'It Stuns Me': Kelly Blasts Congresswoman for Listening to 'Sacred' Call Between Trump and Widow
White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly criticized Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) for politicizing the "sacred call" between a president and the next of kin to a soldier killed in action.
"In his way, he tried to express his opinion," Kelly said of Trump's phone call to the widow of a Green Beret killed in action in Niger.
Read Full Article
"[Green Beret La David Johnson] was a brave man, a fallen hero. He knew what he was getting himself into when he enlisted. He was exactly where he wanted to be with exactly the people he wanted to be with," Kelly said, characterizing Trump's message.
Kelly said he was "stunned" that a "member of Congress would listen in to that conversation." Wilson then ripped Trump for allegedly being insensitive toward Johnson's family.
She relayed that Trump told Myeshia Johnson that her husband “knew what he signed up for … but when it happens, it hurts anyway.” President Trump later disputed her account.
Kelly said the political attack by Rep. Wilson shocked him.
"I just thought the selfless devotion that brings men and women to die on the battlefield, I just thought it might be sacred," he said.
He said Wilson's behavior upset him so much as a man who also lost his son to war, that he went to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to "walk among the stones" of fallen heroes - "some of whom I put there."
Kelly became emotional when he recounted to the White House press corps what he was told by his Marine casualty officer Gen. Joseph Dunford after Kelly's son was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan.
"He said, he was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed," Kelly recalled, adding that is the sentiment Trump was trying to convey to the grieving family members.
Kelly also recounted how Wilson previously acted selfishly during another memorial to fallen heroes.
He was present in 2015 when the FBI dedicated its Miami-Dade, Fla. field office to two agents killed in a firefight with drug traffickers.
After some heartfelt speeches, Wilson took the stage and described how she secured the funding for the building.
"I was stunned that she had done that," he said. "Even for someone that is that empty of a barrel."
Kelly previously used the "empty barrels" phrase when South Side Chicago Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) claimed "he's not a general." http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/10/19/john-kelly-responds-niger-soldier-killed-and-donald-trump-sacred-phone-call
Tags
Who is online
77 visitors
Stay faithful to your mission brother.
Semper Fi General Kelly, Semper Fi!
Kelly made a powerful and moving statement. I hope people - particularly politicians and journalists - took it heart, but I don't expect much.
I, too, couldn't believe it when I heard a member of Congress listened in on a call of condolence from the president, and then chose to condemn the president's comments and make a public scandal of it. Sadly, the media just went with it and never questioned her behavior in making this a story.
Grief is very personal and so is offering condolences for a loss. The truth is there's probably nothing any president can say that will help and there's nothing he is likely to say that is objectively offensive. It turns out that what Trump said came from advice from Kelly. I think if you're about to call a grieving military widow, General Kelly is a pretty good source for advice on what to say. Certainly, he's better than this Congresswoman.
But honestly: employ some common sense. The very fact that the president called at all says he wants to reach out and help if at all possible. Do you really think he's calling to be arrogant or insensitive?
I'll tell you what's arrogant: This congressperson, who has no experience in these matters, judging someone who is trying to do the right thing.
And then today, this evil woman, Frederica Wilson, responded to General Kelly's comments by saying "he's just trying to keep his job." General Kelly is, himself, a gold star father. He gets to speak about this with authority. He has also had a long a brilliant military career. He doesn't need this job and he's not in danger of losing it anyway. He has no reason to fight for his job by defending Trump.
The congresswoman is a piece of shit, she should be removed from office and stripped of her U.S. citizenship, removed from this country, and never be allowed to return.
Agreed, that goes a little bit too far, but yeah, she should be drummed out of office.
Little bit? How about total disregard for the Constitution.
Read the Constitution - Congress has the authority.
Read the jurisprudence. A US citizen can always choose to retain their US citizenship.
Although rare, it is possible for a naturalized U.S. citizen to have his or hercitizenship stripped through a process called "denaturalization." ... Natural-born U.S.citizens may not have their citizenship revoked against their will, but may choose to renounce their citizenship on their own.
This has been a model used by most presidents since the Civil War ended, maybe Trump should learn to read.
Executive Mansion,
Washington, December 23, 1862.
