Anyone Remember General Edwin Walker?

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION
by Matt Carmody

Forty-one years ago, General Edwin Walker was relieved of command of US forces in Europe because of inflammatory rhetoric which encouraged troops under his command to join the John Birch Society.

Walker's wingnut views were cited as an excuse for Lee Harvey Oswald's alleged attempt on the general's life shortly before he allegedly shot JFK.

According to the Associated Press, "A Pentagon investigation has concluded that [Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin] violated regulations by failing to make clear he was not speaking in an official capacity when he made church speeches casting the war on terrorism in religious terms. ...In most instances [he] was wearing his Army uniform."

Boykin should be relieved of command and forced into retirement. He wouldn't have trouble finding better paying work; I'm sure the American Enterprise Institute or one of the countless shit-for-brains right wing think tanks would hire him. Either that or one of our fair and balanced networks could hire him as an analyst.

According to Michael Scheuer, the anonymous author of Imperial Hubris, it's acts like those of Boykin's that are recruiting Islamic males to the cause of defensive jihad.

And speaking of Michael Scheuer: The CIA didn't mind him being named until he spoke out against the policies of the Bush administration. Shortly after that, they muzzled him, just in time for him to be unable to respond to the vitriol launched in his direction from the usual suspects.

Still, I think the Patriots are winning. Slowly, but surely.

Semper Fi,

Matt Carmody

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION