Politics and Culture

From Hugh Hewitt

Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Senator Schumer's Slander On The Military
Posted by: Hugh Hewitt at 7:11 PM

Today on the Senate floor, New York's Senator Schumer slandered the American military when he stated:

The violence in Anbar has gone down despite the surge, not because of the surge. The inability of American soldiers to protect these tribes from al Qaeda, said to these tribes: "We have to fight al Qaeda ourselves."

Asserting that the sacrifice of the American troops has been futile and their efforts in vain is an astonishing and vile statement for a sitting member of the United States Senate to make. Call the Hill switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask for his office and make your sentiments known.

Hewitt, whom I like as a commentator despite an almost glass overflowing political optimism and a chearleaderish disposition, is exaggerating. Hugh, do you really think Schumer hates soldiers or thinks they can't fight? Isn't this the kind of uncharitable attack that's become the left calling card?

Schumer probably meant the American Army, Army leadership, or America in general.

Which doesn't excuse Schumer from one of the most idiotic statements of the past few weeks.

First, it's a not-smart thing to say that your Army can't do things. It just doesn't sound right and is very counterproductive to any war effort.

Second, rationalizing away the success- of your own country- is appalling for its blatant partisanship.

Third, is it logical to say that attacking the enemy more leads to it becoming a greater threat? That, in addition to attacking their enemies, protecting tribes more causes them to be less secure? It's very dumb in a paradoxical way.