Comments on: Kerry: GOP should condemn comments from Boehner

By: Ryan Smith, Columbus, OH

Ryan Smith, Columbus, OH — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:20:38 +0000

Has this Boehner served any time for this country? Or any of the Boehner's sons or daughters serving for Iraq? If not, then he has no business to open his mouth. The voters in Ohio if they care for the soldiers, should throw such bums out!

By: Bill W, Coatesville, PA

Bill W, Coatesville, PA — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:31:58 +0000

"I haven't heard a single democrat appologize much less say they disapprove of the "General Betray Us" ad." ..And I still haven't heard a single Republican apologize for the Swift Boat Campaign, either.

By: Rose Hann New London, CT

Rose Hann New London, CT — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:46:07 +0000

The Republicans are never wrong. What's wrong with you.
Apologize? Not going to happen. As for MoveOn.org, it is their right, remember "freedom of speech"? We are still waiting for the Swift Boat of lies to grant an apology to a veteran John Kerry denagrating his service to his country. One sided, nothing changes.

By: trekks, butler county, kansas

trekks, butler county, kansas — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:54:10 +0000

It is really fuuny to hear liberals discuss 'sacrafices', when they seem to pull that thin line away and add a lot of gray area when it comes to 'sacraficing' unborn children for medical research.

By: Pam A S'Side PEI

Pam A S'Side PEI — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:44:10 +0000

The IRaq war can't be compared to the D-Day Battle and the Gettysburg Battle. Yes, those battles were about American Soldiers and the D-Battle about many Nato Soldiers as well dying for American and World Freedom.

The Iraq War is about winning over the coutry, turning it into a Democracy and an American Ally for the purpose of securing and maintaining an American Oil Supplier. It was iniated and has been maintained on lies. The International Communities were bullied into participating. In Wold War II there was a valid reason for going to war and Natio Allies supported the war for that reason.

Comparing the Battle of Gettysburg and D-Day to the Iraq war is like comparing Apples and Oranges or Truth and Deceit. Oil and Water don't mix.

By: David, Omaha, NE

David, Omaha, NE — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:39:31 +0000

I honestly can't tell you if Boehner was talking about financial price or all prices (blood, financial, etc) as I haven't read the context. What I can say is that, while lives are never a "small price" when looked at as a single issue, they can be a "small price" when compared to keeping war outside of our country's borders.

By: Mary, Beaver, PA

Mary, Beaver, PA — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:32:01 +0000

Ryan, Provo, UT, you are right. I wish Kerry would shut up and crawl back into his hole. He had his chance to show he had a backbone, and he blew it. I don't care what he thinks.

By: Alice Newman Center Harbor NH

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:15:08 +0000

who's to say what price is too high???
Posted By Ray Fisher, Albuquerque, NM :

I'm saying it! Osama Bin Forgotten promised he would drain America dry ... and is well on his way. Too often, the war-buffs posting here have invested nothing but their time, leaving others to make the sacrifice.

We are spending American blood and treasure on a county (recently polled) who wants us gone. Yes, Boehner was in Iraq – safe in the air-conditioned green zone; another photo-op. Did he tell the men and women there that their deaths are a small price to pay so his children & grandchildren can get on with their lives?

By: SAm, IA

SAm, IA — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 08:40:00 +0000

A dose of reality for the hate radio crowd. The cost in Soldiers lives never crossed Boehmers mind because he lipsincs the words the RNC feeds him. Republicans wave a good flag as long as they don't have to carry it into battle.

By: Richard, Ewing, NJ

Richard, Ewing, NJ — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:31:15 +0000

What so ridiculous about Boehner's comment? War is about death. The choice of war itself is about sacrifice. On D-day on Omaha beach alone, more than 2400 US soldiers died in the first few hours. Battle of Gettysburg, 8000 died in the three days battle. So should we have paid for these prices? I am not trying to convince you one way or the other. My point is that war is about death. It is about American soliders dying for American interest. It is sad, but let's talk truth here. You know what is really outrageous and Kerry did not condemn? In 1996, then secretary of state Madeleine Albright was asked about half million Iraqis children had died under the oil sanction. Albright replied ". We think the price is worth it". I certainly don't remember Kerry condemned that.

