE said:
Like most things, the news is not for the lazy. There are more than a few decent outlets.
Click to expand...

Some people can do without the drama in thier lives..... doesnt mean they are lazy.
(Though i hate the new/politics AND i am lazy.... so in regards to me your statement is true)
 
UGLI baby said:
Or just dont negotiate with terrorists.
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UGLIbro jumpin in them GD debates

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Hopefully Obama was smart and had the military put GPS chips in the terrorist ball sacs before they let them go.
 
I understand why we negotiated a trade to bring our soldier home even if he wasn't in good standing with the military. However, I think the price was too high to give up 5 leaders from this terrorist group. 1 for 1 would be reasonable despite a "we don't negotiate with terrorists" stance, but 5 leaders will likely cost many future American (and not American) lives.
 
UGLI baby said:
Whichever one equals not negotiating with terrorists.
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View I have on that is we are leaving Afghanistan anyways so why do we care if there are 10,000 Taliban or 10,005?

I get the whole we don't negotiate and it is a reasonable stance depending on the situation. If they know are only way to get him back was the give them 5 camel jockeys then so be it. We are leaving there anyways.
 
Dude goes full Artard and wanders off base.

6 army dudes that didn't go full Artard die looking for him.

Yep, better exchange 5 high level terrorist dudes for him so that he can come home and watch tv and go to the mall and stuff.
 
default said:
I understand why we negotiated a trade to bring our soldier home even if he wasn't in good standing with the military. However, I think the price was too high to give up 5 leaders from this terrorist group. 1 for 1 would be reasonable despite a "we don't negotiate with terrorists" stance, but 5 leaders will likely cost many future American (and not American) lives.
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I agree. We paid too high a price. We should have just done what a certain president in the 80s did to Iran. Offer them 1500 missiles for our the hostage.

Call me arrogant, but I don't fear 5 dudes with a 6th grade education who only know how to create crappy roadside bombs. I doubt sticking a piece of dynamite in their whitey righties is gonna bring down the USA anytime soon. Heck, maybe they've seen enough war and will basically go into retirement?

I'm guessing the USA will keep GOP track of these guys. If any of hem step out of line we'll send a drone or two to take them out.
 
Stoked said:
View I have on that is we are leaving Afghanistan anyways so why do we care if there are 10,000 Taliban or 10,005?

I get the whole we don't negotiate and it is a reasonable stance depending on the situation. If they know are only way to get him back was the give them 5 camel jockeys then so be it. We are leaving there anyways.
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It's only an actual stance if it isn't situational...

This is the first time the US did something like this in 30 yrs, no? Sets a horrible precedent, and for what?
 
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