General Wesley K. Clark Calls on President Bush to Start Honoring Soldiers

[dobak]

http://clark04.com/press/release/091/

For Immediate Release
Date: November 23, 2003

General Wesley K. Clark Calls on President Bush to Start Honoring Soldiers who Died in Iraq

Last Spring, immediately prior to the war in Iraq, the Pentagon issued a directive stating: "There will be no arrival ceremonies for, or media coverage of, deceased military personnel returning to or departing from Ramstein Airbase or Dover base." President Bush has strictly enforced this directive throughout the war.

"This is absolutely unacceptable. The brave men and women who've lost their lives in Iraq deserve proper public ceremonies to honor their service. And the American people should know the consequences of the Bush Administration's reckless war," General Wes Clark said. "Many of the men I served with in Vietnam came home in coffins. The government started bringing them back in the middle of the night to hide the casualties from the American people. I never thought anything like that would happen again. Apparently, I was wrong."

President Bush has also refused to attend a single military funeral of any soldier killed in Iraq. Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush (Sr.), and Clinton all attended funerals for soldiers who were killed in conflicts under their command.

"Part of being a leader is facing the consequences of your actions, no matter how hard or painful that is," said Clark. "President Bush owes more to the families of our soldiers. They should not be mourning alone."



This came out yesterday, but I never saw it posted.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

1. good

Clark has been doing a very good job going after Bush about Iraq, 911, and the stolen election. He has the resume to be able to get away with it, and I know it's noticed and appreciated by Americans.

[Ilsa]

2. Thanks for this post.

I hadn't seen this. Clark is the man to go after Bush, and go after him hard and fast. Schrub can't be allowed to get away with dishonoring our dead soldiers. I love how Clark goes after Bushco, calling his war "reckless" etc.

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[DemCam]

3. What's more...Bush keeps following his

orders. Turn Iraq over to the Iraqis...Yes Sir!

Go visit families of the fallen...Yes Sir!

Outsource all software jobs to India...Yes Sir! (just kidding...was poking a little fun at some of the posters on DU tonight.)

But they are altering public stuff to include Clark's plans.

How sweet it is.

[bhunt70]

7. funny stuff hehe...

nothing to see here.

[sandnsea]

4. He was very upset at the debate

It seemed to me his voice was shaking with outrage at Bush visiting with the families of Brits and not Americans. It was a very good point. I'm glad he's bringing it up. Too bad the media thinks the 'scandalous' possibility of gay marriage is more important than dead soldiers being treated with respect.

[RetroLounge]

9. "He looked too angry. We can't win with anger."

Sorry, I couldn't resist throwing Anti-Dean words back at those Dean Bashers. Not you in particular.

Actually, I agree with you here. Clark slammed bush* but good.

and the persistant questions about gay marriage when soldiers are being killed everyday should get everyone mad as hell.

Good to see some fire on the stage tonight.

[TXvote]

5. Clark should be

Admonishing Bush, maybe even humiliating, not "calling" on him as if Biff was capable of the showing the slightest remorse about dead soldiers. Much less giving him suggestions that would make Biff appear to be a "man" if he was to take the advice.

Stronger press releases General, please. BIff is not a grunt you are grooming for service. He is your enemy and an enemy of the state.

Peace,
Teresa
www.votervirgin.com

[Lefta Dissenter]

10. I don't agree, TXvote (horrors!!!)

I think Clark shows SO much more dignity himself by staying above the personal attacks and humiliation. Look how he got away with bringing up bush's alcoholism all wrapped up in a compliment the other night. Just a little tweaking reminder to the judgemental right-wingers that their man hasn't been a choir boy all his life.

If Clark had offered that reminder in anything that even resembled humiliation, he would be nailed to the wall for it.

The same for the war. He doesn't attack bush as a person (as much as you know he'd love to), he attacks the policies. THAT'S how he's going to attract the center and even some r-wingers who just can't bear to stick with bush.

[MoonRiver]

6. Clark's been on the front lines, protecting his men and getting wounded

as a result. AWOL * ran from his tough job of protecting the Texas coast during Viet Nam. Can't wait to hear these two compare war stories on national television :D

[Dr Fate]

8. This guy gets better & better- he says what other DEMS seem afraid to say

...