By: Ryan, Kansas City, MO

Ryan, Kansas City, MO — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:16:13 +0000

I've been to Baghdad on two seperate tours (probably a third soon). I find nothing wrong with Boehner's remarks. Kerry and most of the Democrats (as well as their supporters) are either historically ignorant (in the literal sense of the word) or are just using the anti-war movement in order to gain power. While the former is deplorable in that they refuse to look at things in a bigger context or do more study into the subject, the latter can be described as nothing other than evil. I do not see how a free, stable and democratic Iraq can be viewed as anything but good. Helping a recently freed people establish a modern democracy in one of the most unstable and militantly imperialistic parts of the world truely is a small price to pay in the larger scheme of things.

By: mike, coarsegold, cal.

mike, coarsegold, cal. — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:48:20 +0000

Kerry stated our troops were 'terrorizing' innocent women and children in Iraq. John, you can take a hike.

By: Doris, Bakersfield, cal.

Doris, Bakersfield, cal. — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:34:46 +0000

John Kerry is a disgrace.

By: bill, kerman, calif.

bill, kerman, calif. — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:29:43 +0000

Will Kerry just please go away? After calling our troops 'terrorists' I think he should just keep his mouth shut.

By: Tricia M Charlottetown PEI

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 04:59:40 +0000

The number of lives lost to date on Bush and Boehner's IF'S, or if you want to spin his statement, the outrageous amount of $$$$ being spent on IF'S, is too great a price for any American, Canadian, Austrailian, Brit, French, Italian, et al to sacrifice their lives for. This is a War not a game of marbles. It is no place for IF's. It is the place for well thought out strategies and military tactics. You don't send soldiers into a battlefield to sacrifice their lives on IF'S and then cover up your mistakes with a mere, "long term the investment that we're making today will be a small price if we're able to stop Al Qaeda here, if we're able to stabilize the Middle East." Small price for who? The many IF Strategies employed by Bush to date have't been able to stop Al Qaeda here, there, or anywhere! Nor have they been able to stabilize any part of the Middle East thus far. And yet, Bush is still adamant on putting military and civilian lives at risk whilst he continues to test a few more IF Strategies! In my view, they aren't making any investment. You have to give something to make an investment. The military and innocent civilians are making the investment and paying the ULTIMATE price for an IF or a Maybe flawed game plan! And that is Deplorable.

By: Tricia M Charlottetown PEI

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 04:57:30 +0000

And I will reiterate my previous comment. The number of lives lost to date on Bush and Boehner's IF'S, or if you want to spin his statement, the outrageous amount of $$$$ being spent on IF'S, is too great a price for any American, Canadian, Austrailian, Brit, French, Italian, et al to sacrifice their lives for. This is a War not a game of marbles. It is no place for IF's. It is the place for well thought out strategies and military tactics. You don't send soldiers into a battlefield to sacrifice their lives on IF'S and then cover up your mistakes with a mere, "long term the investment that we're making today will be a small price if we're able to stop Al Qaeda here, if we're able to stabilize the Middle East." Small price for who? The many IF Strategies employed by Bush to date have't been able to stop Al Qaeda here, there, or anywhere! Nor have they been able to stabilize any part of the Middle East thus far. And yet, Bush is still adamant on putting military and civilian lives at risk whilst he continues to test a few more IF Strategies! In my view, they aren't making any investment. You have to give something to make an investment. The military and innocent civilians are making the investment and paying the ULTIMATE price for an IF or a Maybe flawed game plan! And that is Deplorable.

By: mike, coarsegold, cal.

mike, coarsegold, cal. — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 04:00:55 +0000

As I recall, wasn't it John Kerry who said our troops were terrorizing innocent women and children (in Iraq) in the dead of night? Kerry needs to keep his mouth SHUT!

By: Max, Boston, MA

Max, Boston, MA — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 03:52:52 +0000

Insisting that anyone must be apologetic for someone else's comments is pretty absurd. Kerry fussing about this "small cost" nonsense is obviously his way of showing how stupid this pettiness over MoveOn.org is. When Cheney told Senator Leahy "F-off", he refused any chance to apologize. In this season of political whining over he-said/she-said, I sometimes wish people would start to imitate Cheney's approach.