Dear Fanny
It is with deep grief that I learn of the death of your kind and brave Father; and, especially, that it is affecting your young heart beyond what is common in such cases. In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all; and, to the young, it comes with bitterest agony, because it takes them unawares. The older have learned to ever expect it. I am anxious to afford some alleviation of your present distress. Perfect relief is not possible, except with time. You can not now realize that you will ever feel better. Is not this so? And yet it is a mistake. You are sure to be happy again. To know this, which is certainly true, will make you some less miserable now. I have had experience enough to know what I say; and you need only to believe it, to feel better at once. The memory of your dear Father, instead of an agony, will yet be a sad sweet feeling in your heart, of a purer and holier sort than you have known before.
Please present my kind regards to your afflicted mother.
Your sincere friend
A. Lincoln
Trump sent her a letter, do you have any idea what it said? No? I didn't think so.
See, you're not trying to be helpful. Comment removed for skirting the CoC [ph]
More Trump hate. He should have done the Obama method and not called. Who would expect a dingbat all hat and no cattle dem to be sitting in on the conversation ready to pull any words out of context so she could make a name for herself?
He'd be attacked if he didn't call. Very simply, no matter what he did or didn't do, he would be attacked for it. That's the silliness the left refuses to see itself doing.
Political blinders!
More like "That's the illness the left refuses to see itself afflicted with".
Try again.
Keep believing Trump tweets.
Kind of like what your side did to Obama for eight years? I think you are projecting here.
Try again, the blinders seem to be on you, Bush 43 gave this speech yesterday, about your boy Trump.
So, now the left is hanging on the words of George Bush? The person they spent 8 years berating, calling him an idiot, disputing everything he said or did-calling him a liar and a stooge and not to be trusted....oh wait....I'm starting to see a pattern here......
Really? If he had made a call with genuine empathy, actually looked at the fallen soldiers name and given condolences, no one would have ever said boo, but true to his narcissistic nature he blew it and didn't care in the least. I am actually surprised he didn't hit the widow up for the check to put in his campaign coffers, that is out of character. Poor poor victim donald
It is not we that drinks the Kool Aid and pretends it is refreshing. Have another cup.
Have you ever thought that "maybe" Georgie was talking 'bout how the political discourse in the U. S. has gotten purely childish with each and every simpleton looking for their 15 minutes of fame? Looked like it to me.
Let's see, 43 came before 44......even using common core, right?
Now you love Bush? Bush was a lousy president who spent like a dem and got us into a war to remove Saddam. I thought the left opposed the war? Trump opposed the war.
None are as vile as the dumbass congresswoman!
Isn't it hysterically funny how the left uses whatever they have available even though they have demonized Bush in the past? I am laughing so hard!
I am not surprised at it. Ends justify the means.
Since they were driving down the road at the time what did you want the Congress woman to do, jump out of a moving car? She is a family friend, the family wanted to share that moment with her so, they did. I can't believe that you are defending a person, (Trump), who was heartless at such a moment.
Show some class instead of being a dumbass.
Kelly was listening in, pot meet kettle?
And yet, he did nothing to politicize it until AFTER this Congress-critter went to the press. What he did was to tell the press his story, what he heard and some background on this......person....I hate to use the word Congresswoman when discussing her, as it insults so many....
Bank robbers only proclaim innocents after they are caught, not while they are spending the loot.
Not hardly! He didn't go all dumbass after the phone call. The dumbass congresswoman did. Now the dumbass claims to be a "rock star" for the political noise she made.
How 'bout giving some credible sources to these "family friends" comments. Wilson is the only one who has said they were "family friends" - no one has supported that claim.
You mean like Trump does? How long has he been making this all about his snowflake feelings being hurt?
Following the Trumpbots ideas, neither has anyone come out and, disproved it.
Trump is hitting back at the constant attacks from the left. I don't blame him for doing that.
He died for our Country is the same thing Pres. Trump said. That is the reason every mother/father worries about the safety of their son/daughter while part of the Armed Forces or part of Law Enforcement. And, most recently, and always, the firefighters who risked their lives to save others.
Kelley is tired of CNN's crap.
Did he tell you that or did FAUX?
I bet he got really pissed at the Sun Sentinel when they proved he was lying about her speech too!
wilson and the left prove they have no shame and are irredeemable POS and just how much damage they have inflicted on this country....this country doesn't need them or want them.
kelly is someone this country should thank god he is in our country...kelly had me in tears and my heart broke during his speech..maybe wilson and some libs need to take a walk around arlington instead of pissing on their graves.
