Posted on 08/30/2005 12:49:23 PM PDT by InvisibleChurch
Newsweek Reporter Asked to Apologize for 'Mercenary Army' Comment By Susan Jones CNSNews.com Senior Editor August 30, 2005
(CNSNews.com) - A group that supports the U.S. military is demanding an apology from Newsweek magazine's Eleanor Clift, who recently characterized America's armed forces as a "mercenary Army."
Her comments -- made this past weekend on the syndicated TV program "The McLaughlin Group" -- were "unfounded and grossly inappropriate," said the Freedom Alliance.
In an Aug. 30 letter to Clift, Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon asked her to retract her comment and apologize to the armed forces and their families.
Clift made the comment during a discussion about military recruiting efforts:
"But I think what we're coming to grips with is the fact that we actually have a mercenary Army," Clift said, according to a transcript of "The McLaughlin Group" program.
"And it doesn't have a nice ring to it. We call it 'volunteers,' but we're basically paying people to serve their country. And if you're going to pay people and have a mercenary Army, you're going to have to pay the market rate. And so the bounties are going up -- more money for tuition, higher enlistment bonuses -- and I think it's appropriate."
The Freedom Alliance said it is "wholly inappropriate" to describe America's military men and women as mercenaries.
"It is a vile and thankless description of those who are responsible for defending your life and right to free expression," Kilgannon wrote in the letter.
"A professional wordsmith such as yourself should understand that mercenary troops have no loyalties, no ties and no bonds to any nation. They fight not for duty, flag or country but for selfish gain. They have no regard for political ideology and no respect for national interests. Often, at the first sign of resistance, mercenary troops turn and run."
Those qualities do not describe U.S. troops, Kilgannon said, adding that Clift should "be ashamed of yourself for suggesting otherwise."
Kilgannon suggests that during her next appearance on "The McLaughlin Group," Clift should apologize - and retract her description of U.S. troops as "mercenaries."
"You may also want to search your heart for a little more consideration for those who keep this nation strong and free," Kilgannon writes.
The Freedom Alliance, founded in 1990 by Lt. Col. Oliver North, describes its mission as advancing the American heritage of freedom by honoring and encouraging military service, defending the sovereignty of the United States and promoting a strong national defense.
It also exposes anti-military bias in the media.
The old moonbat is losing it ~ poor Eleanor Clift is finally going competely mad ~ Bump!
First of all, a mercenary is a person who fights for money for any flag. The people who are fighting in our Army are patriots fighting for their flag. So while they're compensated the same way draftees are compensated, they're not mercenaries.
As usual, Eleanor’s response to this direct refutation of her pinheaded point was sucking her teeth and sniffing.
Her point is that she'd rather give the money to people who do nothing.
I'm surprised she didn't shoot back asking Tony's appraisal of the pirates of the US Navy.
Aaaaaaarrrrgh.
Why do nearly all liberals look guilty and like they have sour stomachs?
It's a good thing I read the replies before I posted. You took the words right out of my mouth!
Nam Vet
Light those lights (if FR won't do it...who will?) >>>
comments@mclaughlin.com
I have always been amazed that Newsweek, once a fairly reputable source of information, lets Clift say publically that she is an employee of theirs. It's a lot like a university being proud that one of it's female faculty is running/working in a nearby whorehouse; it's great for the individual but what does the institution get?
I'd vonunteer for the boycott of Newsweek but it would be a meaningless jesture, I boycotted Newsweek many years ago. How objective can a "journal" be that would employ Clift?
Turnabout is fairplay, Eleanor:
We call them 'journalists' but we're basically paying people to perform disservices towards America.
They have no loyalty, no ties, no bonds to our country.
No, she's the media equivalent of Howard Stern on steroids.
We've got to eat somehow.
Hah! I hope your comment gets to stay put :)
Communists never forgave the US for demolishing the Soviet Union.
It's no secret that Clift hates the US with a passion. Where was she when our "Mercenary (/sarc)” air force was bombing Belgrade?
The only difference in her comments, or lack thereof, is the CIC's party!
I just realized how imprudent it was was Clift to alienate any portion of the military. There may come a time when the only work left to her is working a corner in a garrison town. Of course, she is very well qualified for such a life but without the good will of her customer base, it could take all day to make her handful of quarters.
Clift is a Kool-aid-drinking barking moonbat who wouldn't know a United States military uniform if it was right in front of her. She's another example of the military-ignorant mainstream media. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to run a company -sized unit of journalists through a basic training cycle with some of the meanest drill sergeants in the army.
The old bitch is loosing it. This is the best indication I have seen that the cause of the radical left wingers is swirling down the drain.
It should be remembered that Eleanor had sex with Bill Clinton on the sidewalk at the 1968 Democrat convention.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.