Sean Spicer just set an extraordinary standard for criticizing military operations under Trump

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Last edited Wed Feb 8, 2017, 06:00 PM - Edit history (1)

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Sean Spicer just set an extraordinary standard for criticizing military operations under Trump

The Fix

Sean Spicer just set an extraordinary standard for criticizing military operations under Trump

By Aaron Blake February 8 at 3:35 PM

White House press secretary Sean Spicer had a sharp and controversial message for those who have criticized the recent raid in Yemen that resulted in the death of an Navy SEAL: You're dishonoring the soldier {sic. He was a sailor}. ... Spicer stood by his earlier assessment that the operation, in which Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William “Ryan” Owens was killed, was a success. And then he went further -- much further.

"It's absolutely a success, and I think anyone who would suggest it's not a success does disservice to the life of Chief Ryan Owens," Spicer said at Wednesday's daily briefing. "He fought knowing what was at stake in that mission. And anybody who would suggest otherwise doesn't fully appreciate how successful that mission was..."

Spicer made the comments just a day after Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) called the operation a "failure." Asked whether this was intended for McCain, Spicer said he statement was "very clear." He added : "I think anybody who undermines the success of that raid owes an apology and [does a] disservice to the life of Chief Owens."

Those comments set a remarkable standard for when criticism of military operations is allowed or justified. Spicer seems to be saying that, if someone dies, criticism of an operation is beyond the pale. The problem with that standard is that it would foreclose criticism of lots of major military operations -- and especially ones in which criticism may be warranted, given death is often but not always the result of failed operations.
....

Aaron Blake is senior political reporter for The Fix. Follow @aaronblake

After Blenheim

"But what good came of it at last?"
Quoth little Peterkin.
"Why that I cannot tell," said he,
"But 'twas a famous victory."

[bigbrother05]

1. Wonder how he feels about Benghazi?

Or Somalia/Black Hawk Down?
Or Iranian hostage rescue/Operation Eagle Claw?

Soldiers die on many missions and many don't meet their intended outcome or failed. That doesn't change their sacrifice or besmirch their bravery.

Please ask the Kahns how they feel about CPO Owens.

[DK504]

2. So much going on,

so little time. So not only have these booger eating morons created a military and international disaster, the Trolls are pressing on to make things worse.

Obama held off the mission for several reasons; stealth, weather and lack of intelligence on the ground. Saying he okayed the mission and trying to blame Obama because they got 30 civilians killed + a SEAL. Maybe Reince Prebus needs to read each briefing to him since he can't read or comprehend the words on the page.

This is another attempt at a fascist coup by hitting the world with this 'shock and awe' bullshit. Shitty Spice doesn't seem to understand that even the rubes will figure this out soon. Impugning Sen. McCain's reputation by claiming him to be disparaging Chief Owens because he told the truth is as disrespectful to all of our military personnel.

His attempts to try and change the 1st Amendments by pretending there are new "rules" to follow during "Press" briefings are as subtle as a ax to the face.