Clark calls for a new American patriotism (BARF ALERT)

NY Slimes ^ | Sept. 22, 2003 | Eric Schmidt

[Sparta]

Clark Calls for a 'New American Patriotism'

By ERIC SCHMITT

HARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 22 — Gen. Wesley K. Clark called today for "a new American patriotism" that would encourage broader public service, respect domestic dissent even in wartime and embrace international organizations like the United Nations.

General Clark, a former NATO commander and Army officer who last week announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, accused the Bush administration of neglecting economic problems and of pursuing a dangerous go-it-alone foreign policy.

But he also used the setting of the Citadel, the military college here, to appeal to about 150 cadets and civilians on the parade grounds to help restore something loftier, a sense of national spirit that he suggested that the administration's campaign against terror had corroded.

"We've got to have a new kind of patriotism that recognizes that in times of war or peace democracy requires dialogue, disagreement and the courage to speak out," General Clark said. "And those who do it should not be condemned, but be praised."

General Clark made it clear he believed that the administration had unfairly focused on whole classes of immigrants, for fear of a minority within them.

"Three million Muslims have come to this country from Asia and the Middle East," he said. "They didn't come because they were afraid of our values. They came because they wanted to live under them."

Today was Day 6 of the campaign, and General Clark's 20-minute stump speech at the hastily arranged event here had a few rough patches.

"Patriotism doesn't consist of following the orders, not, not not when you're not in the chain of command," the general said, stumbling over his words and catching himself before he inadvertently encouraged insubordination in the ranks.

Despite the stumbles, General Clark heard good news in a CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll that showed he had jumped ahead of the other Democrats. The poll, conducted over the weekend, showed him tying President Bush head to head.

General Clark was invited to speak here by Philip Lader, a visiting professor of political science who is a close friend of former President Bill Clinton. Many former top Clinton aides have roles in his campaign.

General Clark directed his attacks against the administration, never mentioning the other nine Democratic hopefuls. He criticized the Bush team as doing little to stem the job losses and mounting deficits that have weighed on the economy since he retired from the Army in 2000.

"I'm running for president because I could not stand by and watch everything that we fought for, everything our nation had accomplished and become, unravel before our eyes," General Clark said.

He said the administration had failed to shore up health care and education, but he offered no detailed plans.

"One of the principles we learned in the United States armed forces was the principle of accountability," he said. "Americans today are asking, `Why did we lose three million jobs over the last three years?' "

He fired the other barrel of his attack at the handling of Iraq and at overall foreign policy, especially given that Mr. Bush is requesting $87 billion from Congress to finance reconstruction and military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"What was the strategy?" he asked about Iraq. "What was the purpose? What is the success strategy? How are we going to finish the mission there?"

General Clark did not discuss what are apparently his reversals on the the war. Last October, he said that he would support the Congressional resolution that authorized the use of military force in Iraq and then spent months criticizing the execution of the war. On Thursday, the day after he announced his candidacy, he said, "I probably would have voted for" the resolution. On Friday, he backtracked, saying, "I never would have voted for war."

By coincidence, his aides said, General Clark spoke here nearly four years to the day after George W. Bush, then the governor of Texas, visited the Citadel to lay out his most explicit thinking on military policy.

General Clark did not delve into such detail, but said he would map out a foreign policy, drawing on his experience leading tens of thousands of troops and working at the highest levels of the government, first as a senior general in the Pentagon and later as NATO supreme commander in the 1999 war in Kosovo.

He said his approach was based on three basic pillars. First, his strategy would reach out more aggressively to allies. He said he would also work to improve relations with international organizations like the United Nations, which he said were created decades ago to "to distribute the burdens of leadership, to share the responsibilities and to share the benefits of security."

Finally, he said, he will always support a well-financed military, strong enough to deter or, if necessary, defeat any threat.

After his remarks, General Clark bounded into the audience, shaking hands, signing copies of his memoirs and getting a feel for what life is going to be like in the campaign.

Terry Tranen, 61, a retired aerospace engineer, said General Clark was the Democrat with the best chance of beating Mr. Bush.

"I think I might send him some money," Mr. Tranen said. "That's the real test, isn't it?"

[Sparta]

Gen. Wesley K. Clark called today for "a new American patriotism" that would encourage broader public service, respect domestic dissent even in wartime and embrace international organizations like the United Nations.

I have no problem with encouraging public service (ie. military service) and respect of domestic dissent, but how is supporting the UN patriotic, psycho boy?

[DoughtyOne]

New American patriotism? Where's this guy been since 09/11/2001?

[HAL9000]

Gen. Wesley K. Clark called today for "a new American patriotism" that would encourage broader public service, respect domestic dissent even in wartime and embrace international organizations like the United Nations.

To Wesley Clark, the U.N. Charter is more important than the U.S. Constitution.

As someone on television commented, Wesley Clark is France's idea of a good general.

[First Amendment]

*EX*-general "Wussley" Clark nauseates me. He is psychotic, he must have bi-polar brain impairment. His every word is designed for affect, and although he didn't name himself, "Wesley" is not a good name (at least for him, any Freepers named Welsey are no doubt good guys!) People who are dishonest, theatrical, shallow and disingenuous make me sick.

[WorkingClassFilth]

"Gen. Wesley K. Clark called today for "a new American patriotism" that would...respect domestic dissent even in wartime and embrace international organizations like the United Nations.

'Nuff said.

[Sir Gawain]

They didn't come because they were afraid of our values. They came because they wanted to live under them."

BZZZZZT. Wrong answer.

[Mo1]

"Patriotism doesn't consist of following the orders, not, not not when you're not in the chain of command," the general said, stumbling over his words and catching himself before he inadvertently encouraged insubordination in the ranks.

Hmmm .. Clark almost calls for a military take over???

"What was the strategy?" he asked about Iraq. "What was the purpose? What is the success strategy? How are we going to finish the mission there?"

Ummm .. Mr. Clark .. one could ask you the same of Kosovo

[Taiwan Bocks]

"Three million Muslims have come to this country from Asia and the Middle East," he said. "They didn't come because they were afraid of our values. They came because they wanted to live under them."

So the new patriotism has to tolerate more 'Islam is peace' lies.

Another 'New World Order' wolf in sheep's clothing, IMO.

These traitors!, do nothing about Islamists, a large percentage of whom have declared war on us and vowed to conduct that war secretly.

Then they plan to wipe out the Constitution and Bill of Rights suddenly, "because there's just no other way."

Traitors! All elected officials who turn a blind eye and ignore their oath to defend the Constitution from all threats foreign and domestic, traitors!

[Southack]

"Gen. Wesley K. Clark called today for "a new American patriotism" that would encourage broader public service, respect domestic dissent even in wartime and embrace international organizations like the United Nations."

General Wesley Clark gleefully went to war against Serbia in 1999 even though President Clinton refused to EVEN GO TO THE UN for permission (or gravitas).

And now he wants to claim that he's a big fan of going to the UN first?!

BWAAA HA HA ha haaaaaa!

[Taiwan Bocks]

Thank God he isn't running as a Republican for governor in some state!

[Peace will be here soon]

"We've got to have a new kind of patriotism that recognizes that in times of war or peace democracy requires dialogue, disagreement and the courage to speak out," General Clark said. "And those who do it should not be condemned, but be praised."

---

Does anybody understand what in the world he is saying here? Dialogue, disagreement, speaking out ????? Yes Clark, all this has been going on for quite sometime now. Man, this guy is brilliant, he sure has me pumped ( sarcasm).

[Russell Scott]

Another Democrat paper tiger that President Bush will chew up and spit out.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Supporting the UN is the new American patriotism - only if we allow the left to define 'patriotism'

[F16Fighter]

"We've got to have a new kind of patriotism that recognizes that in times of war or peace democracy requires dialogue, disagreement and the courage to speak out," General Clark said. "And those who do it should not be condemned, but be praised."

