DoD transcript: Rumsfeld compares critics to Stalinists

[paineinthearse]

In a press briefing yesterday Donald Rumsfeld, referring to Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), noted that "it's been alleged that we're not winning" in Iraq. Rumsfeld made it clear that he has no respect for people who question his policies or progress in Iraq. He noted that "throughout history there have always been those who predict America's failure just around every corner. At the height of World War II ... many Western intellectuals praised Stalin ... for a time, Communism was very much in vogue." Rumsfeld added, "those being tossed about by the winds of concern should recall that Americans are a tough lot and will see their commitments through." Apparently, our most important commitment is a reflexive acceptance of Rumsfeld's policies.

http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/2005/tr20050823-secdef3741.html



U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Transcript

On the Web:
http://www.defense.gov/cgi-bin/dlprint.cgi?http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/2005/tr20050823-secdef3741.html
Media contact: [phone] Public contact:
http://www.dod.mil/faq/comment.html
or [phone]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Edmund Giambastiani, Jr. Tuesday, August 23, 2005 1:17 p.m. EDT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defense Department Regular Briefing

SEC. RUMSFELD: Good afternoon.

<snip>

I'm reminded that a few weeks after Operation Enduring Freedom began in Afghanistan, a news story suggested that the U.S. was already in a quagmire. But it was several weeks later, only, that Kabul actually fell to the Northern Alliance and our forces. Throughout history there have always been those who predict America's failure just around every corner. At the height of World War II, a prominent U.S. diplomat predicted that democracy was finished in Britain and probably in America too. Many Western intellectuals praised Stalin during that period. For a time, Communism was very much in vogue. It was called Euro-Communism to try to mute or mask the totalitarian core. And thankfully, the American people are better centered. They ultimately come to the right decisions on big issues. And the future of Iraq is a very big issue. So those being tossed about by the winds of concern should recall that Americans are a tough lot and will see their commitments through.

more.....

[Zenlitened]

1. Gitmo that motherfucker. His sheer INCOMPETENCE is a threat...

... to national security.

[saigon68]

30. RIUMBDUMB IS A THUG AND A WAR CRIMINAL

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. I recall that the same was said about Korea and Vietnam

But hey, what do I know.

[Bob3]

3. Stalin? Jesus what the hell passes for brains with these guys.

This stuff is starting to sound more and more like Senile ravings than anything else. When was the last time Rumsfeld had a physical.

And hell during World War 2 Stalin was, like it or not, an Ally. Millions of Russians died defeating Hitler.

And another thing - he may be right about democracy being finished in the US. What with Dieblod and all that.

Putz.

[madaboutharry]

4. O.K., The sliming of

Chuck Hagel has begun. He is a Stalinist. How could I have not known that!!!

[rodeodance]

6. his legacy of 'lilly pods' around the world is at stake- along with the

NEW lean, clean, efficient military image.
....

[durablend]

5. Hey Rummy!

FUCK YOU!

Hope that's clear enough...

[norml]

7. Roses for Stalin / Superheros for Rumsfeld

[paineinthearse]

25. Rummy's boss has a hero delusion as well

[54anickel]

31. OMG, when is that pic of Rummy with Spiderman and Capt America from?

This is the first time I've seen that.

[norml]

39. Here are a couple of threads on which I've posted links to the story.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3909084&mesg_id=3909084

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4441996&mesg_id=4441996

[54anickel]

43. Heh, thanks look like that one's been yanked from the original story

Glad you got hold of it!

[brentspeak]

8. Rumsfeld has gall comparing himself/Bush to great American leaders

of yesteryear. I find that even more insulting than his referring to Iraq War critics as "Stalinists", which just shows he's been taking his rhetorical lessons from Ann Coulter.

[nashville_brook]

9. ergo, anyone who questions him...

Many Western intellectuals praised Stalin during that period. For a time, Communism was very much in vogue. It was called Euro-Communism to try to mute or mask the totalitarian core.

also notice how he claims totalitarianism is occluded by those darn intellectuals. arg.

