"Phony Soldiers"

Posted: Friday, September 28, 2007 3:22 PM by Countdown

Big show tonight...we'll have more fallout from those Rush Limbaugh comments regarding soldiers who favor withdrawal being "phony soldiers", including retired General John Batiste who is not pleased with Mr. Limbaugh.

Also, Keith will interview Elizabeth Edwards as her provocitive ad "A Question For You" continues to swirl around the internets.

We'll play the rest of the Bill Clinton interview and update you on the latest on the Bill O'Reilly rampage...we'll tell you who he would like to 'strangle' and we'll have more tape you'll be interested to hear.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Maybe Rush does not realize how very little our soldiers ("phony" or otherwise) are compensated for their risk of life and limb in this war. Whereas the mercenaries of private security forces such as Blackwater are paid amounts on which they can retire-
should they and the dollar survive.

S. Bolinger (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:02 PM)

Hi. I posted some comments about "the comedian" in the previous thread. If they ever show up, you're welcome to read them there.

And, on a late Friday afternoon when my brain's been in weekend mode for at least a couple of hours, I may be a bit slow on the uptake, but what's so (this is the correct spelling from nit-picky English professor) "provocative" about the Elizabeth Edwards video? I really like her, though, and am looking forward to the interview

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:09 PM)

By keeping Bill O on the countdown is like mentioning Brittany Spears and O J Simpsson. It sugests interest and therefore popularity of the subject. This in turn adds populatity ratings to the idividual questioned. negative or positive, it doesn't matter. People hated the Jerry springer show yet they watched it (just an example) Leave these people out of the countdown otherwise they will remain as long or longer than the countdown

K. Collins, USN (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:18 PM)

This is an easy fix. If only true soldiers support the war. We should have only true soldiers in Iraq. Any soldier who doesn't support the war should be able to get a ticket home; Rush should support this. After all, it is a voluteer armed force.

nuanced (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:19 PM)

I am again reminded of the quote of a front line sargeant in Stephen Ambrose's "Citizen Soldiers". "The guys that talk the toughest are the guys who were never in combat". Right, George? Right, Dick? Right, Rush?

Frederick Sweeney, Brooklyn (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:22 PM)

This is just another example of how the republicans have created such a devisive culture in our country. If you don't sgree with them you're and unpatriotic, anti-american. They require everyone to think the same way. That type of thinking completely goes against the first amendment which further supports the claims that this administration chooses to ignore the constitution. For a party that claims to be the party of patriotism, they sure do choose to step on the laws created by our founding fathers.

Michael, Reading, PA (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:26 PM)

...and speaking of phony: If these water carriers & chicken hawks, like Limbaugh, believe in this war so much, why don't they volunteer themselves??

It's a lot easier to be so cavalier with someone else's life, isn't it?

gothamtomato, nyc (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:31 PM)

Rush is a true something. Just what that something I think he is won't get by the moderator.
Just when you think he can't get any sleazier or dumber he outdoes himself again!
"Real Soldiers" indeed! I think it's time for Rush to start peeing in a cup again!
Why is this pithecine gasbag on the air?
Who can possibly give him any creedence at all on any topic ?
Hey Rush ! News Flash Real Soldiers don't get out of serving by having a pilonidal cyst!!

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:32 PM)

Hey Bloggers sad but true here it is.
http://www.bushcommision.org/

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:35 PM)

Point blank....Comedian-Rush Limbaugh is flat out an IDIOT. I am ashamed of the likeness of him on our local river wall. I wish someone would go and paint a great big horses "south end" right over the top of it. What a joke.

disgusted by Rush, Cape Girardeau, Missouri (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:38 PM)

Video of Comedian from todays show
http://www.youtube.com/jp.sw
f?video_id=rm84gOXkZaY&eurl=&iurl=http%3
A//img.youtube.com/vi/rm84gOXkZaY/defaul
t.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskKEoDo23jAMeDDo_R7bIs7d

matt, ohio (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:42 PM)

The picture above of Rush says what needs to be said. Take a good long look at it. Would you buy a used car from this guy? Would you leave your kids with this guy as a babysitter (would you leave your dog with this guy as a dogsitter)? Has the loss of hair combined with playing golf in sunny Florida fried this guy's brain? Does the fact he is an a-- like Billo make him money? Let's see, no, no, no , most likely and yes. I think we have our answers here.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:50 PM)

A special message for the Comedian:

Go ahead and hate your neighbor,
Go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of Heaven,
You can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgement day,
On the bloody morning after....
One tin soldier rides away.

(This is not funny)

The Legend of Billy Jack (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:56 PM)

I sent Rush this email today. Think he will read it on his comedy show?
Rush,
I am a retired non-commissioned officer, a veteran of the first Iraq war, and I oppose this war from the start. By your definition, my 20 + years are all phony. My brother-in-law also opposed the war. He is a REAL soldier. A Grunt, who between his 18th and 19th birthdays was awarded a Silver Star with V device, two Bronze Stars with V Device, and 3 Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam. So I guess he's a phony too. For a guy who never wore his country's uniform you sure run your mouth real reckless about who is and isn't a real soldier.

Now, if you really want to talk about real phonies, let's talk about your hero old chicken-hawk-I-had-other-priorities Chaney, or maybe I'll-get-daddy-to-hide-me-in-the-guard Bush, or hell, let's just talk about you. While others were off fighting in Vietnam you were safe and secure back at good old SEMO State. It was too bad you flunked out. I hear it wasn't long before the draft notice showed up. Of course you weren't drafted. Guys like you never are.

Listen, the only thing phony is you. Like so many on the Right these days you're all talk and no walk. The men and women you so easily denigrate have achieved something you will never achieve. You see, you're just a fat, pompous, self-important, disk-jockey. They're soldiers!

Lindal Cossey
US Army, Retired

P.S. By the way, did anyone ever tell you that the 1-Y classification you received at the draft board stand for "this one's yellow"?

Lindal Cossey, Jonesboro, Arkansas (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:57 PM)

Re: Rush story.

This is the kind of stuff that makes me seriously question what on earth has happened to this country. I met so many Iraqi veterans in Washington DC on Sept. 15th. I could not believe how dedicated they were to ending this war. These vets were in Iraq. There are reasons why they want this occupation to end.

Rush, how is it possible for you to smear so many people from your own country with so much ignorance and hatred? I can't imagine what you were taught as a child. Politics or no politics. It obviously isn't anywhere close to what my parents taught me about people.

When are you right wingers going to stop supporting this Administration and start supporting your fellow citizens? What a bunch of sell outs. All for a buck.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 4:58 PM)

Let our congressman and women and Senators pass resolutions condemning Rush and his comments. See how many republicans actually support our troops.
MoveOn should actually push for this.

Mike, AL (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:00 PM)

That's one thing I don't like as of late. If I express an opinion suggesting a plan to withdraw the troops, suddenly I 'Hate America,' I 'Hate the Troops,' I 'Want The Terrorists to Win,' and by extension, I am a terrorist as well.

I never thought I would see the day when people are labeled terrorists for expressing a dissident opinion.

Kevin, Lincoln, NE (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:10 PM)

We have a war run by an administration who have never been to war, in fact have done everything possible to avoid being in the Vietnam war. Some of the biggest supporters of this "war" are ones who have never even served in the armed forces. Our forces are volunteers but that does not mean that they want to put their lives at risk for unjust reasons. Most of them are there to do the job they have signed up for. Most of them don't like the reasons they are there. They do it to keep thier buddies alive and honor their commitments. Many of the best soldiers our military have produced have left the services because their leaders have failed them. There is a reason the services have troubles filling the ranks. America, don't be fooled by the money grubbing cowards that are running this war. Don't be fooled by their croonies that are let loose on the Nation's airwaves. Finally, to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen, ignore the ignorant words of people that do not have the guts to put themselves into your postion. Do your jobs honorably and speak your minds respectfully, that is right REAL Americans have earned.

TRH (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:19 PM)

It's "provocative".

Some anal-retentive proof reader dude (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:28 PM)

Aren't the RightWingNeoConNutJobs running out of groups of people to smear, name call, declare traitors, or defame? At this rate, only "patriots" will be their own very small group of narrow minded, corporate ccontrolled, talking points spewing, warmongering, "family values" promoting (except for their own), religion abusing, racist, misogynistic members.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:30 PM)

This is old and I'm sure you've heard it before but, what is the difference between Rush Limpbomb and a hot air balloon? One is big fat bag of hot gas and the other is a dirigible. How would the comedian know if he had a cyst on his ass? Its obvious he never gets off of his butt! Oh well, you can't really expect much from a hypocrite drug addict.

Rocky Mountain Guy, Colorado (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:39 PM)

to update would be great

update (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:40 PM)

K. Collins, I hate to disagree with you, but the O'Reilly thing has blossomed . . . the more it is reported, the more Mr. O'Reilly is shown to be the liar that he is. In the process, the man is completely losing it. He is being shown to be the crackpot that he is. I listen to his radio program and catch the replay of his television show on occasion. He's a total fraud.

As for Rush . . . he's got Republican Presidential candidates and the President on his butt for his stupid remarks. About danged time.

junebug (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:46 PM)

Hopefully the will have Richard Engles report from Baghdad on Blackwater. Gut wrenching and infuriating.
http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/28/385833.aspx

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 5:53 PM)

Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot. Isn't that the name of a book? I am using it as a statement.

MK, Indianapolis (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:01 PM)

How about if he goes over to Iraq and does his show from there -- maybe they will even get him some blackwater crazies to guard him and then talk about "phoney-balogney"

paulet (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:04 PM)

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UPDATE (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:09 PM)

Rush is the Marion Barry of the Republicans.

M.Foley,Florida (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:17 PM)

It's the drugs talking.

Bob Allen, Florida (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:18 PM)

YOU'RE MY HERO, KEITH OLBERMANN!! I will not even watch the "boobtube", I only get my news from the internet. You are the ONLY mainstream media host I will check in with, because you seem to be the only one who is brave enough to get pissed off and speak the truth! Thank you for having a "Constitutional conscience" unlike some of your bobbleheaded colleagues (from other stations) who only spew total propoganda for the corporate powers that be. AMERICA is under seige by this rogue president and his administration of thugs! Citizens of every state need to get involved and take action in restoring the Constitution and DEMANDING a downsizing of government. WE THE PEOPLE are suppose to be the government, which requires exercising our constitutional rights while they are still viable!
"If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is perhaps the most to be dreaded because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. The loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or imagined, from abroad."
-- James Madison

Fran, Henderson, Nevada (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:05 PM)

3.14 (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:39 PM)

Many times over the past 6+ years as I have watched the land that I "served" & "defended," and very nearly died for in the Gulf war turn into a narcissistic, minority-hating, xenophobic, international laughing stock, I have uttered phrases like "That's just sad," or "I can't believe what is happening here!" I may have even added that, while witnessing the hijacking of my "country," like some sort of absurdist scene from a Jean-Paul Sartre drama, unfolding events driven by chickenhawks have made me want to weep. I have stated numerous times that I feel that my service in the Gulf War was cheapened & besmirched by this Administrations reckless march to war. But nothing, NOTHING has been more offensive to my military service than Comedian Rush Limbaugh's comments today. I am left with a feeling of utter & hopeless depression, convinced that my service, and near-death, and the consequent aftermath, was completely useless. I thought that I had been "defending," among many other freedoms, the right to express myself. But as I do not agree with this war, nor never have, I guess this defining period in my own life has absolutely no meaning as I am a "phony sailor," who refuses to tow the Administration line. What is truly remarkable is just how utterly and completely oblivious Limbaugh is to the REAL hurt he causes with comments like these.

Todd Hamilton, Carrollton Illinois (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:45 PM)

What's with the pose in the above photo, which includes the huge stogie? Is this guy trolling for (Republican) senators??

Buzz (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 6:48 PM)

Bill, that link sends me to a legal advice page. Whatsup?

nuanced (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 7:05 PM)

I keept trying to get Keith to understand that Rush is suffering from a known drugn interaction. Oxycotin and viagra interact to produce "stiff brain."

Dr. Ed Taylor, demorest, GA (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 7:13 PM)

K.Collins, while you raise a valid point,the simple truth is that we can't NOT hold the O'Reillys or the Limbaughs of the world accountable for their words or their actions. (And even for Limbaugh's, this is a new low.) Only by bringing their outrageous and idiotic remarks to light can the rest of world (namely the 15% that STILL think these people can do no wrong)see them for the demagouges and phonies that they are.

Joel C, Monticello, MS (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 7:32 PM)

Rush is a waste of oxygen. Our gi's are dying daily for Hunt Oil and trillions and trillions of dollars in tax free oil revenue. Republicans invaded a sovereign state, overthrew the guv, killed the rulers and went house to house killing the residents who armed themselves against the invading Americans. All for a New Oil Law which would have given us 70 percent of all oil revenue and development and production of the second largest oil reserve on the planet and they said shove it America. Sooooooooooooo, Bush and Cheney made a new company Ray Hunt oil to sign a deal with the Kurds. It is 100 percent illegal. Happy Hunting for Hunt Oil. Send the oil company your dead and let them bury them at SMU outside the windows of the Student Union where they don't shoot no coloreds for no Hunt Oil and Halliburton and the American Way!!

doomed (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 7:55 PM)

Lindal Cossey, very well put!

Alan Daivis (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 10:14 PM)

That timeless quote from James Madison should be emailed to every Senator and Congressman. Maybe some enterprising souls in Red states can come up with billboards along the expressways. No doubt someone will label the Father of the Constitution as "left wing."

Gordon Pitts, Yorba Linda, CA (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:08 AM)

Bill in Rochester - No matter what anyone thinks of them ... Rush is Rush, Billo is Billo, Hillary is Hillary and Olbermann is Olbermann. It's the old "I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together" line. John said "the Walrus was Paul" but does it really matter who is who and what is what?
Even Dylan recently wrote "I used to care but things have changed." This from the guy who once wrote about war-mongers "and I'll stand over your grave til I'm sure that you're dead." (Masters Of War)

Full Moon (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 9:37 AM)

C A (Friday, September 28, 4:50PM) No more coddling. You need to practice what you preach.

Full Moon (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 9:49 AM)

It's been written on the Newshole several times. What is Olbermann's fixation with O'Reilly? While I almost never watch Countdown (that Sunday night spectacle before the football game was enough) I noticed that Olbermann NEVER interviews conservatives on his show. Am I wrong? I know O'Reilly takes on everyone from Jesse Jackson (last week) to Imus' reps. And he always says "I'll give you the last word." That doesn't happen with Olbermann, who almost always lists Billo as his "worst person." Just an observation ... For What It's Worth. (Buffalo Springfield)

Full Moon (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 12:08 PM)

Sorry Mike and others try it this way.
http://www.bushcommission.org/
Typos on links are noy a good thing. Sorry

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 12:20 PM)

KO, KO, KO, BABE! Marvin Kittman (was that that adorable little old man's name who wrote the Billo bio?) TOLD you what you're doing that gives Billo that peeing puppy wiggle and could fruitfully be applied to Comedian too: you're giving them attention. They need it. They crave it (and that's along w/Comedian's various other addictions and Billo's strange phone habits). Why not show you have a sadistic side and ignore them? That ought to produce the desired meltdowns PDQ.

Allspice (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 1:14 PM)

The sad truth:

What MoveOn.org says = bad and worthy of Congressional condemnation

What Bill O'Liar says = no problem

What Comedian Limbaugh says = no problem

Lies by Bushco = worthy of support on a massive scale

Invasion and occupation of a country based on lies = worthy of the blood and sacrifice of thousands of soldiers

Anyone who speaks out against the war = bad Americans

The continuing hypocracy of these NeoConNutJobs, their supporters, shills, and trolls needs to be pointed out every time. They need to be held to the same standard by which they proclaim to hold others.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 1:21 PM)

By the way, I already submitted a comment about both Billo and Comedian's compulsions, but I'd like to make another if that's okay with the Snapper: Rush reminds me of nobody so much as dear ol' Boss Hogg of Hazzard Co.--only Comedian's not cute. In fact in a white Big Daddy from CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF suit, Comedian would be downright terrifying.

Allspice (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:19 PM)

I'm a soldier and i'm appaled at Mr limbaugh. This fat, lazy, overblown radio host has the nerve to be critical of former soldiers who have been to iraq and are in favor of a withdrawal. when he and fag o'reilly go to iraq they can say something.

michael nibley, Ft Hood, TX (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:45 PM)

Lindal, great post and I doubt the Rush the Lush will say anything about it. I am also retired Non-Commissioned Officer, and was against Nam while in, and totally against this civil war we are now part of.
Actually I think bush,chaney and rush are phoney Americans.

KT, Allen Park, Mi (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 4:26 PM)

To All, Just what do you think of Republican Congressman telling "Wolf Blitzer on CNN Situation Room, it is worth the 2,700 military lives sacrificed to gain a position in Lawerance of Arabia Land, (Iraq.) Now there is a real man who believe that our troops give their lives just so the "ELITES" here at home don't lose any of their blood in that sand (money) pit.

Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388 (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 5:12 PM)

what makes me sick is the simple fact that if you REALLY listen to Rush's comment...He was talking about an individual Jesse MacBeth who never served in Iraq was NEVER given the purple heart....... And the liberals made "him" a "hero"......Even though he NEVER served in Iraq.....All the stories Jesse told were FALSE......I don't see the media stating that at all....That's the outrage..........The media will LIE and when CAUGHT wouldn't even apologize for it...It is Jesse MacBeth and the liberal media who should be the ones in the hot seat!

angie, tampa florida (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 8:58 PM)

i would love to know how many liberals are on this website...question..... what do you think about the enforcement of sharia law here in the United States of America? what do you really think about that?

angie, tampa, fl (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 10:13 PM)

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