Fox News prides itself on its support for the troops. During the Iraq war, Fox News cheered on the troops and the bogus war in which they were fighting. Those who didn't support the war were condemned as traitors who didn't support the troops. And while various veterans groups voiced their opposition to the war and their concern about its negative affects, Fox continued to support the war and avoid talk about the downside. Assisting Fox in this endeavor was Pete Hegseth of the pro-war Vets for Freedom, a political action committee with ties to the GOP and those who funded the "Swiftboaters." And now that the Iraq war is over, Fox has no qualms about using the troops to attack the president and advance not just an agenda, but a conspiracy being promoted by Alex Jones; i.e. that the president is "purging the military." Assisting Fox in this effort is - drum roll please - the aforementioned Pete Hegseth. Meanwhile, the real issue of sexual assault, in the military is being almost ignored. Go figure!
Hegseth was the guest on Friday's morning happy propaganda chat show, otherwise known as Fox & Friends. While he seems to be just a handsome and erstwhile type, his politics are not so much. His tuition at Princeton was paid by the homophobic hate group, the Family Research Council. When he was at Princeton, he started a newspaper with the assistance of funds from right wing groups. The paper talked about "atheist" public schools and the virtues of "homemaking" for women. After he left the military he worked for the conservative Manhattan Institute and then became director of Vets for Freedom. He opposes women in combat and fought against the nomination of Elena Kagan for the Supreme Court. He is now the head of Concerned Veterans for America a group that is (!?) for cuts in the military budget and "freedom and liberty."
Brain Brian Kilmeade began by reporting that "hundred of military leaders are leaving their posts since President Obama why, I ask, and who is filling that void." As he spoke, a *list of names was shown. The chyron set the message as Fox fact: "Purging America's Military, Leaders Replaced By the Obama Administration." Kilmeade asked the leading question of whether Hegseth "sensed" if "there is anything beyond attrition." Hegseth (surprise, surprise) said yes and that, under Obama, there is an emphasis on "social egalitarianism vs. military readiness." He cited "gays in the military" (doesn't have an impact on military readiness) and women in combat (opposed by the radical right). He cited the "way we talk about radical Islam." (What's a Fox & Friends segment without "radical Islam") He said that over time, the real patriots will leave the military and only the "housecats who agree to go along with the agenda," that "isn't in keeping with the military" will remain. (WTF?)
On cue, Doocy asked if the origin of the agenda is the White House. Of course, Hegseth agreed and cited how "quickly" they lifted DADT and moved on women in combat. (The lifting of DADT was years in the making and done with the approval of the joint chiefs.) He, again, referred to "radical Islam" and how it was stripped from military materials. He claimed that those, in the Pentagon, who "don't like it have been forced to take a seat."
Elisabeth Hasslebeck's comment didn't even attempt to disguise the propaganda message: "It seems that there is a softening in the military so what does that do to our national security. It seems that it can only weaken it." Hegseth agreed and spoke of how this is affecting morale. Kilmeade, who never served, stated, as Fox fact, that this "hurts the rules of engagement" because soldiers "are not allowed to kill the bad guys." (WTF?) After Hegseth said that the military is becoming "more political," Doocy, who never served, said, as Fox fact, "it's coming from the top."
Pretty slick and very blatant propaganda. Fox & Friends enlists a veteran in its attempts to further delegitimize the president by making the unsupported claim that his policies are adversely affecting the military.
*Not only is this pure propaganda, it's bullshit. Here are the names of those who were purged along with the reasons why they're no longer in the military:
- Gen. David McKiernan - Resignation requested by DefSec Robert Gates, who wanted new military leadership in 2009
- Gen. Carter Ham - Retired after 40 years in military. According to right wing conspiracy theories, he was relieved of his command because he refused to obey the (bogus) "stand down" order regarding Benghazi.
- Adm. Charles (Kilmeade's list had the wrong first name - David) Gaoette was disciplined for profanity but cleared of any violations of the UCMJ - still appears to be serving
- Gen. David Petraeus - Became head of the CIA and retired from military in 2011. Also left CIA in 2011 due to his extra-marital affair
- Gen. John Allen Retired, for "personal reasons," after declining Pres. Obama's request to be head of American and allied forces in Europe
- Gen. Stanley McChrystal - Resigned after an unflattering article, about him and his staff, was published in Time.
- Gen. James Cartright - Retired after 40 years in the military. Was called "Obama's Favorite General"
Correction: Gen. Carter Ham retired and was highly praised when he did so. He was not involved in a scandal. He did, however, relieve Major Gen. Ralph Baker of his command after alcohol and sexual misconduct charges.
Bush came closer to being a dictator than anyone, because even if the wrongfully jailed critics are a hoax, he’s still on record as threatening people who question him with prison. He wasn’t even hiding it anymore by 2005. Questions are threats, so don’t ask questions.