As if members of the mainstream media weren't bad enough in their attempts at goading the President into an apology in his last press conference, now, a New York State National Guard officer who has returned from Iraq is demanding the same thing.  According to the AP 1st Lt. Paul Rieckhoff says that the nation's leaders do not acknowledge the 'seriousness of continuing violence in Iraq.' 

He aired his viewpoints during the Democratic response to President Bush's weekly radio address, yet, he maintains he is not working for the Kerry campaign.  The former platoon leader also says that 'I don't expect our leaders to be free of mistakes.  I expect our leaders to own up to them.'

Well, Lt. Rieckhoff, this request merits serious consideration.  Therefore, we should demand that FDR's family representatives should 'own up' and apologize for Pearl Harbor, Kasserine Pass, Tarawa, Anzio, the Schweinfurt Raid, and the Battle of the Bulge.  Or how about the Truman family apologizing for the failure to predict the Chinese intervention in the Korean War?  How about Lynda Bird or Luci Byrd owning up for Hamburger Hill, Tet, and Hue?  Or better yet, how about if Bill Clinton apologizes for that little Mogadishu fracas?  I'm sure 'owning up' to these mistakes will make everything better.

It appears that some members of the NY National Guard are having a very tough time upon return to the States.  First, several of them suffer from mysterious illnesses, then Senator Hillary Clinton steps in to ensure the health needs of our GIs will be met.  Now, Lt. Rieckhoff informs us that they are still waiting for more body armor and better equipment (what the specific type of equipment they need is unknown).  I'm sure next week, John Kerry will ride to the rescue, and see to it your soldiers get everything they need.  Just make sure we read about it in the mainstream press when it happens.

Posted by Doug   5—01—04