Let's give Clark a 'Tim Robbins Award' for trying to peddle this Hollywood-esque horse sh*t.

[HAL9000]

You seem to be forgetting that we invaded Iraq to enforce UN resolutions.

Yes, that's our "official reason" to the rest of the world.

President Bush has provided tremendous backing to the United Nations charter,

Bush is willing to the the U.N. a chance to do the right thing, but if they don't, he will take action on his own authority.

and he will speak to the general assembly tomorrow to push for greater UN involvement in Iraq.

The presidential speech to the U.N. has been an annual event for decades.

Most importantly - Unlike Wesley Clark, President Bush respects the U.S. Constitution over the U.N. Charter.

[BenLurkin]

"a new American patriotism" that would . . . embrace international organizations like the United Nations.

Is this guy an idiot or is he simply a traitor?

[Diddle E. Squat]

A couple of years ago I posted that the culture wars would probably make 2004 seem similar to 1864. Sure enough, up pops General McClellan.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

The Clintons and their crowd will use Clark as a tool to weaken the military, diminish US sovereignty, and submit to a UN world government.

[flamefront]

They already are using him.

He said the administration had failed to shore up [Hillary] health care and education ...

[Squantos]

"I'm running for president because I could not stand by and watch everything that we fought for, everything our nation had accomplished and become, unravel before our eyes," General Clark said............??????

What in heavens name is this socialist turd burgler smokin ???

Wow !..........Stay Safe D1 !

[Quicksilver]

I'll stick with the tried and true, old fashioned American patriotism, thank you.

[Timesink]

New American patriotism? Where's this guy been since 09/11/2001?

This is a psychopath that still refers to the Russians as "The Soviets" and acts as if they remain our mortal Cold War enemy. Wherever Weaselly Clark has been, he's been there a long long time.

[KQQL]

Newsweek

W 47% vs Wes 43%
W 48% vs Ferry 43%
W 52% vs Deany 38%


WOW ^@__*^ ....in 3 days W lost his lead to Clark and Kerry.

Cnn/Gallup/USA Today
Clark 49% - W 46%
Ferry 48% - W 47%
Dean 46% - W 49%
Dickey 46% - W 48%
Loserman 47% - W 48%

[Timesink]

"Patriotism doesn't consist of following the orders, not, not not when you're not in the chain of command," the general said, stumbling over his words and catching himself before he inadvertently encouraged insubordination in the ranks.

It's very interesting that this line was included in a New York Times article about Clark. It's a real slap in his face.

[Timesink]

"I think I might send him some money," Mr. Tranen said. "That's the real test, isn't it?"

It's the test of how much of an idiot you are, Mr. Tranen. It means little else.

[Free Vulcan]

Turning phrase after phrase of Orwellian newspeak and Clintonian wordsmithing. Nothing but castles in the air.

[ppaul]

Clark Calls for a 'New American Patriotism'

Yeah.
Let's start by putting him on trial for war crimes - like blowing up every bridge over the Danube River, Clark's claim to fame.

[EGPWS]

New American patriotism? Where's this guy been since 09/11/2001?

By the sounds of his rhetoric, in heated discussions with Mr. and Ms. Schlickmiester!

[DoughtyOne]

No kidding. Either that or some leftist (s)think tank. ;-)

[Rain-maker]

Clark is insinuating we should be appeasing and passive patriots. WHAT?!

 

 

Clark can shove a Bosnian military cap right up his new patriot arse too!

 

 

 

Wesley Clark’s Ties To Muslim Terrorists

 

 

[Jeff Chandler]

"We've got to have a new kind of patriotism that recognizes that in times of war or peace democracy requires dialogue, disagreement and the courage to speak out," General Clark said. "And those who do it should not be condemned, but be praised."

How about those with the courage to speak out in condemnation of those who speak out? Should they be condemned or praised?

[Imal]

"Patriotism doesn't consist of following the orders, not, not not when you're not in the chain of command," the general said

Nothing negative about that.

[tbpiper]

By the sounds of his rhetoric, in heated discussions with Mr. and Ms. Schlickmiester!

My thoughts also. The 'old' patriotism was frustrating the socialist takeover so what we need now is a 'new' patiotism that will accomodate it.

[metesky]

"We've got to have a new kind of patriotism that recognizes that in times of war or peace democracy requires dialogue, disagreement and the courage to speak out," General Clark said. "And those who do it should not be condemned, but be praised."

These dweebs always seem to think that the 1st Amendment is a one way street; one way their way, of course.

So just shut up all you "old style" patriots!

[weegee]

Funny how onder X42's administration, disagreement on the president and his policy meant that we were part of a vast right wing conspiracy; the type that was blamed for the OKC bombing.

[JasonC]

No no, that is the "old" type of patriotism. He wants a "new" type of patriotism. One that is remarkably like treason, actually...

[JasonC]

Well, Clark had to leave *himself* the "just following orders" defense, or the peaceniks would never forgive him for his own past belligerent actions...

[tet68]

"We've got to have a new kind of patriotism that recognizes that in times of war or peace democracy requires dialogue, disagreement and the courage to speak out," General Clark said. "And those who do it should not be condemned, but be praised."




Just let Clark get elected and see how long our ability to "dissent" lasts.

[OldFriend]

The slick skunk pulling Clark's strings has a great love for the UN too. Fortunately, the average American citizen has no love at all for the UN.

[Blast Radius]

Is joining the EU part of Wesley Clark's platform too?

[kinghorse]

I think he makes a great muppet.

[dinasour]

Clark Calls for a 'New American Patriotism

Liberals are skilled at evading their crimes by simply defining them away.

They rename "racism" to "multiculturalism" then call anyone who objects to this, "racists"

Now you see them redefine treason as the "New American Patriotism", and if you object, you will be a traitor.

[CalvaryJohn]

He sort of reminds me of the little Nazi from the Blues Brothers.

[LRS]

[BenLurkin]

Good point!

The Clintoons never did have much tolerance for opposing viewpoints.

[jjm2111]

"Gen. Wesley K. Clark called today for "a new American patriotism" that would encourage broader public service, respect domestic dissent even in wartime and embrace international organizations like the United Nations. "

Who needs sovreignty?

[jpl]

The new version of American patriotism means loving your country so much you kill women and children with tanks and chemical weapons.

[lady lawyer]

So "patriotism," to Clark, means jettisoning the time-honored rule that "politics ends at the water's edge?" That's how the Leftists caused the US to lose a winnable war in Viet Nam, and how the Leftists are trying to make America "lose" in Iraq by pulling out and leaving a vacuum which terrorists can fill.

So "patriotism," to Clark, means "embracing" the United Nations. The only thing the UN and its leftist supporters in Europe and elsewhere will accept from us is the slow surrender of our sovereignty and our wealth. How is it "patriotic" to give away our right to govern ourselves? How is it "patriotic" to bleed Americans dry for the sake of third world ratholes, which will never create wealth -- not because their people are innately incapable -- but because they have a socialist mindset and a culture which doesn't foster individual initiative?

With respect to Muslim immigrants -- some have come to live in freedom. That's true. Others have come as part of a desire to spread Islam and make the whole world into the Ummah. I have no idea what the percentages are. I have met people in both groups. Not all of the people in the latter group think they have to resort to terrorism or violence -- not yet. They just plan to move to the US and have 12 children. Eventually, the US will look like Europe. Demographers predict that before the middle of this century, Europe will be majority Muslim.

[Smile-n-Win]

It's very interesting that this line was included in a New York Times article about Clark. It's a real slap in his face.

Clark may love the UN, but the Slimes still hates a military man.