9/17/2007
Graying Devil Dogs Still Growl
by Thomas D. Segel - The Conservative Voice - September 16, 2007
A commentary of United States Marines
Harlingen, Texas, September 15, 2007 – They are mostly old now and many are long retired. Still, these Marines, these graying alumni of the warrior band who were called “Teufel Hunden” or Devil Dogs by their World War I German enemies, remain protective toward both Country and Corps.
They also keep a watchful eye on the Young Lions now wearing the uniform who are waging heroic warfare against a fanatical enemy. These veterans are very up front with how they view the actions of our national leadership, the media and the anti war movement. The MoveOn.org ad calling General David Petraeus “General Betray Us” that was reportedly given a very favorable discount by the New York Times, has generated rush of negative comments.
Most former Marines think the media is completely anti war - anti military and do not accept either print or electronic accounts as truthful reporting. Many of them rely on email communications from Iraq and Afghanistan to assess how the conflict is progressing. Emailed reports from Marines in Iraq tell their retired brothers and sisters at home more about the war than is ever presented by the media. Those now in the war zone say the death toll of terrorists is supposedly between 45 and 50 thousand. This is why, they say, our troops are seeing few armed attacks and more of the IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) and suicide bomber attacks.
Our Marines report Iraq is a mixed bag with some Iraqi troops fighting well. Most of the Iraqi Army is thought to be all right if they have American support, and some still not worth being called military units. Marines say the Kurds are very pro-American and fearless fighters. There is more and better intelligence because everyone is sick of insurgent attacks on civilians.
They also are stunned and dismayed by what they see in the American news media. Marines and most of the armed forces in Iraq see the media as being against them. Reporters are despised and distrusted. Those few who are embedded in units are neither trusted nor respected.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Outstanding article. Too bad every American born here doesn’t have to do manditory USMC bootcamp and then they would all understand the honor and hard work that makes a Marine and that there is iron in their words and perspective.
Quote about General Petraeus:
“He is a soldier doing the job that he swore to uphold and defend. To call him a betrayer is another prime example of pure partisan politics voiced by someone who knows neither sacrifice or honorable service to this nation.”
Pretty much sums it up!
September 17th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Those graying “Devil Dogs” have my respect and admiration.
Another outstanding quote:
Ed Evans concludes the Marine reports saying, “Those who put out the ‘General Betray Us’ ad are without honor. The actions of the MoveOn.org people make it clear they are all about politics and either (a) don’t understand the Global War on Terror, or (b) don’t believe it is real. Either way, they need to get out of the way and let those who understand do what is needed to protect them, so they will have the freedom to continue to be useful idiots for our enemies.
Thank God for our Military.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Right on — Jarheads take no $hit and take no prisoners — Kill ‘em all and let God sort ‘em out.