Jessica Lynch and the Tillman family

[EAT MY ASSHOLE]

Anyone know anything about this? Apparently, both were on Capitol Hill yesterday testifying against their respective cover-ups.

FORD? A little help here? How could you have NOT posted this? This, to my mind, is fairly significant in continuing to debunk the greatest story ever sold...

http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/node/2334

[Guitar Shark]

Easy to explain. In FORD's world, the greatest story ever sold is the "story" about how the WTC towers came down.

[blueturk]

Of course, Dubya didn't know a thing....

White House says Bush didn't know Tillman killed by friendly fire
Zachary Coile, Chronicle Washington Bureau

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

(04-25) 11:45 PDT Washington -- The White House said today President Bush was never told that former NFL star Pat Tillman was killed by his fellow Army Rangers at a time Army officials knew the truth, but told his family and the public that Tillman was shot by the enemy.

Lawmakers and Tillman's family raised questions at a House hearing Tuesday about whether former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and White House officials knew the death was by friendly fire, but allowed the Army to spin a false story about the way the San Jose native died.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said today that the details of Tillman's death never made it to the president.

"There's no indication that the president got any word that there was questions surrounding his death, other than what has been reported in the paper," Perino said.

Speculation about what Bush knew has been fueled by the release of a memo sent April 29, 2004, a week after Tillman's death in Afghanistan, in which Gen. John Abizaid, then chief of the U.S. Central Command, was urged by a top general to tell "POTUS" -- the president of the United States -- that friendly fire was suspected.

"I felt that it was essential that you received this information as soon as we detected it in order to preclude any unknowing statements by our country's leaders which might cause public embarrassment if the circumstances of Cpl. Tillman's death become public," Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the military's special operations chief, wrote to Abizaid and other generals.

Lawmakers also released an e-mail that said White House speechwriter John Currin had called Army officials six days after Tillman's April 22, 2004, death asking for more details about his Army service for a speech Bush was scheduled to give days later at the White House Correspondents Association dinner. Rumsfeld's speechwriter had also called the Army for information about Tillman, the e-mail said.

Kevin Tillman, the brother of the former Arizona Cardinals safety who served in the same Rangers unit, testified Tuesday that the memos suggest Rumsfeld and the White House were aware of the cover-up.

"It's a little disingenuous to think the administration didn't know," he said.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, said he plans to continue his investigation and may call Pentagon and White House officials to testify.

"We still don't know how far up this went," Waxman said. "We don't know what the secretary of defense knew. We don't know what the White House knew. These are questions the committee seeks answers for."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/25/BAG89PF6FC13.DTL

[Nickdfresh]

Of course not. He doesn't read papers or books, so he can shut himself off into the inner sanctum of Dumbfuckistan...

[ODShowtime]

Lynch was pretty much recanting the entire story that was originally told about her capture. In front of Congress.

I mean they rescued her from a HOSPITAL for christ's sake.

[BigBadBrian]

Originally posted by ODShowtime
Lynch was pretty much recanting the entire story that was originally told about her capture. In front of Congress.

I mean they rescued her from a HOSPITAL for christ's sake.

Your point being?

[FORD]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
Your point being?

Point being that the BCE spun some story about her being some kind of "girl Rambo" in an attempt to spin up cheerleading for their stupid war. When in reality, she was an accident victim who was transported to an Iraqi hospital and didn't have anything bad to say about the doctors who treated her there.

I encourage everyone to watch this week's "Bill Moyers Journal" on PBS. It exposes the total con job that the BCE used to sell the Iraq war, and the fact that pretty much the entire corporate media were willing accomplices. Not a surprise to myself of course, but the case is presented so well that even a Busheep like Brian won't be able to pretend it isn't true anymore.

[Guitar Shark]

Originally posted by FORD
I encourage everyone to watch this week's "Bill Moyers Journal" on PBS. It exposes the total con job that the BCE used to sell the Iraq war, and the fact that pretty much the entire corporate media were willing accomplices.

If Moyers acknowledges the existence of a "BCE," I'll eat my hat.