By: Mrs. America

Mrs. America — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 03:50:08 +0000

James, Charlottesville - Although I don't post party affiliation, I guess you missed my entry.

By: Richard Bareford, Medford. NJ

Richard Bareford, Medford. NJ — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 03:01:28 +0000

General David Petraeus is a brilliant military theoretician and battlefield commander. And he knows his von Clausewitz: “It is clear that war is not a mere act of policy but a true political instrument, a continuation of political activity by other means." As a full general, personally responsible for the execution of President Bush’s political agenda in Iraq he can hardly claim to be above the calumny and petty name-calling of traditional American politics. And unlike an enlisted soldier or company grade officer he does have a choice.

By: James - Charlottesville, VA

James - Charlottesville, VA — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:01:49 +0000

I haven't heard a single democrat appologize much less say they disapprove of the "General Betray Us" ad.

By: Ralph, San Deigo, CA

Ralph, San Deigo, CA — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 23:47:25 +0000

Prahub… You obviously didn’t read the article. Must be that you are so blinded by your own political affiliation that you look to attack anyone that criticizes a Democrat. Let me help you…

CNN's Wolf Blitzer asked Boehner “how much longer U.S. taxpayers would have to endure the cost of the war”

Boehner stated “…because long term the investment that we're making today will be a small price…”

He is clearly talking economics. No one is happy about any loss of life. Nice try though… And what is this spinning? There is no spinning here, just a clear understanding of the question he was asked and the words he used to answer it.

By: LM, Ardmore, OK

LM, Ardmore, OK — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 23:40:44 +0000

John Kerry is irrelevant, immaterial and farcical to watch/listen to. Prettier hair than Hillary's though.

By: Pat M. Tampa, FL

Pat M. Tampa, FL — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 23:08:08 +0000

Come on Prabhu from La Jolla – where are your beloved Liberals in condemning Moveon.org and their deplorable statements? It is clear they simply do not have the courage to do so. How can we ever trust them to stand up against real threats to our national security? We can't – no spin, just plain and simple.

By: Ryan, Provo, UT

Ryan, Provo, UT — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:59:17 +0000

Its not a matter of spin Prabhu. He was responding to a question regarding how long the "taxpayers" would have to endure the cost of the war. If you read his complete comment its even more clear he was speaking about economics.

Why do we have to spend so much time criticizing politicians on the minutia of their sentence structure when we should be criticizing them on their voting records and performance. Just because CNN chooses to fill their ticker with pettiness, doesn't mean you have to go along with it.

By: Ryan, Provo, UT

Ryan, Provo, UT — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:53:46 +0000

While I'm a liberal and I side more with Moveon.org politically, I have to admit that Boehner's comment was not in the same class as Moveon's antics. Boehner was obviously talking about the financial cost of the war. He should have phrased it differently for sure and for that he should apologize. But Moveon's add wasn't a misplaced word it was a slanted personal attack, which democrats were right to distance themselves from. I sure wish Kerry would just go away, he's an embarrassment more often than not.

By: Jimmy, Cherokee, Ok

Jimmy, Cherokee, Ok — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:53:09 +0000

ing on MoveOn.org's comments. If this is all the Republicans can grip about lets be for real. Down with the Disruptive Republican. If the Disruptive Republicans would goet out of the way. The rest of the Republicans and the Democrats can finnally moveIn.and Clean up this distruction that is going on around the world. Alosp the Democrats know they can not bring trops home Tommorrow, BUT THEY CAN STOP THIS UNGODLY WAR tommorrow. Or when they finnally win the White House and Legislative offices. SO GET OUT OF THE WAY YOU SELFSUPPORTING REPUBLICANS and let the rest of Americans good to work reassuring and reastating UNITY. Goodbye Giuliunta. The only Republican Canidate is McCann.

By: P. J. Pitre, Kenner, LA

P. J. Pitre, Kenner, LA — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:42:01 +0000

Ok, just for the record, since CNN itself didn't include the information, I'm going to post the question (emphasis mine): ""How much longer will U.S. taxpayers have to shell out $2 billion a week or $3 billion a week as some now are suggesting the cost is going to endure? The loss in blood, the Americans who are killed every month, how much longer do you think this commitment, this military commitment is going to require?" So those of you claiming that Boehner was "clearly" talking about money and not lives "clearly" didn't read the actual question, which "clearly" contained the words "blood" and "lives".