Why don't you hold Trump to your supposed standard? My family has served for generations, I'm lucky I stayed a Blue Star mom, but I've lost another child so I know what Trumps disgusting words sounded like to that mans family. Don't you dare try to own patriotism, your fricken party is not even working on making sure Russia doesn't do more damage! You need to deal with your own damn party and idiot of a president before you start insulting liberals.
my family has served also..in fact my own fathers name is on a memorial plaque in the cemetary where he is buried..i'm sure libs will demand that plaque that honors those vets be torn down because it somehow offends them...
that makes no sense whatsoever...hillary obama and the dem gang have been proven to be the ones that sold america out to the russians in more ways than just the urainium one deal. hillary handing the russian ambassador the big red button is a joke and an embarassment. ...i am dealing with my own damn party by thanking god hillary was defeated and supporting trump
Not likely, besides what makes you think that your the only one that has family that served in any wars or, in the military or, that your party is the only party that has members of family's that served, that is totally stupid.
that makes no sense whatsoever...hillary obama and the dem gang have been proven to be the ones that sold america out to the russians in more ways than just the urainium one deal...i am dealing with my own damn party by thanking god hillary was defeated and supporting trump
Show me the real proof, don't show me something from Brietbart or, FAUX Noise, if you have any. Here's the proof on your hero.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/08/15/trump-is-now-out-of-excuses-for-denying-russia-meddled-in-the-election/?utm_term=.6a1509188e21
Now, today we are having an investigation into this and, it would seem that many people in the Trump Administration were involved in this. Yep, Trump is a Russian agent and, many of his people are Russian spy's.
And you go to WA PO, Reuters and the NY Times !!!
Pot meet kettle....
You don't even know what he said for sure. I pretty much believe General Kelly instead of this disgusting pig.
Well said lib50.
You know only the words that were pulled out of context by a politician full of Trump hate.
All the ones I have put up are reputable, the ones that I mentioned, FAUX Noise and, Brietbart have been PROVEN to be biased and, present more fake news than any other.
Cool, I hope she has a good time.
You must think we are really stupid to not be able to make a judgement on what Trump said and how it was said. I've watched the guy for decades and know his usual MO, we all know he's a liar who can't do compassion and empathy. I believe the family and congresswoman, who say the same thing, not the man who lies about crowd sizes when its in front of your face, as a tiny example.
And who is pushing for this "investigation" other than the Democrats and Billary losers??? No one.
You cannot show intent..........isn't that what we were told in the case of a woman who ran for the most important office in the world (and lost by the way LOL) and skirted the CoC (had to stick that one in there hehe) of the office of Secretary of State?
Because their only "standard" is to say whatever it takes to try to get their despicable scumbag off the hook. So, in fact, they are holding him to that cess pool of a "standard."
This "lib" is a Gold Star Mom, so you know where you can put your BS about Arlington. If any President had spoken to me the way Trump did you can bet your bottom dollar the press would hear about it. Why don't you walk a mile in my shoes before you disparage all "libs".....
Thank you.
so you were in that car & over heard the phone call too and can verify what exactly was said........if so can you tell wilson that the hat she wears makes her look like an imbicile and when she opens her mouth she proves it.
You just don't get it, keep excusing Trump for his bad behavior and keep disparaging all libs. Must be nice to live in a bubble with blinders on.
i'm sure you felt that way when obama and hillary were responsible for the deaths in bengahzi and lied about it...and then when hillary told sean smith's mother that she had no right to know what happened to her son because she was not "next of kin"--no--no one could be as cold and disgusting as that woman.--well that is until wilson came along
What did he say to her? You don't even know.
What did he say and what was the context of the words he used?
Did you use your child's death as a political club to bash the president in power at the time?
My grandson wanted to be a Marine since he was very young. He finally cut enough weight to get into the Corp. He knew exactly what he was doing and the risks involved when he enlisted. He survived his two tours in Trashcanistan, his name for the place, and is proud to have made that choice.
Was the President at the time a brainless, heartless buffoon like the current one?
If it were Obama then it could have been.
Oh yeah that's right, Obama was stupid and evil wasn't he? He was also, totally unqualified for the job and acted like a dictator. Oh and he was laughed at and ridiculed by the rest of the world for all the stupid ignorant things he said and did, wasn't he? And he was such a self-centered narcissist, and liar, such a horrible liar that Obama was. And he golfed too much. This is why you guys put Trump in the White House, right?
He wasn't and neither is Trump.
Thanks for responding as expected. Sometimes it's just to easy!
To easy what? And how do you 'easy' something? I never realized the word could be a verb! Also, aren't 'brainless' and 'stupid' basically the same thing?