[BigBadBrian]

Originally posted by FORD
Point being that the BCE spun some story about her being some kind of "girl Rambo" in an attempt to spin up cheerleading for their stupid war.

The "supposed-BCE" did no such thing. If you'd actually take a little time to read into the matter, you'll find that the guilty party for the spin on Lynch is the main stream media. Oh, that's right, they're all under the control of the magic wand of the "supposed-BCE," correct?


When in reality, she was an accident victim who was transported to an Iraqi hospital and didn't have anything bad to say about the doctors who treated her there.

She has said good things about them (she was also anally raped, according to physical examination later on) but that means nothing in the context of the rescue. You make it sound that although she was at a hospital, the rescue was a cakewalk. How were rescuers to know what the situation was? Once again, you're denigrating the efforts of our people.

[blueturk]

And what spin are you going to put on the Tillman fiasco, BBB?

[Nickdfresh]

Related. (http://www.rotharmy.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1158591#post1158591)

[EAT MY ASSHOLE]

Originally posted by blueturk
And what spin are you going to put on the Tillman fiasco, BBB?

That Pat Tillman was an Irani mole and got what was coming to him, I'd be willing to wager...

[BigBadBrian]

Originally posted by blueturk
And what spin are you going to put on the Tillman fiasco, BBB?

None.

Someone in the Army chain of command fucked up.

It's that simply.

BTW- I put no spin on the Lynch post, just facts.

:gulp:

[EAT MY ASSHOLE]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
It's that simply.


Well said.

I'm beginning to see where your affinity towards W. comes from.

[blueturk]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
None.

Someone in the Army chain of command fucked up.

It's that simply.

BTW- I put no spin on the Lynch post, just facts.

:gulp:

Someone in the Army chain of command fucked up alright. They didn't delete e-mails concerning the circumstances of Tillman's death. Are things so fucked up in the Bush Era that Dubya doesn't get e-mails of such importance? Or did Bush (or Cheney, or both) tell the Pentagon to shut the hell up? I think the latter.

Bush not told Tillman death facts, aide says
Family, lawmakers wonder if president knew more early on
Zachary Coile, Chronicle Washington Bureau
Thursday, April 26, 2007

(04-26) 04:00 PDT Washington -- The White House said President Bush was never told that former NFL star Pat Tillman was killed by his fellow Army Rangers at a time Army officials knew the truth but misled his family and the public by saying the San Jose native had been shot by the enemy.

Lawmakers and Tillman's family raised questions at a House hearing Tuesday about whether former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and White House officials knew the death was by friendly fire, but allowed the Army to spin a false story that the Army corporal had been killed in a firefight with insurgents in Afghanistan.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Wednesday that the details of Tillman's death never made it to the president.

"We have no indication that the president knew that there were questions surrounding the circumstances of ... Tillman's death until sometime afterward," Perino said.

She said the president learned it was friendly fire "well after the funeral," referring to Tillman's nationally televised memorial service in San Jose on May 3, 2004, although she did not offer a precise date. She said people in the White House "don't remember if he heard it from media reports or if he heard it from the Pentagon."

The Army admitted Tillman died from friendly fire on May 29, five weeks after his April 22, 2004, death.

"Obviously, he feels deeply for the Tillman family and what they're going through," Perino said. "He's glad that the Department of Defense is trying to find out what happened, and to hold people accountable."

Speculation about what Bush knew has been fueled by the release of a memo sent April 29, 2004, a week after Tillman's death, in which Gen. John Abizaid, then chief of the U.S. Central Command, was urged by a top general to tell "POTUS" -- the president of the United States -- that friendly fire was suspected.

"I felt that it was essential that you received this information as soon as we detected it in order to preclude any unknowing statements by our country's leaders which might cause public embarrassment if the circumstances of Cpl. Tillman's death become public," Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the military's special operations chief, wrote to Abizaid and other generals.

Lawmakers also released an e-mail that said White House speechwriter John Currin had called Army officials six days after Tillman's death asking for more details about his Army service for a speech Bush was scheduled to give days later at the White House Correspondents Association dinner. Rumsfeld's speechwriter had also called the Army for information about Tillman, the e-mail said.

Perino said it wasn't clear if Currin knew the facts of Tillman's death at the time, adding that he has since left the White House. The White House had no record of having received McChrystal's memo, she said.

Kevin Tillman, brother of the former Arizona Cardinals safety who served in the same Rangers unit, testified Tuesday that the memos suggest Rumsfeld and the White House were aware of the cover-up.

"It's a little disingenuous to think the administration didn't know," he said.

An inspector general's report has recommended that nine officers be disciplined for mishandling Tillman's death, but didn't suggest that a criminal cover-up occurred. Lawmakers, however, have criticized the report as not thorough enough and failing to push the questions to the highest levels of the Pentagon.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, said he plans to continue his investigation and may call Pentagon and White House officials to testify.

"We still don't know how far up this went," Waxman said. "We don't know what the secretary of defense knew. We don't know what the White House knew. These are questions the committee seeks answers for."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/04/26/MNG4DPFFCT1.DTL

[hideyoursheep]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
Your point being?

My point is, where's Matt Maupin? Where's the urgency to rescue him?!

[hideyoursheep]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
None.

Someone in the Army chain of command fucked up.

Rumsfeld? His immediate chain of command were very aware of the circumstances. What the Pentagon did with it was an outrage. Glorify the death of a soldier due to his celebrity status with an invented scenario.

[hideyoursheep]

Originally posted by blueturk
Someone in the Army chain of command fucked up alright. They didn't delete e-mails concerning the circumstances of Tillman's death. Are things so fucked up in the Bush Era that Dubya doesn't get e-mails of such importance? Or did Bush (or Cheney, or both) tell the Pentagon to shut the hell up? I think the latter.

Goddammit!! I tell you there is no fucking excuse for this asshole...Nothing is ever his fault and he never does anything wrong.

He's the fucking pResident and he doesn't fucking "know" anything-ever.

[BigBadBrian]

Originally posted by hideyoursheep
Rumsfeld? His immediate chain of command were very aware of the circumstances. What the Pentagon did with it was an outrage. Glorify the death of a soldier due to his celebrity status with an invented scenario.

It's Rumsfeld's fault?

OK by me....you'll never find me defending that bastard.

:gulp:

[Nickdfresh]

Liar! You have defended him!

[Nickdfresh]

Jessica Lynch Sets the Record Straight
Jessica Lynch tells Congress what really happened to her in Iraq.
WEB EXCLUSIVE
By Julie Scelfo
Newsweek
Updated: 3:58 p.m. ET April 28, 2007

April 24, 2007 - Jessica Lynch became a national hero in 2003 after she was dramatically rescued by a team of Special Ops soldiers from an Iraqi hospital where she was believed to be a prisoner of war. Her story was compelling not only because she was a 19-year-old supply-unit clerk who had stumbled into an attack during convoy travel with her unit, but because she was portrayed by military authorities as having valiantly fought back against her attackers even as her unit was surrounded and her comrades were killed and injured. The legend quickly unraveled, however, after Lynch returned to the States, recuperated from her substantial injuries (broken arm and leg bones, damage to her back and kidneys, and a six-inch laceration to her head) and began to speak out about what had really happened. Today, Lynch testified before a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing probing the source of misleading information about Lynch and about the death of Army Ranger Specialist Patrick Tillman in Afghanistan. NEWSWEEK's Julie Scelfo spoke with Lynch, who turns 24 on April 26, about her experiences. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: Why did you decide to testify?
Jessica Lynch: Mainly it was about me just getting out the truth. I’ve spent the past four years trying to tell everybody the real truth, and not the stories they put together. They were false, ya know?

What was the greatest misinformation about you?
The whole Rambo story, that I went down fighting. It just wasn’t the truth.

So what really happened?
I didn’t even get a shot off. My weapon had jammed. And I didn’t even get to fire. A rocket-propelled grenade hit the back of our [Humvee], which made Lori [Piestewa], my friend, lose control of the vehicle, and we slammed into the back of another truck in our unit.

Who is to blame for spreading the misinformation?
Well, I think really the military and the media. The military, for not setting the record straight and the media for spreading it, and not seeking the true facts. They just ran with it instead of waiting until the facts were straightened out.

What do you hope Congress achieves with today’s hearing?
I hope it [helps] the Tillman family get the accurate information that they deserve. They need to know what happened to their son and why they were lied to.

Do you feel like this is a pattern, misinformation from the military?
Well, it kind of seems like that’s the way it’s been happening. I hope they can learn from mistakes and correct this and not let other family members and soldiers have to deal with the things that my family and I went through.

What was the hardest part of having misinformation spread?
Knowing that it wasn’t the truth. I just, I had to get [the truth] out there. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself knowing that’s not exactly how it happened.

You said during your testimony you weren’t there for political reasons. But do you have an opinion about how the administration used your story and Tillman’s story for political gain?
I don’t know because there’s no way of knowing why this stuff was even created in the first place. Only the people who created it would have the answers.

So how is your recovery going?
I still have a lot of problems, a lot of injuries. I will probably never heal or be the same again. But I’m OK with it, and I’ve learned to cope with it in my own way.

You said in your testimony that Iraqi nurses actually tried to return you once to the Americans. What happened?
We were fired upon, and [the] driver of the ambulance had to turn around and brought me back to the hospital.

So the Iraqis were trying to return you?
Yeah, hopefully that’s what they were doing. That’s what I was told they were doing. We were headed to a checkpoint and we were fired upon.

If the Iraqis wanted to give you back, why did the military stage a big rescue? Couldn’t they just knock on the hospital door?
I don’t know. I hope that they had my interests in mind, and were wanting to get me out of there.

Do you feel like you were exploited by the military?
No, I don’t. I felt sort of like that in the beginning, yes. But now, four years later, I don’t.

During today’s testimony Pat Tillman’s brother, Kevin, says he feels his brother’s death was “exploited” for political reasons.
I agree, they did that in a way. Pat Tillman's situation was similar to mine but completely different. He didn’t have the opportunity to come home and tell the truth and set the record straight like I did.

MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18297391/site/newsweek/?GT1=9246)

http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/msnbc/Sections/Newsweek/Components/Photos/070424_070430/070424_JessicaLynch_wide.hlarge.jpg

She sure has some "guns" though.;)

[EAT MY ASSHOLE]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
It's Rumsfeld's fault?

OK by me....you'll never find me defending that bastard.

:gulp:


Originally posted by Nickdfresh
Liar! You have defended him!

Actually, tjhough saying "never" is a mischaracterization, Brian HAS strongly criticized Rumsfeld a number of times, including well before he stepped down.

[Nickdfresh]

Yes. But he seems to cover ass for the guy that hired him, and kept him far far too long...

Rumsfeld wasn't the 'disease,' he was one of the many symptoms...

[VanHalener]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/msnbc/Sections/Newsweek/Components/Photos/070424_070430/070424_JessicaLynch_wide.hlarge.jpg

She sure has some "guns" though.;)

I'm glad to say she's looking pretty damn good!:cato2: :rockit2: :cato2:

[hideyoursheep]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
It's Rumsfeld's fault?

OK by me....you'll never find me defending that bastard.

:gulp:

There's a laundry list of things that are a direct result of his incometence and thick-headed ideas, you know that...

Nice to see you using your common sense.;)

[hideyoursheep]

Originally posted by EAT MY ASSHOLE
Actually, tjhough saying "never" is a mischaracterization, Brian HAS strongly criticized Rumsfeld a number of times, including well before he stepped down.

He understands Dumsfeld was a mistake.....

Now if only he could admit that Dubyah is an idiot for hiring him/ keeping him/ defending him.

[BigBadBrian]

Originally posted by Nickdfresh
Liar! You have defended him!

No I have not. Prove it.

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by BigBadBrian
No I have not. Prove it.

Right here! (http://www.rotharmy.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41244)

"Ooooh, look at how smart Rumsfled'adomous was! What a seer!"

Fucking spare me...

[hideyoursheep]

Uh..."flip-flop", or admitting mistakes, Brian...Which?