One of the few things we know about what happened in Niger a few weeks ago is that four American soldiers died. We don’t know why those soldiers were there, what mistakes were made that led to their deaths, why one body was left behind (requiring it to be retrieved). We also don’t know why Donald Trump remained completely silent about the deaths for almost two weeks, and didn’t send any condolences, despite the fact that the White House staff had them prepared and ready to send.
Doesn’t this sound like there is a cover-up going on? Even a fellow Republican and chairman of the Senate armed services committee, John McCain, doesn’t think the administration is being up front about the attack.
So what’s the difference between this and the Benghazi attack, where four Americans also died, and there were accusations of a cover-up (but only from the opposing party)? As far as I can tell, the only difference is that there were 33 separate congressional hearings and 7 full investigations into the Benghazi attacks. Doesn’t Niger deserve any similar scrutiny?
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No, it certainly does not deserve similar scrutiny as Benghazi because nothing deserves that much scrutiny. Certainly there should be an investigation whenever American soldiers die in this type of attack, but one investigation should be enough.
Hear, hear! Congress needs to do something besides hold hearings aimed at discrediting potential future (or current) political opposition… even if that means not giving tit for tat.
It certainly deserves some kind of investigation. However, we should not let it distract us from the more serious mishaps to be investigated; Trump’s profiteering from his office at the White House, Jared’s email server, Russia’s hacking of the election and subsequent meddling, the ACA gutting, Trump’s sabotage of the Iran’s agreement and North Korea peace effort that could lead us into WW3, the tremendous overspending in defence, the zillion-dollars useless border wall, the ALENA negociation that could alienate Mexico and Canada and sink the American economy at the same time, Trump’s suspiciously subservient attitude towards China, the ballooning White House travel and security costs, the attacks to the liberty of the press, etc.
I just want to point out that my final sentence was meant to be sarcastic. I totally agree with all these comments.
If there’s one thing we can be sure about, it’s that whatever wrongdoing or shortcomings come from an investigation, Agent Orange will find a way to pass the blame along to someone else, most likely “his” generals or, more ideally, onto Hillary and Obama, his favorite scapegoats. The buck never stops with him, unless it’s going into some secret offshore account.
And with Repos in charge of both chambers, we can also be certain this affair will be given passing attention, served up with a healthy stream of crocodile tears and empty thoughts and prayers for the servicemen lost before the next orders of business dominate the news cycles, like tax cuts (not for you), gun care and health control.
The man scored 10 out of 10 for his response to Maria… what more need be said? Weinstein has been fired, and Trump elected POTUS… the man can obviously do no wrong.
My question is, now that they control the White House, both houses of Congress and the SCOTUS, at what point will the GOP be held accountable by Middle America?
Or, conversely, is this really what Middle America wants? Because it surely seems so.
To Redjon: I hope the American people hold every elected official responsible for they’re deceit. Voting umpteen times to repeal Obamacare and then doing nothing, including Sen. McCain.
Concerning Niger- little known or thought about in the very important he said she said political world is the often overlooked fact that we have troops around the world. Many are Special Forces and they’re jobs very but mostly it’s to train, advise and assist those also fighting the war on terror. We troops in over 80 country’s in small numbers. Those 4 soldiers were ambushed along with there Niger counterparts when they were unknowingly observed on routine maneuvers. The 3 white soldiers were the first to be targeted and a real prize for the bad guys the other soldier likely died trying to fend off the attackers and save a buddy. The less trained native soldiers fled for their lives. There were no Americans left to bring back the bodies. They knew one was missing and thought it might be a hostage situation as kidnapping for ransom is a favored tactic. But the Sildier was already deceased.
As elite Soldiers they did know the risk and they served with distinction. There’s a small bar outside Fort Sam Houston in TX that is owned by a retired SF Sergeant Major. Every time a SF Soldier dies in a far off land they gather and pay there respects to the fallen by writing a short message on the walls and raise a glass in silence.
The walls are filled with the names of the fallen, going back 30 years.
Rest In Peace my Brothers, your mission here on this earth is complete.
Patriotsgt, let me start by saying I agree with you regarding the 4 soldiers in Niger. As you say, there are troops and SF all over the world, and serving in such a position does carry some inherent risk. These men served with distinction and died serving our country. What happened was a tragedy and should not be politicized.
Here’s the point of IK and many of us that you’re missing: Every part of that description also applies to Christopher Stevens and what happened in Benghazi. There are ambassadors and related staff all over the world, and serving in such a position includes risk. What happened was a tragedy and should never have been politicized. But it was. Repeatedly. Over and over and over, solely as a way to attack Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
I’m not going to speak for anyone else, but I want the Niger attack to be investigated for the sole purpose of learning how to avoid similar attacks in the future. Attacks like this are unavoidable, but I would like to see our defense against them improve. I do not want it politicized, and I do not want 5 billion Congressional investigations.
I also want an apology from every single conservative voter, pundit, and politician who did not do the same regarding Benghazi. Showing dignity and restraint in issues like this should not be just the responsibility of one side of the political spectrum.
PATRIOTSGT: Your post made me cry. Other than my five times great grandfather, my fighting brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great, etc all made it out alive.
Michael, I agree Benghazi was over politicized. It was the lates for political capital, just like the repeal and replace BS.
This is all I will say on Benghazi, I watched the news of the attack and as someone who is familiar with military actions knew immediately it was pre-planned attack. If the Obama admin had just said from the start it was an attack and not a demonstration against an obscure video it might have died out more quickly. That’s probably why Trump waited to comment (learned from the past). That being said, the investigation still went on way too long.
Ebdoug- thank you