By: Cable King Pittsburgh Pa

Cable King Pittsburgh Pa — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:13:19 +0000

Mr. Kerry,

Please consider not doing the wimpy John McKain thing.

Boehner is a crass idealogue -don't waste time asking for an apology – go after him, man!

By: Prabhu, La Jolla, CA

Prabhu, La Jolla, CA — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 21:57:29 +0000

Come on Ralph from San Diego, you are implying that Boener meant economic cost. You guys know how to spin. Remember Republicans will lose presidency for a long time to come, not to mention congress due to their arrogance, self righteousness, apathy for others with different views. You should remember that this illegal war is not fought by elitist Repubicans in blood. Shame on you and your ilk.

By: EB

EB — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 21:08:11 +0000

Boner must be getting his material from Limbaugh and Hannity. They think it's no big deal how many kids die over there.

By: Lee, Mays Landing NJ

Lee, Mays Landing NJ — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 20:36:24 +0000

Mrs. America, the reason that Petraeus's report was "pre-judged" was because it was "pre-ordained". It was no surprise. Bush pretends to "listen to the military" but he shuffled and "retired" every general that didn't tell him what he wanted to hear before. The purpose of the "surge" was to avoid admitting his mistake and to buy time to this September so we can go back and "stay the course" (circa 2004, 2005, 2006) thru to 2008 and beyond and pass this catastrophe onto the next administartion and then blame them when it invariably fails. This is a republican partisan political consideration that will cost mens lives, legs and other body parts. Petraeus was hired to keep things going. His job was dependant on it. There was no surprise. General Petaeus is now the shield that Bush, McCain, Guiliani and the republicans are hiding behind. He's an image, a uniform, and that's why they keep mentioning his name and puffing him up because in the end they know he's almost an empty a suit as each one of them are. There are plenty of discarded and retired generals who don't agree with Bush

By: Heartlight3, Makawao, Hawaii

Heartlight3, Makawao, Hawaii — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 20:14:01 +0000

Chris, of Boston, I believe Wolf Blitzer's question was if the cost was worth it in our blood and treasure. (read "loss of American soldiers" in the article.) According to my understanding blood means lives and treasure means money. The question was not only about the economic cost. I don't know what it means to "hold MoveOn accountable" for their ad. The way the SwiftBoaters were held accountable for doing almost exactly the same thing? They have all said they did not approve of the ad. What else would you have them do? I believe the Republicans excuse was they were entitled to their right of free speech. As far as I know that is still a basic right under our Constitution.

By: Matt, Royersford PA

Matt, Royersford PA — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 20:04:24 +0000

Greg,

So it is alright for someone to say that it is OK for a soldier to die but not OK to express a thought that the General may be misrepresenting the facts of the war. We have had a President lie to us the entire time. All of the Republicans and Conservatives need to give me a break and come back to reality.

By: Dan, TX

Dan, TX — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 19:15:58 +0000

I don't think we need a draft, I think we should require a minimum of one year of military service from everyone. Following their 18th birthday or upon high school graduation, everyone should take a year of their lives to serve America.

By: Ralph, San Deigo, CA

Ralph, San Deigo, CA — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:47:11 +0000

While I am not certain of other comments made by Mr. Boehner, it is very clear that here he was speaking about the financial cost of the war in Iraq and nothing else. For Kerry to imply that Boehner’s comments were reflective of how he felt about American’s dying in Iraq is absolutely pathetic. Kerry’s comments go to show you just how inept some politicians can be and how irrelevant Kerry has become. Shut up John… You’re not helping your party!

By: Mrs. America

Mrs. America — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:41:15 +0000

I cringed when I heard "a small price to pay" and am glad Kerry made public note of it. I also thought the moveon.org ad was disrespectful and it certainly prejudged, as it was published before Petraeus testified.

By: Gary, Detroit, Mich.

Gary, Detroit, Mich. — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:36:24 +0000

Tell it to FOX News Boner. I'll bet you'll put a smile on Rupert's face.