Thanks again! It gets easier!
My deep condolences, there but by the grace of God.. My son served in Iraq the year after I lost my daughter and he tried to shield me from the danger (you probably know how long that shock lasts after losing a child), he came so close to losing his life, 3 purple hearts and the loss of battle brothers that still haunt him. I wish our military was full of the sons and daughters of politicians, they might be more invested in the decisions to send our soldiers into war.
And I'm sure you feel that way about Niger and blaming Trump for the deaths of those 4 heroes, as he LIES and brings politics into the conversation FIRST by dissing Obama. Did I hear you ask for multiple investigations into Niger?
You have my condelences
And he took all our guns away!!!!!
"The family has confirmed what she said was accurate and the family says they felt disrespected."
SHOW US YOUR LINK.
Just. Stop. You've been slammed and humiliated for your despicable defense of that detestable man. Now you're attacking women who've sacrificed everything and suffered grief that you've never known. Show us that you have a speck of decency.
Lara Trump confirms that her father-in-law said just what Wilson and Mrs. Johnson initially reported:
Looks like you and other Trump-the-scumbag apologists are going to have to come up with another lie to attack this dead soldiers family and friends.
Isn't it wonderful that he's still with you? I wonder why you feel the need to crap on others who haven't been so fortunate.
AMEN! to that. I don't think military service should be a requirement for politicians or their families but I sure get sick and tired of politicians and their supporters who never served their country for a millisecond wrapping themselves in the flag and spouting all these easy platitudes and using their untested "patriotism" as a club.
The only crap on anything is your response to my post.
>--.---.--
Oh, Man...me, too! And with the conservatives I've been posting with for the last 8 years who never wore a uniform but think they know how I feel just because I did
thank you.
Do you think only republicans die in war, apparently so.
Stay tuned … did a Trump Administration fuck up with the nation of CHAD result in the death of four American military personnel in NIGER?
Beware another Trump diversion to cover up his incompetence!
Ultimately, it ain't likely about a phone call and a Congresswoman!
That's probably just a ruse to delay a revelation.
trump was silent on this for weeks and still not being forthcoming. Why do I get the feeling that if Obama was still in charge some would be screaming from the mountain tops demanding to know every detail and hammering for some sort of justification as to why and what went down. Then placing blame. With trump it seems to be ok to just sweep it under the rug and put all focus on a phone call.
This is trump's Benghazi
How in the world is it Trump's diversion? Did he tell the congresswoman to make his phone call a big news story?
He's making the phone call the news cycle item-du-jour in order to avoid explaining what happened in Niger.
I've already explained this and given some of the pieces of the story that will eventually hit the proverbial fan.
Yaaawwwwnnnnnnnnnnn.
I was the Natural Resource Director for a large DoD installation. I reported to work in the middle of February and spent a lot of time with my employees, active duty and civilian, to get to know them and how they worked. Two weeks later, I got a call from the Military Police at 4:30 a.m. stating that I needed to report for duty. Kinda concerned me. Got to the office at 'bout 5:15 and was met by the entire Chief of Staff section plus the Commanding General (2 Star). The Chief of Staff pulled me to the side and told me that one of my employees had just been killed by a drugged out driver and that the CG wanted to discuss options with me.
The CG asked all types of questions regarding Officer Maples and ended by asking what I think we should do. My reply was that I'd go over to Officer Maple's house and meet with the family and stay with them as long as he would allow me to. He thought for a moment and said that's exactly what we'd do. I quizzically asked him "We"? He stated that he, his Chief of Staff and I would go to the house and do everything possible to help the family cope with the news because Officer Maples was a major part of the installation's family and his family deserved nothing less.
Not only did the CG, CS and I go, but the CG contacted the Space Command CG (3 Star), told him what happened and what we were going to do. After visiting with the family for a few hours, we left the house and returned to the installation.
That afternoon, the Space Command CG called Mrs. Maples and said almost the exact same words the President did. The family was awestruck that someone in his position would take the time to call and offer condolences and any assistance needed if possible.
I only had 68 employees and the President has millions. I had the latitude and ability to act as I did due to the small nature of my area of supervision - the President doesn't.
I believe he acted quite positively - and he didn't add politics to it.
My take...
Mrs. Johnson is grieving the loss of her heroic husband, her feelings are the only ones that matter. Her perspective is her reality; not having details of his death, circumstances surrounding removal of his body, learning his casket cannot be open due to condition of body...and everyone is focused on a Congresswoman, President, & Gen. Kelly.
