Negotiating with Terrorist

[dewilson58]

Did we just do that???

He walked away from his post.

Court martial now???

Wow.

[Indydealmaker]

Did we just do that???

He walked away from his post.

Court martial now???

Wow.

We have become weak and easily manipulated. Look for a huge increase in kidnappings.

[billethkid]

I sense another "I didn't know" scenario!!!
If he was a deserter somebody, somwhere in the chain of command knew that.

So, if a deserter, why the rush to jump in and get him now....they could have easily waited until the last year of the "war schedule".

As usual there is an odor surrounding the event.

Another dizzying spin is in the offing.

[birdawg]

Five Marine's died searching for him.

[jflynn1]

Sure sounds like this is turning into a political event and comments. Thought this was done away with on this blog? Why not wait for all the facts.

[rp001]

The topic itself is political because of the differences of opinion based on political leanings. We must wait on the facts and not pass judgement till they are in. Then Only those that have walked the walk should be ones to pass that judgement. It's the old lets go to war but you first and the others lead from behind, far behind!

[dewilson58]

The men who died looking for the Bowe:

Staff Sergeant Clayton Bowen, 29, of San Antonio, Texas

Private 1st Class Morris Walker, 23, of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Staff Sergeant Kurt Curtiss, 27, of Murray, Utah

2nd Lieutenant Darryn Andrews, 34, of Dallas, Texas

Staff Sergeant Michael Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, Texas,

Facts, not political.

[Rags123]

This is a sad situation and one that is going to have "sides"

I am distressed about the swapping of prisoners with a terrorist group, not a country, but a group of bandits.

I am distressed about congress being totally by passed even though the law says that cannot happen....both on prisoners of GTMO and any release. Done with "executive powers" !

I am distressed with the reports from his comrades on his behaviour which immediately precluded his capture. This might be my biggest problem, if all reports are validated since as noted other soldiers died as a result.

I am happy as can be that he is home with his family but time will tell what REALLY happened here.

Of course as expected...

"Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has issued a rare public statement hailing the exchange of five Guantanamo Bay detainees for a Taliban-held US soldier as a "big victory"

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27655312

[Rags123]

It is interesting to read some of the articles from the "vulpine network" from 2009 and 2010 regarding this soldier and comparing the articles from the same network today. chilout


I am really not sure what articles from Fox News, and they are news articles, not written by Fox have to do with this current situatation at all.

I am aware of a guest on Bill OReilly who said that he felt the government knew that the soldier had abondonded his post, and there are reports today saying the exact same thing....but not of Fox.

This was on the site set up by the family...


Aug, 2010

"Pentagon Condemns Taliban for Claiming Captured U.S. Soldier Joined Their Cause "

2010 8-23 FOX News 2010 8-23 FOX News : Pentagon Condemns Taliban for Claiming Captured U.S. Soldier Joined Their Cause « The Bowe R. Bergdahl Information Collection (http://supportbowe.info/2010/08/23/pentagon-condemns-taliban-propaganda-bergdahl/)

And suggest you read this article from TWO YEARS ago....

"Three years ago, a 23-year-old soldier walked off his base in Afghanistan and into the hands of the Taliban. Now he’s a crucial pawn in negotiations to end the war. Will the Pentagon leave a man behind?"

Read more: Bowe Bergdahl: America's Last Prisoner of War by Michael Hastings | Politics News | Rolling Stone (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/americas-last-prisoner-of-war-20120607#ixzz33WNjgsZI)
Follow us: @rollingstone on Twitter | RollingStone on Facebook

It was written without the glare of todays headlines and may open your eyes.

Again, not sure what the intent of a post alluding to Fox has to do with ANYTHING WHATSOEVER.

[Villages PL]

Five dangerous terrorist prisoners were returned to terrorists in exchange for one American. Good for that one American and his family, but how many will eventually be killed by those 5 terrorists? They didn't even renounce terroism.

[janmcn]

Look up the military Code of Conduct before criticizing the government for rescuing a prisoner of war.

This should give all those residents on active service or with children or grandchildren on active duty some comfort knowing the government will try to recue you if you are captured and become a POW. Thank you for your service.

[Rags123]

Look up the military Code of Conduct before criticizing the government for rescuing a prisoner of war.

This should give all those residents on active service or with children or grandchildren on active duty some comfort knowing the government will try to recue you if you are captured and become a POW. Thank you for your service.


I do not think most of those folks you mention, and I am overjoyed for this mans family, ever thought such a switch would be done with a terrorist group.

"PESHAWAR — The Afghan Taliban are celebrating the release of their five top commanders — who were swapped in exchange for American Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl after being held in Guantanamo Bay for 12 years — serving their guests with sweets and goats cooked in rice.

“This is a historic moment for us. Today our enemy (for the) first time officially recognized our status. I can’t explain how our people are happy and excited over this unbelievable achievement. Today we reached our destination,” a senior member of the Afghan Taliban told NBC News exclusively from a hideout in Afghanistan."