By: Greg, Phoenix, AZ

Greg, Phoenix, AZ — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:08:53 +0000

These statements, while not true (any loss of life is a huge price to pay) are NOWHERE near as offensive or damaging as those contained in the MoveOn.Org ad.

The American people need to hold MoveOn.Org and its executives accountable for their grossly inappropriate conduct that amounts to a slap in the face of all our hardworking troops and their families.

DEPLORABLE!

By: hawk,texas

hawk,texas — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:00:49 +0000

spoken like a true republican, they only throw a fit if it is something against their party. but if it is againdt democrats they cheer it on. i wonder how much money he is making off this war. the bush family along with the cheney family and no telling how many other republicans are part of the carlile groub that are making billions off of the war.

By: Lee, Mays Landing NJ

Lee, Mays Landing NJ — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:24:07 +0000

With an all volunteer army, it's always a small price for republican leaders like Boehnor or chicken-hawk war cheerleaders like Bush, Cheney or Limbaugh.
Their kids or grandkids won't ever do the dirty grunt work on the ground in Iraq as we occupy it for the next few decades as Bush suggests.
If we didn't invade Iraq on false pretenses and simply continued the pursuit of al-Qaeda where they existed (not in Iraq but along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border) we wouldn't have wasted the 500 billion so far (and more to go) as well as thousands of dead (and more to come till every republican is voted out) and thousands more in lost body parts.

By: Ray Fisher, Albuquerque, NM

Ray Fisher, Albuquerque, NM — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:04:22 +0000

Condemnation for comments made by politicians has caused the widespread distrust and untruths spoken by politicians in general. The press and the public at large must allow our elected representatives be uman beings first and politicians second. I detected no malice in Boehner's statement and neither should have anyone else. The war is a huge price to pay by any measure yet if it repelled future attacks, who's to say what price is too high???

By: anthony, jackson, ms

anthony, jackson, ms — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:03:11 +0000

moveon was over the top and Kerry is right to express his disapproval, however he should also ask those that express disapproval of moveon why they didn't express the same disapproval of swiftboat ads that disparged his service also for his country

By: Chris M. (Boston, MA)

Chris M. (Boston, MA) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:54:42 +0000

It sounds like Boehner was talking about the cost as in economic price. I'm sure if Blitzer had asked a follow-up comment, he would have clarified, not realizing that implication had been made. It's funny that this was just like Kerry's botched joke, when he said that Soldiers are stupid. If Kerry can make a slip like that why isn't Boehner? Being a hypocrite must be a really hard thing for Kerry to live with all the time. I feel bad for him.

By: Tricia M Charlottetown PEI

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:38:32 +0000

"We need to continue our effort here," the Republican from Ohio said, "because long term the investment that we're making today will be a small price (if) we're able to stop Al Qaeda here, (if) we're able to stabilize the Middle East." I agree with John Kerry....the lives of our brave military members and innocent civilians are certainly not a small price to pay for...... the mere (IF'S) that Republican Boehner is stating as a plan to stabilize the Middle East! It becomes more apparent every day that the Iraq War was built on one Huge Lie and has been sustained on Thousands of IF'S. I would suggest that it is way past time that the Bush Administration and the IFY Republicans begin to implement strategies based on proven, workable military tactics! What an insult to Americans, Nato Allies, and more importantly and preciously, our active military members in Iraq and Afghanistan! The Republicans are a disgrace and should have been forced to impede their mission long ago.

By: Jesse Walker Pittsburgh, PA

Jesse Walker Pittsburgh, PA — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:29:52 +0000

Well said John Kerry... the price may seem small for those sitting around in Washington DC, but it is not small for those over there proudly service. John Boehner should be ashamed of himself for letting their political strategy cloud their judgments about the reality of Iraq, which is that it is less stable, no political progress has been made, and it is NOT where Osama Bin Laden is. John Boehner's fear card words and support of a failed policy has actually assisted Bin Laden indirectly by not focusing a primary strategy on killing Bin Laden and Al Quada in Afghanistan.

By: Gumby, Monterey California

Gumby, Monterey California — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:18:04 +0000

House Majority Leader? Since when did the House become Republican controlled again?