Conffederate
Confederate

November 25, 2009

"I Cannot in Good Conscience, Encourage My Nephew to Reenlist"

I've tried to keep an open mind about Glenn Beck. I don't care for theatrics of his delivery or the melodrama so common on his show, and wonder if his on-air persona is really sincere. I try to keep in mind that just because I'm not a huge fan of the guy, that others certainly enjoy him and that's just fine. We are, after all, still free to disagree.

But like Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air, I think Beck went to far in the clip below. Beck lets his disgust with the military-hating liberals in our national government boil over, and suggests that our servicemen should not reenlist.

Frankly, I'm torn about his message.

I can understand that—as an uncle—he has a hard time advising his nephew to stay with the military when he feels that the present Commander in Chief won't support the troops. Some might compare it to advising a loved one to leave a business plagued with a corrupt board of directors and incompetent CEO.

But the simple fact of the matter is that while our soldiers are stuck with Obama as our President, they didn't sign on to serve and protect a President, they signed on to defend the United States. It shouldn't matter who is President.

And yet, I know from servicemen that were in the military under Carter and Clinton that to be a servicemen under a cowering Democratic President is demoralizing. I'm just as disgusted as the rest of you that three Navy SEALs are facing a military court for allegedly punching the terrorist responsible for killing burning, mutilating,and hanging the bodies of four contract security personal from a bridge in Fallujah, while our President and Attorney General provide the spectacle of public trial for terrorists that were part of a plot that killed thousands of innocent civilians.

But I hope our servicemen rise to the call, even under bad Presidents. Especially under bad Presidents, because when we look weak to allies and enemies alike with a "leader" on a Permanent Apology World Tour, we need their strength the most.

Posted by Confederate Yankee at November 25, 2009 11:59 AM
Comments

I've been saying that anyone in the armed forces should leave since Obama was elected. Obama and the democrats are happier sending our forces to be killed, but failing that, they nearly as happy charging them with a crime when they come back.

Posted by: Jack at November 25, 2009 12:12 PM

Yes, he went too far unless...unless he is trying to get Obama to come clean. I guess we won;t know until later but, if not, he has gone too far here.

Posted by: Mark L Harvey (aka Snooper) at November 25, 2009 12:35 PM

Beck went too far this time. When our warriors raise their right hand, they are swearing an oath to protect the nation, not a President. Yes it can be demoralizing to be led by a commander in chief who is a simpering dolt, to have rules of engagement that hamstring our efforts in the War on Terror (oopps, I mean Overseas Contingecy Operations),and to know that you are just a ball in a giant game of political ping-pong between two parties that really just pay lip service to their support for you.

But our warriors believe in something far greater than that. They believe in the fundamental truths upon which this nation was founded. I for one don't see them leaving in droves just because we have an asshat for a President. He'll be gone in three years anyway.

So Beck can continue to do what he does best, and our amazing men and women in the military will continue to do what they do best; fight for Beck's right to say stupid things.

Tarheel Repub Out!

Posted by: Tarheel Repub at November 25, 2009 12:37 PM

It's not about WHO the president is, it's about WHAT the president is DOING. Or rather, isn't doing. It seems like he doesn't want to fight this war to accomplish any goal. I for one do not want my friends and family members who are in the military to be sent overseas to fight and possibly die for no damn good reason. Win, or leave. No more Vietnams.

Posted by: Tristan at November 25, 2009 12:37 PM

Mark L Harvey (aka Snooper) wrote:
Yes, he went too far unless...unless he is trying to get Obama to come clean. I guess we won;t know until later but, if not, he has gone too far here.

Mark (and Confederate Yankee), I watched that segment earlier, and that was my exact impression: Beck is trying to get Obama to come clean. In fact, he brought himself to the edge of telling his nephew to not re-enlist, but couldn't actually do it. What i heard was a man who loves America and freedom too much to give up on it, in spite of his disgust with the PC sensibilities in this administration and top brass.

I was moved by a passionate and sincere man struggling to keep hope in a rapidly degrading situation. I read it differently than CY does, I don't think Beck actually said to not re-enlist. Watch it yourself, see what you hear.

Best regards, Peter Warner.

Posted by: Peter Warner at November 25, 2009 01:19 PM

I left because I knew that a good swath of Americans rejoiced when we were killed.

I'm not going to lift a finger anymore, and I'm not the only one.

At FOB St. Mike we had access to the internet. After we got back from missions, I'd sometimes log on, and go straight to the NYT or DU.

They laid it out pretty clearly what they thought of us.