Taliban Celebrates Release of Top Commanders in Bowe Bergdahl Swap - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/taliban-celebrates-release-top-commanders-bowe-bergdahl-swap-n120561)

Secondly, as happy as everyone is for this release, there are legitimate questions about the bypassing of laws.

The government, despite what you say, is not being criticized for rescuing him.....and you call him a prisoner of war, WHICH IS THE FIRST TIME THE US GOVERNMENT HAS USED THAT TERM TO DESCRIBE HIM. They felt he was a hostage.

This from 2012.....

""We had been waiting for years and years to hunt down such an important bird. Once one fell into our hands, then we knew how to keep it safe and sound," a militant has said."

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/details-about-sgt-bowe-bergdahl-2012-5#ixzz33WcZleI6


No matter how happy everyone is, this has a ton of questions attached to it, and to not recognize it IS making it a political issue.

[billethkid]

Look up the military Code of Conduct before criticizing the government for rescuing a prisoner of war.

This should give all those residents on active service or with children or grandchildren on active duty some comfort knowing the government will try to recue you if you are captured and become a POW. Thank you for your service.

It has not been determined he was a POW. Several news reporters today have been cautious to not use the word captured.....because they do not know.

The most valuable input I heard today were interviews with the men who were actually in his unit. They were not very kind to him at all...labeled him a deserter....had been telling his comrade soldiers his dislike for the USA and that he was planning to leave.....which his commanding officer said he did.

I believe his umit members long, long, LONG before the news media or the Washington scene spinners....either side.

There is nothing political about the subject matter what so ever. It will increasingly become political as the feces comes loose from the oscillator!!!!

[Rags123]

Look up the military Code of Conduct before criticizing the government for rescuing a prisoner of war.

This should give all those residents on active service or with children or grandchildren on active duty some comfort knowing the government will try to recue you if you are captured and become a POW. Thank you for your service.

I do not know if you have ever served. I have, as have many others on here I am positive.

This is also in the code you reference,,,

"the Code of Conduct is a personal conduct mandate for members of the American armed forces throughout the world.

Article I: I am an American, fighting in the armed forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II: I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III: If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV: If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V: When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service, number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America."

[Rags123]

So many of these posts are trying to pick sides on this issue. By posting on the code of conduct, by posting on whatever network and it is not political in anyway.

This is a milestone for many involved or not involved and is a matter of american interest and should be discussed openly. Everyone is glad a son is home with his family, but it is not black and white and news reports dating back years before this occured questioned a lot even then.

Also remember if you will this family for one whose son also lived by the code of conduct...

"The deal that got Bowe Bergdahl released in exchange for five high-ranking Taliban detainees doesn't sit right with the family of an Army lieutenant killed in an ambush while searching for the missing sergeant.

"He was killed while looking for this deserter," said Andy Andrews, father of 2nd Lt. Darryn Andrews, who died in eastern Afghanistan in September 2009.

"If this guy [Bergdahl] had not gone off post, our son would not have been killed."

Family of Soldier Slain in Bowe Bergdahl Search Blasts Prisoner Swap - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/bowe-bergdahl-released/family-soldier-slain-bowe-bergdahl-search-blasts-prisoner-swap-n120596)

This goes into great detail on how this family is suffering through this. EVERYONE should look at the entire story and all sides of this issue.

[rp001]

The men who died looking for the Bowe:

Staff Sergeant Clayton Bowen, 29, of San Antonio, Texas

Private 1st Class Morris Walker, 23, of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Staff Sergeant Kurt Curtiss, 27, of Murray, Utah

2nd Lieutenant Darryn Andrews, 34, of Dallas, Texas

Staff Sergeant Michael Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, Texas,

Facts, not political.

This is not new. Think of Somalia and the heroes that lost it all to rescue comrades in harms way. I ask that those that have been in that horrible place, (war) be the ones to pass judgement and others really have no clue what they are talking about. They just want to politicize it. For the record Congress ( select members) Was made aware of it and based on the detainee' s health and imminent danger the decision was made. My God, for once can we just understand the humanity and not make this an obvious Fox News moment!

[Rags123]

This is not new. Think of Somalia and the heroes that lost it all to rescue comrades in harms way. I ask that those that have been in that horrible place, (war) be the ones to pass judgement and others really have no clue what they are talking about. They just want to politicize it. For the record Congress ( select members) Was made aware of it and based on the detainee' s health and imminent danger the decision was made. My God, for once can we just understand the humanity and not make this an obvious Fox News moment!

What is with all the appeals to not make this subject a political one and always have to make a comment on Fox news ? What world are you living in ?

This is story because of HOW it was done, WITH WHOM it was done and for years, NOT JUST TODAY, he has been called various things...traitor, whatever.

ALL of that makes it a story...this is not a simple matter of getting back a heroic POW under normal circumstances. Not even close, and it is being made political by those who find it necessary to comment on Fox news. The links I have read and posted....NBC, English press...dont think any Fox....