[ninkasi]

10. Rummy, like his boss, is a sociopath

The reason they can claim we're winning in Iraq is because they have never announced their real goals, lining Halliburton's pockets and making them all richer than anybody ever dreamed of being. They are also taking away freedom in this country, by trying to keep us all afraid that if we leave Iraq,terrorists are just waiting to bring war to us here.

Iraq was not a threat to us before, but Bush and the rest have caused millions of Muslims to hate this country...not for our "freedoms", but because we invaded another country illegally, and are slaughtering their people, including women and children. They are suffering intense heat, and no electricity. Rummy needs to join Bush and Cheney on a trip, in chains, to The Hague.

[nashville_brook]

11. i need to watch Fog of War again -- the thing about not defining victory

is something we should not be tolerating. he's trying to nip it in the bud with hagel. this language is a major escalation. ever since the Utah rave raid i've been wondering if they aren't getting ready to totally go apeshit and start arresting people. bush using the language of sedition in speaking of his critics -- that those who oppose the war "weaken" our nation. scary shit.

[ninkasi]

13. It scares the hell out of me, too

It looks like he's just crazy enough to force this nation into accepting him as a dictator...and squawk 9-11, 9-11 when there is outrage from the rest of the world. He has some pretty scary followers, too, and I have no doubt that they would love nothing better than getting permission to bag a few liberals.

Seriously, this country is in a lot of trouble, and it's getting worse every day.

[wli]

17. they're already using the language

They just haven't sent out the death squads to kill Democratic Party voters yet.

[nashville_brook]

32. i suspect the first things they will do will be nuisance stuff

you might get pulled over more often. you might find it difficult to access groups -- such as with the rave raid. pot smoker? better be careful. DU bumpersticker? don't speed.

that's my nightmare -- here's what i know to be true -- not all cops are republicans. for this kinda shit to be pulled off, they have to have buy-in all the way down. they will get some cops to go for it, but not all.

lesson? watch your ass for a while.

[Buns_of_Fire]

12. ...and I compare Rumfilled to a senile, incompetent, facist POS.

It's typical, though. "If you're not for us, you're agin' us," and all that crap.

...And thankfully, the American people are better centered. They ultimately come to the right decisions on big issues.

And that they are, Rumfilled. Slowly but surely. At least about 60% of them are. Frosts your ass, doesn't it? :grr:

[VegasWolf]

14. World compares Rummy to Satanist! nt

[Jim Sagle]

15. I compare Rummy to a piece of shit.

By comparison, the piece of shit comes out smelling like a rose.

[deminks]

16. Tell us, Rummy, what masks your totalitarian core?

Isn't neo con just another name for a new fascist? Or do you hide behind the flag? It's very "fashionable" these days.

[Rex]

18. No respect for anyone with a dissenting view.

Sounds just like Stalin. Rummy the Dummy.

[UpInArms]

19. RummyFailed needs to up his meds. ......eom

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

20. Joe McCarthy come back to life

They really HAVEN'T learned from history.

[sakabatou]

21. Uh, Mr. Rumsfeld

I have a mirror. Perhaps you should look in it.

[RaRa]

22. These people truly must sit around and think

what are we, and let's call our opponents that. Everything freaking thing that comes out of their mouths is simply the opposite of the truth.

[WinkyDink]

36. ABSOLUTELY

Everything.
Especially when Dubya speaks of "those who want to harm us".
For sure.

[0007]

23. .....what more can be said about this pathetic stinking rotten asshole

that claims to know all, sees all and an expert on history. He is nothing but war criminal that has help cheney and Halliburton rip off this country.

He deserves the worse that was ever given out at Abu Ghraib in the torture chambers.

[bvar22]

24. Actually Herr Rumsfeld,

In a Totaliarian State (like Stalinist Russia), criticism of the administration is not tolerated. Rumsfeld's statement,
"he (Rummy) has no respect for people who question his policies.." is more represenative of Stalin than any public criticism directed at the conduct of their little WAR.

In a Democracy, criticism and oversight of the Government by the public is embraced!


Is It Stalin Yet???


The Republicans have been In Charge of America for 5 years.
Are we beginning to look like Stalin's Soviet Union?