Posted by: brando at November 25, 2009 01:29 PM

The fact that our soldiers raised their right hands and swore to protect and defend (somewhat the same as congress) has nothing to do with their re-enlistment. When their current enlistment is up, they can in good conscience either re-enlist or exit the military. When Bush was Pres. I often wished I were young enough to enlist, but with The One, not so much.

Posted by: TimothyJ at November 25, 2009 01:30 PM

It is not that the CINC won't support the troops (a slippery evaluation between use and waste), but rather will he keep the oath he swore. If that is not a certainty, not reenlisting is the more honorable response. Do you really want to be going door to door disarming private citizens after a "National Emergency" has been declared? After serving since 1969, I chose not to reenlist in 1978.

I think the current dustup about the SEALS is probably a good example of politics trickling down from career chairwarmers into operations and will affect reenlistment rates.

Posted by: Richard Roark at November 25, 2009 02:17 PM

Once they have served, their duty fulfilled there is no reason for them to stay and they can leave with a clear conscience. I heartily recommend NOT re-enlisting. I also recommend no enlisting in the first place. Why risk your life to protect and defend ass-hats that don't appreciate it?

Posted by: Tim in Philly at November 25, 2009 02:36 PM

Bob, you have an error in the title of your post. Beck said "in good conscience", not "in good conscious".

Posted by: Pat at November 25, 2009 03:08 PM

"I cannot in Good Conscious, Encourage My Nephew to Reenlist"


I agree with Beck

Posted by: Rick at November 25, 2009 03:22 PM

I agree with Beck! I served in Korea when Carter was in and it verged on a nightmare. When out politicians show so little respect for our armed services that they are expendable for politics or are only good for a photo op. Then it is time to bring them home where they may be needed shortly to help rebuild this country...

Posted by: s4r at November 25, 2009 03:57 PM

That is a good line:

Obama: "Our troops are good for a photo op, and good for political expense."

"If I need a show trial, all I need to do is court marshal the average grunt."

Posted by: Jack at November 25, 2009 04:48 PM

I'm kinda tossed up about this and have been for a while now. On one hand I believe in enlisting to defend, protect and preserve my country and its constitution and the American way of life for my family,freinds,neighbors and all those who would come after me,against any and ALL enemies who would try to destroy them. It certainly is not about serving a man or president,that is true. But, it does make it much harder to volunteer and put my life on the line when the CIC is as anti-military as this schmuck. I'm thankful to God that my forever CIC was such a great man of principle,moral character and patriotism. I have great concern for our military right now because of this buffoon. I'd think its safe to say that our current men and women in uniform are doing it for a higher cause than our current thug-in-chief;they'll be the first to tell you its about more than him. I would tell Glenn Beck that too but I don't totally fault him for his position either. He's still okay in my book.

Posted by: reaganmarine84 at November 25, 2009 09:10 PM

Having served both Carter and Clinton, having a wishy-washy, indecisive man at the top of the Chain of Command does have its effect. With Carter it was the Iranians and the hostages from the US Embassy. I did a lot of time at sea with that one. And the result is now evident in the current Iranian government. Clinton, I am thankful to say, I only served under for 8 months and 10 days. I then retired. But my communications with my friends still on active service at that time was enlightening to say the least.
And when that CinC is very visible in his disgust with the Armed Forces of The United States, it hits inside one hard. And jimmy carter was a graduate of the Naval Academy! Figure that one out! He was even one of Admiral Rickover's handpicked nuclear power guys.
Having been retired for sixteen plus years now, I look back and without reservation can say the best CinC I had was Ronald Reagan. Period, not open for discussion.

Posted by: Glenn Cassel AMH1(AW) USN Retired at November 25, 2009 09:14 PM

Ties in to some thoughts I had about McChrystal being told "No, you can't have the troops you say are needed. I will give you this many, now go take the heat off me."

Part of his has to think "Goddammit, these are my troops! And if I don't believe I can do the job with these numbers, that they'll get killed and crippled for nothing, I should resign.

But if I do, my troops will be handed over to someone else, and what happens then?"

Hard decision. Of course, he's also the one who came up with the idiot ROE that's getting troops killed, so I don't know if he'll see it that way.

Posted by: Firehand at November 25, 2009 10:07 PM

"...they didn't sign on to serve and protect a President, they signed on to defend the United States. It shouldn't matter who is President."

You're reacting as if Beck is encouraging soldiers to desert. Beck's talking about reenlisting -- that implies that the soldier in question has _already_ enlisted, and has served the term he signed up for. He's already done his duty. He's not obligated to re-up.