Mr. Johnson's mother stated her disappointment at the words spoken by the President.
I'd like to know why a condolence call would come as she's riding to meet the casket, the timing was horrific!
Yeah, Blame Trump for the timing too, while you're at it. Actually Trump spoke to her as General Kelly suggested he should. Did you even see Kelly's news conference statement...it was an eye opener and an education all in one.
I don't recall blaming Trump, just asking why it would have happened when it did!
Yes, I did hear General Kelly's statement today. Having lost my daughter when she was 19, I didn't need any schooling. More then the words, I saw his pain, the depth of pain I pray to God you'll never have to know.
I don't believe words spoken by the President were said in malice. Had he been talking to another male, perhaps they would've been received differently. From experience, the wife and mother needed to hear he was a hero, the nation grieves along side them, perhaps offer to pray for solace, and a heartfelt I'm sorry.
i don't know but perhaps trump was not aware of the timimg-but then is there really a GOOD time--i wouldn't think so.
a soldiers family has every right to feel grief, anger, whatever--it is understandable but the grieving widow or her reactions was not the one being blasted by kelly..the despicable wilson and her actions were. kelly said trump asked him what he should say and kelly having been thru it was the one to guide him but wilson is one crazy ass despicable bitch to use that young man's death for her personal vendetta..
The president doesn't have an itinerary for each family, I'm sure a scheduler scheduled this call, and made the call and handed him the phone. Every President's day is highly scripted and not leaving a lot of time for the man to do this or that, outside of the schedule.
I'm sorry for your loss, LynneA. My brother lost his oldest son when he was 17. That was 11 years ago. And it still hurts him and his wife, every single day.
Did Kelly happen to mention that the soldier had a name or did he mistakenly name him
your Guy
I agree the Congresswoman was WAY out of line. After hearing Gen. Kelly, not knowing anything about Ms. Wilson I sought information. Came across the speech (Gen. Kelly referenced) Ms. Wilson gave at the FBI building dedication and didn't hear the self-serving rhetoric Kelly lead the nation to believe.
What transpired between the family/rep/president is, IMO, bringing nothing but more grief to his widow and family. Families react differently when their husband/child is KIA. Very few people have experienced it, and no one knows what their reaction will be. (deep respect for Lady in Black and her loss).
We are all human, we all feel the pain and express it in different ways. To me this isn't about Trump, Wilson or anyone else but La David's wife and family. She has two small children and another on the way, she is 25 years old and just suffered the most severe loss one can experience. That's what matters, she and the family will need all the support that they can receive. They do not need the shit storm that is taking place.
When I came back to the world in 1965 I visited my best buddy family and widow. He can been KIA 6 months earlier. I wasn't there for the funeral but I called the family, and as soon as I told them my name they said they knew very well who I was and wanted me to visit them. It was a very difficult thing to do. When I arrived I was totally unsure what to say or do. I wore my uniform but was worried that it would cause them more pain. The whole family was there, mom, dad, widow, all the rellies. We talked and they asked question, many of them I didn't want to answer, and shaded them a bit. But as difficult as it was, I needed to be there for them and if questions it was, so be it. We talked for hours and they would not let me leave and I stayed for dinner with them.
When I was ready to leave, each and every family member hugged me and thanked me for taking the time to visit and answer their questions. I thanked them for their son and husband being my best buddy.
18 years later I would once again be in a difficult time, this time it was my son who survived, but is 100% disabled and life is very difficult. EMPATHY folks, show empathy for this family and all the parents/wife/brother/sisters/children that have lost a loved one.
Stop with the political arguing...Show some respect.
Thank you for sharing this experience Kavika. Your willingness to be uncomfortable to provide comfort is commendable.
Was unaware of your son's service and subsequent disabilities, I extend my sincerest appreciation for his service and hope he is able to find joy in life ~ I know he's loved.
yes i think everyone has a great deal of empathy and sympathy for the family of the fallen soldier and no one is disparaging her and she can have whoever she wants to ride in the car with her and let whoever she wants listen in on that most painful phone call and she is allowed to show whatever emotion she wants, grief, sadness, anger----------but then for wilson to go on every talk show she could to spew her vile hate filled rant and use this young man's death for her personal vendetta is stunning and beyond despicable...
i have to ask is there nothing the dems won't do to express their hatred for our president, is there no line to be crossed. is there no depth of the disrespect they have for our military. hillary doesn't have to ask what happened --liberal/democrat hatred happened and most americans have felt it, seen it and listened to it every night.
so democrats should stop politicizing every tragedy people suffer and use it in an attempt to score an insult at every opportunity at trump no matter what he does...hell people can't watch a football game, tv show, go to a movie, pray, buy a product or even have a drink and meal out without it becoming some kind of a political statement.