*Demanding Party Loyalty above National Security

*Military “PURGED” of commanders loyal to the Country and not the Party

*Whitewashes and Cover Ups masquerading as Governmental Investigations

*Secret Prisons where people are "disappeared"

*Dismantling of Individual Protections from Government

*Torture as a National Policy

*Police State Powers Increasing

*One Party Government (No Effective Opposition Party)

*Absurd (OBSCENE) and expanding Military Budgets

*Dismantling of Humanitarian Programs to pay for Military

*Restricting access to information about government

*Restricting access to information contradicting Republican Party ideals (birth control).

*Rewriting (forging) scientific data to support Republican Party ideals

*State Owned Media

*Persecution of Dissent

*HyperNationalism masquerading as Patriotism

*Emerging SMALL Class of POWERFUL ELITES

*Bogus and unverifiable elections

*Private Police and Security Forces not accountable to the Public.

*Republican Party Secret Police to screen at Bush* appearances

*NO Civilian Control and Oversight of Military

*Highest percentage imprisoned in Western World

*Potemkin Villages for the Press and Red Cross (Iraq and Guantanamo)

*Rampant Historical Revisionism

*Privileges and Access for Republican Party Members Only

*Ruling by Executive Order

*Judiciary controlled by Executive Branch

*Legislative Organs controlled by Executive Branch

*Power Consolidated and Concentrated in One Person

*Government Officials WARNING to be careful what we say

*Controlled and Scripted PUBLIC appearances of Republican Party Officials

*Government encouraging citizens to spy on each other

*Secret files on law abiding citizens

*Manufactured phony State Heroes (Tillman, Lynch)

*State Medals awarded by Cronyism and Republican Party Loyalty, not merit

*Governmental business cloaked I secrecy.

*Government “contracts” awarded in secret to Party Members and Cronies

*Odor of Arrogance and Contempt from Republican Party Officials



I am NOT EQUATING the USA today with Stalinist Russia or other One Party Toltarian States.
I AM saying we are moving in that direction.


Feel free to add to the list or dispute my claims.

[paineinthearse]

26. Feel free to add to the list or dispute my claims.

I "feel free" to recommend you post this as a stand-alone, and PM me when done so I can give it a "greatest" nomination!

:thumbsup:

[area51]

38. BRAVO! Well said. (n/t)

[bpilgrim]

27. At the height of World War II... many Western intellectuals praised Stalin

for kicking your FASCIST asses, numbnuts, hello...

peace

[0rganism]

33. Yea, no kidding. Who was Stalin fighting "at the height of WWII"?

Gee, that would have been Hitler. Does Reichsmarshall Rumsfeld perhaps wish things had turned out differently?

[wli]

40. Reichsmarshall Rumsfeld... very apropros of him

Anyway, our late entry into WWII has more sinister explanations than being genuine liberators (and the concentration camps were known of by FDR et al long before the "liberation" where the gays remained imprisoned until the 50's and 60's unless they submitted to castration and deportation to Russian GULAG death camps).

[mom cat]

28. Cindy has got him on the run...they are scraping the bottom of the barrel

defence against her! We need to keep up the presure...they are cracking!

[sniffa]

29. how dare he!? how fucking dare he!?

x(

just who the fuck does he think he is? and is he just going to be aLLowed to say this unopposed?

[formercia]

34. The Marquis de Rumsfeld speaks again

with his convoluted elitist rhetoric.

[paineinthearse]

35. A thought just occured to me

This passage is an excerpt from the opening, prepared statement, meaning it was probably vetted by DoD and White House senior officials, such as Cheney, Card and Rove, and cabinet-level peers, such as Rice.

This administration makes no utterance without it first passing the review committee.

[shanti]

37. rumsferatu...

you can kiss my lily white ass! :grr:

[Nostradamus]

41. Soviets were able to win wars aginst countries bigger than Grenada

von Runsfeld is the modern equivalent of Gromyko, a servile turd who was around for half a century of so...and faithfully followed every twist and turn of Government diktat

[Supersedeas]

42. The Bushist are showing their desperation with ad homimen attacks

[slay]

44. Hey Rummy - it's idiots like you that make communism sound like a nice alt

ernative! :P

[jbnow]

45. I am here to confess

When I clicked the topic I thought I was reading about how Rumsfeld compares critics to Satanists.
We'll leave that to their preachers though.