Posted by: Lee Willis at November 26, 2009 02:11 AM

When commanded by a feckless socialist who not only has no idea how to properly employ the military, and may very well deny it the means it needs, not only to protect life and limb, but to properly defend the nation, it is rational to seriously contemplate not only not serving, but not re-enlisting. It is also rational to believe that at times like these, service in the military by patriots is even more important in that inept or malicious leadership might well make a determined defense of America even more vital, but not until such destructive "leadership" is removed.

Our military knows the difference between a CIC who actually cares for them, and one who calls the photo ops. They know the difference between a CIC who comes to their hospital beds and gravesides without the media to record crocodile tears and feigned concerned looks, and one who brings along the media, at night, to be photographed saluting coffins. They know that when their own country denies that a muslim murderer of soldiers is a muslim murderer, when the AG wants to prosecute muslim mass murderers in civilian court, and when Navy SEALS are prosecuted for possibly giving a terrorist murderer a bloody lip (a bloody lip?!), that they have no protection from those who would kill us all.

Beck makes a reasoned, worthy argument here. Obama is seemingly bent on America's diminishment, perhaps even its destruction. How can individual soldiers fight that, no matter how determined and patriotic?

Posted by: mikemcdaniel at November 26, 2009 02:13 AM

I'm retired with 22 years of service. I would definitely not go back should they decide to reactive us ready retired reserve. If my son or a nephew or niece was serving, I'd recommend they not reenlist.

Since I had some broken service, I served during Carter's administration which was a horrible time to be in the military. Likewise, I served during Clinton's time. That wasn't as bad as the Carter years, but I found it hard to actually respect my CinC. If I was in today, I'd be filing for separation.

Posted by: 209 at November 26, 2009 06:26 AM
But the simple fact of the matter is that while our soldiers are stuck with Obama as our President, they didn't sign on to serve and protect a President, they signed on to defend the United States. It shouldn't matter who is President.

How can it not matter if the CinC isn't interested in defending the United States? I've been thinking since Pelosi called them out that one would have to be a damned fool to remain a CIA agent.

I would run, not walk for the exit. And when America came to its senses and returned to an interest in self-preservation, I'd be more than happy to jump right back in. But I would not put my butt on the line for this crew, knowing full well that they may hold intentions just as dangerous to my well being as any of our adversaries.

America needs some tough love.

Posted by: Pablo at November 26, 2009 10:55 AM

Glenn Beck never served himself and knows nothing about why soldiers enlist

Posted by: John Ryan at November 26, 2009 01:21 PM

As a Vet, I have to agree with Beck. It is apparent that Obama does not care for or support the military and they DEPEND on him for his support.

I love my country and would lay down my life to protect the USA, but I would also require the government to have a little respect for me and my sacrafice BEFORE I did go into combat.

Posted by: Big John at November 26, 2009 02:45 PM

I agree completely with Glenn Beck. Obama is not acting as a true CIC who cares about the young men and women in uniform. They are props, "photo-ops" and pawns. He does not treat them as the patriotic, precious jewels they are.

I have three children all enlistment age. I told all them NOT to enlist until a true patriot is in office.

It shouldn't be about "who" is President, but it is, when that individual is enacting policies to place our youngster in harm's way for nothing more than political expediency.

Posted by: Laurel at November 26, 2009 06:44 PM

Asked privately I might counsel a family member similarly. If for no other reason than to help that person determine their own commitment to service. Because people who do not have a clear sense of purpose and a strong desire to be in the military really should re-consider continuing in the service.

Beyond that what GB said is not something I would have said on national TV.

Posted by: ThomasD at November 26, 2009 09:16 PM

A couple of things I would like to say. First, I like Beck and do find his style a little offputing but he is sincere about his love for the country. Second, I served in VN under Johnson and I can vouch for what its like to serve under a cowardly loser. We lost many good pilots because of the worm and his advisors. Any man serving in the middle East will never get the support or backing he deserves or needs. Just like the three SEALs who should be doing there jobs instead of defending themselves against rediculous charges.

Posted by: inspectorudy at November 27, 2009 12:39 AM

Beck is right to question re-enlisting. The American people made this man CINC, the voters are putting the crappiest people in office - let them/us reap the consequences. You can't expect honorable men and women join up to defend a corrupt culture.

Posted by: Jayne at November 28, 2009 12:00 AM

As I see it, it's not just the CinC - it's the whole politically-corrected military establishment as well that is a problem.

It's not just the ROE, it's the whole "di-VER-sity is a major goal" mindset.

I do not fault Beck for saying, on national TV or otherwise, what many military members are thinking to themselves or discussing with each other.

Posted by: Pandora at November 28, 2009 08:57 AM