I am sure you supported Obama and would never use an unpleasant events to further but rather just show your love and adoration for him.
Excellent post! I wish you had let me buy you breakfast last month. I would have enjoyed the conversation with you so much!
I wonder, Kavika, if it would be better not to call. The surviving family members have so much on their plate, I'm not sure I would even hear or remember what anyone said if they called me during that time. Traditionally, a ranking service member and a chaplain deliver the news to the surviving family, a letter is sent by the Office of the President (or could be).
I agree, this is not political and shouldn't be. I believe that was part of what General Kelly was getting at.
Your story brought to mind that even with the carnage and continuous loss of soldiers during our wars there was a contingent of military personnel that visited and informed the families as to the passing of their loved one. Unlike your situation these were not personal friends, but simply fellow service members. They took the time to actually know the name of the fallen soldiers one after another. I know that making a call to a family in agony over a loss doesn't personally benefit trump a man with empathy for no one, but he could have faked it and actually looked to see the soldiers name. Empty gestures are often less than nothing.
It doesn't even matter what Trump said. It doesn't matter if he was awkward, abrupt, or seemed not sympathetic enough. Criticizing someone on the details of a phone call made to express condolences for a loss is just shitty. It's hard to imagine anyone being more petty than that.
It does matter, how odd you don't think so. If I am passing a panhandler and I hand the person a quarter I am being nice. If I throw it at them and laugh when they are forced to chase it are the two generosities the same. I think I know the answer.
And is there any indication that Trump threw his condolences to the widow and then laughed at her? No, there isn't. So stop with absurd analogies. Embrace the truth. He was trying to be nice and this congresswoman is nothing more than a mean girl.
analogies work. The fact that is was simply performing an obligatory function is obvious, narcissists lack empathy. He would have done better by sending a form letter, at least the staff would have put the soldiers name on it. tRump is an empty shell give evidence to the contrary if you can.
If it is nonsense explain how it fails to point out that substance, intent matters.
I think he could have at least mentioned the sergeant's name instead of saying "your guy".
trump has to realize by now that he sucks at this empathy thing...he should have gotten advice from General Kelly on how to proceed
I posted this the other day but I think it bears repeating. Why in the hell does "He knew what he was getting into" translate into a damned negative? Well, I know in some people's minds it's "because Trump". Not being the widow OR any of his family, I truly don't know what I would have thought but would like to think more along the lines of "He was a very brave man, knew the dangers he could possibly be faced with up to and including, and as it turns out, his own death yet, he still chose to serve his country and did so in spite of those dangers. My condolences and deep thanks for his, and your, sacrifice".
Is that so damned hard to consider? And I see General Kelly is of the same mind reading his comments.
No soldier goes into war expecting to die, do they know there is a remote possibility, yes, but not the probability. I drive on very rural roads fifty miles each way and there is a major amount of heavy truck traffic. It would be easy to conclude a reasonable chance of an accident ( I have come upon several) and given the disparity of weight between me and the trucks, I lose. Do I still commute that way? yes, I am just very vigilant.
What no one has commented on is the fact that Kelly has taken that official dive from the shores of a non politician into the deepest depths of the swamp. He can no longer be misconstrued as "Apolitical". He's now just another political hack but one who shamelessly invoked the death of his son for political purposes. I wouldn't be surprised if we start to see our military leaders playing a larger role in "pushing" the agenda of the political party they wish to back. We know where this is heading because we've seen what happens when the military starts to take political sides.
Unfortunately, this site is quickly becoming an echo chamber with very little tolerance. But I have enjoyed the articles posted here and there that pretend it's fair and balanced in both content and moderation.
I don't think it's the fact that you think it's becoming an echo chamber (which it most certainly is not, people comment on what they want to comment on and you are, I am sure, free to express your opinion too) as much as it's not becoming your kind of echo chamber. There are articles/posts all over it which have a majority of posts from one side or the other and the resulting "dominance" of the "conversation".
Problem with the folks I see putting down the site is the fact that reasonably stated opposition to their perception of "events" mandates a "look in the mirror" and self evaluation as far as what is opinion and what is fact. And it isn't one side or the other. It's an individual problem. Not necessarily a group problem
$.02
Nonsense.
Annnnnnd, I rest my case.
Come on PJ, you've been on the 'let's make this a left wing echo chamber' bandwagon since you finally came out and showed you are truly a lefty instead of the 'middle' person you told everyone you were before that.
And challenging General Kelly's integrity because he came out and told what he heard and how he felt? Where is your revulsion for this HOR Seat sitter when she praised herself during the dedication of a building in memory of agents that lost their lives on duty? This person is a self-involved pig and giving her credence lessens those that do.
didn't trump do the very same in front of the wall of honor and all he could do is proclaim how awesome he is, how awesome he is and he does great things and he does great things.
Spike, can you explain to me how Trump wasn't lying when he claimed that he "never said what the congresswoman says I said". Kelly said that he suggested that line of approach for Trump to use his his condolences to Johnson when Trump asked him what to say.
The president of the United States lied about what he told the widow of a fallen US soldier. Absorb that fact for a minute.
Did he manage to get a "bigly" or two in there?
And you have what proof that Wilson isn't lying???
Do you follow the news much?
"The president of the United States lied about what he told the widow of a fallen US soldier. Absorb that fact for a minute."
and - "Trump lied, no question about it."
John - your statement requires more that a short and pathetic response.
Were you there when Trump talked to the widow? Didn't think so - hence you have no ABSOLUTE FACTS to support your abominable asinine statement that the President "LIED"
How 'bout providing some of that "Proof" that you keep pushing with some real, supportable links - such as eye-witness statements?
Just saying he "lied", without supporting documentation, carries absolutely no weight in your discussion.
Well I guess you've had an opportunity to see the reports and video that show that Kelly "misremembered" what happened during the building dedication.
As far as your other claim, I've never wanted to be part of an echo chamber. That was one of the reasons why I left one forum and came here. Mostly, I'm disturbed that you seem to think I'm a whore and have no problems alluded to that on an open forum. To be honest it hurt my feelings but I guess I should be grateful that I know who you are now.
1st, the reason that i asked if you if you watched the news is because this has been all over the news.
gen. kelly admitted that trump had told the woman that her husband had signed up for it
he was in the room at the time , ok?
trump had previous lied and said that wilson was making it up
ok?
i know what im fucking talking about
if you dont follow the news just say so
Nice to see you PJ.
Comment removed for skirting the CoC [ph]
Explain what you mean and what pictures you are referring to Gary.
reported
Don't report.
Here are some things I would like to know?
Trump said on MONDAY that he traditionally calls the families of killed soldiers to give condolences. He made it sound like he has done it as often as necessary since he took office.
If that is the case, why did he have to ask Gen Kelly, on TUESDAY, what he should say to the grieving widow of Sgt. LaDavid Johnson when Trump was going to call her that morning?
He had "traditionally" done it , but didn't know what to say? This is "traditional" bullshit from Trump. He can't stop lying even when it concerns the most "sacred" things.
Also, Trump LIED when he said that he did not tell the widow that her husband "had known what he was getting in to". Kelly admitted or said in his comments to the press that he had suggested such a line of condolence for Trump to use when Trump asked him what to say.
So Trump lied again. The president of the United States LIED about what he had said to a grieving widow of a fallen US soldier. Let that sink in for a minute.
What's funny, in the latest development, Wilson says:
Wilson also accused Kelly of using a “racist term,” when he appeared to refer to her as an “empty barrel” during his remarks at a White House briefing Thursday.
She even looked it up in a dictionary to make sure it was a racist term! Funny, Merriam Webster's dictionary come up with 'No Results' for 'Empty barrel'. I wonder what dictionary she had her staff use?
Here's some info form Quora.com:
Shakespeare definitely used the phrase an empty vessel makes the loudest sound , but indicated he was quoting a saying he had heard.
Whatever the derivation, it cuttingly uses a simple physical fact that everyone instantly recognizes to minimize insult and downgrade a very loud critic.
It means that stupid people with ‘empty heads’ make a lot of noise and bluster putting forward their opinions and wrong knowledge, but knowledgeable people are quietly scholarly.
The expression is obviously an image taken from beer or wine-barrels which can of course be used as drums as the empty space inside reverberates. When the expression originated I can’t tell you, but probably long ago when wooden barrels were still the rule for beer etc. It’s once of those expressions that could originate in a pre-industrial revolution society too. Beer and wine production took place in small towns and villages, even in monasteries.
Robert Thorne , Owner (1996-present)
We say an empty vessel makes the most noise.
It means as already said and it arose from physics, as Dominique states, as empty vessel makes a louder noise when struck as there is more room for the sound to reverberate, hit an empty saucepan with a spoon, you will get a loud ringing that lasts for a while. Now fill it with water and do the same, you will get a muffled sound that dies almost immediately.
It does raise a moot point for the pedant, in what is empty?
In both cases the saucepan is full, in the first instance of air, through which sound waves travel easily, in the second water, through which they don’t.
Common usage indicates empty to mean not filled with the contents the container was designed to hold.
I think the congresswoman with the cowboy hats more than muddied the waters regarding this whole thing, and her politicizing it was inappropriate, but Trump has brought all his troubles on himself. He lied on Monday about it, and then on Tuesday said something to Johnson's family that they didnt appreciate. Maybe they took it wrong, and maybe it sounded wrong coming from Trump's mouth. If he wasnt a constant pathological liar he would get more benefit of the doubt.
Good description of current POTUS.
And has nothing to do with my comment, as it's a she said/he said between the Congresswoman and the General.
The fuck it is:
Considering that Kelly lied his toady ass off and slandered Wislon front of the entire country, I think you've picked the wrong horse, yet again, to bet on.
This whole episode is a mixed bag. On the whole, Trump comes out of it smelling like shit (no surprise) and Wilson and Kelly come out looking a little worse for wear.
Trump lied, no question about it. Wilson made more of it than it should have been and may have misunderstood Trump's intention in the phone call.
Kelly appears to have lied (or been mistaken) about Wilson's involvement in the FBI office building , and he was way off base in accusing her of "listening in" to the phone call. She was in a car where the call was played on speaker phone. Was she supposed to put her hands over her ears?
perhaps this will give us an idea of how that call went-although not the exact same call, it kinda proves that the mad hatter johnson is FOS..
Comment removed for CoC violation [ph] but I just wondered where that part when Trump told this widow that her husband "signed up for it and knew what he was in for." Did you leave something out?
I believe katlin meant Wilson vice Johnson.
Woulda been interesting if you had asked that question before trying to chew her azz - ya think?
yes i meant wilson and not johnson..the term mad hatter should have been a clue--i see you got it, obviously others are not as sharp.
That's really cool! Scumbags?
Okay then we'll add sloppy and careless to your resume along with just being plain deplorable.
Poor Johnathan and everyone like him. If he'd only waited the 24 hours it took to show what a lying fuck and total scumbag, like his master, Kelly is Comment removed for CoC violation [ph]
Now, it is even worse. Religion might help!
If you're an example of what religion does to people, you've just reinforced my atheism.
I'm not ready to say Kelly is 'scum' on the level of Trump (let's face it, few are) , but the general appears to have spoke without having his facts in order. That is a common affliction in the Trump white house.
Okay, right now he's slightly a lesser scumbag than Trump but that's a really high bar and he's definitely made the first team of rightwing scumbags and the competition for that team is intense.
For the Record …
Frederica Wilson has known the Johnson family since the late La David Johnson was a child. Members of Johnson’s family attended the school named for Frederica Wilson, who in 1993 founded the 5000 Role Models of Excellence—a nonprofit that focuses on helping black boys become outstanding black men.
La David Johnson was a Role Models alumnus. Both of his brothers participated in the program, including one who is training to be a firefighter. Miamians have come to recognize the boys in the program by their signature red neckties and impeccable manners. They are literal golden boys, who go on to become doctors and lawyers and leaders across Florida and the country.
Kelly lied …
Of course he's a liar. There is no one in that white house with any integrity.
I think that the Congress women should have stayed out of it. If the mother or wife wanted to make a statement then they could have themselves. It only made this a political issue when it should never have been treated as such.
I'm a little curious as to what General Kelly thought about Trump's comments regarding John McCain's military service. In case anyone needs a reminder of his pre-existing disrespect for members of our armed forces:
Furthermore, Trump himself famously questioned the Iraq war. Kelly has yet to speak on whether Trump, Mattis, and Tillerson are all slighting and mocking the military.
But of course, he can't question the Commander In Chief, because the Commander in Chief is always right. Right?
Sadly that shows that most people don 't give a rat's ass.
See if you can make a viable point without disqualifying its content with the adolescent name calling.
IT DIDN’T JUST START NOW: JOHN KELLY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HARD-RIGHT BULLY