This seems to be a classic example of people not being able to discuss something like this without the charges being thrown around...whether it be the network it was heard on (THIS WAS ON ALL NETWORKS...ALL OF THEM), OR whatever.

Nobody has made any claims....everyone has an interest in this story and if some of you people would take off those political hats for just a second, you may understand.

PLEASE explain how this is a "Fox News moment! " as you call it. It is headlining each and every network and all over the world.

[blueash]

The nation with the most experience dealing with terrorism is Israel. They have one of the most right wing national governments at this time. The people of Israel have suffered at the hands of external suicide bombers to an extend unequalled anywhere. And what is the policy of Israel if an Israeli soldier is held by these terrorists? Recently Israel traded one thousand prisoners and sent them back to Hamas for a single Israeli soldier. Of those traded nearly 300 were serving life sentences in Israel for directly being responsible for the deaths of nearly 570 Israeli citizens. This is only the most recent of many exchanges between Israel and those who are or have in the past expressed a desire to destroy that nation. Israel has even several times exchanged high level prisoners for known dead soldiers.

List of Israeli prisoner exchanges - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Israeli_prisoner_exchanges)

So now the US has had to give up 5 high value terrorists for a captured American. Whether he abandoned his post or not, we, like the Israelis are committed to the return to our side of our soldiers (should they want to be returned). The feelings of his military comrades as to how he came to be captured are important. The deaths of those who sought to rescue him are important. But those deaths are meaningless if you now say he doesn't deserve to come home, he should have been left there. You can be sure that there will be big time hearings criticizing the administration as there is for everything. But until the facts, not a news report or a book or a quote from someone who served and is guessing what happened, we bring back our servicemen and women. Only one person knows how this soldier happened to be caught and we haven't heard from him yet. I am glad he is on his way home. For those criticizing this action, what do you believe would have been the reaction if Bergdahl had died in captivity and word got out that the Taliban had offered to trade him for five prisoners and Obama had refused. Don't tell me you don't know how that would get spun. Please give me the list of those national leaders who have before this exchange happened publicly stated that the US should not be trying to get this soldier home and he should be left to rot in Taliban captivity. Crickets?

[dewilson58]

Look up the military Code of Conduct before criticizing the government for rescuing a prisoner of war.

This should give all those residents on active service or with children or grandchildren on active duty some comfort knowing the government will try to recue you if you are captured and become a POW. Thank you for your service.

IF, I did say IF, he was a POW......he put himself in that situation. He was not captured......he walked out of camp and into their arms. On ABC News (not even Fox), a member of the unit he deserted was interviewed and he is disgusted with this guy. It was a touching interview from a guy who was there.

[dewilson58]

This is not new. Think of Somalia and the heroes that lost it all to rescue comrades in harms way. I ask that those that have been in that horrible place, (war) be the ones to pass judgement and others really have no clue what they are talking about. They just want to politicize it. For the record Congress ( select members) Was made aware of it and based on the detainee' s health and imminent danger the decision was made. My God, for once can we just understand the humanity and not make this an obvious Fox News moment!

Never said it was new. Did I say it was new............Nope.

Just remembering the lost men who went looking for the deserter. I feel for the families of these men............mostly with the current events. No politics here. Just remembering and honoring.

[rp001]

Never said it was new. Did I say it was new............Nope.

Just remembering the lost men who went looking for the deserter. I feel for the families of these men............mostly with the current events. No politics here. Just remembering and honoring.

This is based on assumptions, prematurely I might add. That is why it should not be opinionated till ALL the facts are in. I believe one of ours is worth hundreds of theirs. Anything done by this administration is criticized, especially by Fox News. You don't know yet anything of him being a " deserter" just what the talking heads on TV tell you! Have you been in a war?

[dewilson58]

This is based on assumptions, prematurely I might add. That is why it should not be opinionated till ALL the facts are in. I believe one of ours is worth hundreds of theirs. Anything done by this administration is criticized, especially by Fox News. You don't know yet anything of him being a " deserter" just what the talking heads on TV tell you! Have you been in a war?

Some of Bergdahl's fellow soldiers are speaking out against the trade negotiated to bring him home, calling him a "deserter" for walking away from his base.

"I was ****ed off then and I am even more so now with everything going on," former Sgt. Matt Vierkant, a member of Bergdahl's platoon when he went missing, told CNN. "Bowe Bergdahl deserted during a time of war and his fellow Americans lost their lives searching for him."

Nathan Bradley Bethea, who also served in Bergdahl's unit, wrote a piece for the Daily Beast describing how Bergdahl is just "a guy who walked off in the dead of night," and blamed Bergdahl for the loss of other soldiers who died while searching for him.

Pretty good facts for me.

[VT2TV]

The main problem to me is that Obama took it upon himself-once again, illegally, to make this trade. He is required to discuss this with Congress, and 30 days should pass while it is being discussed. That is the LAW!!!! Not to mention that the US is not supposed to negotiate with terrorists. Heaven forbid that Obama pays any attention to the laws of the US. This has just increased the incentive for more US captures. This person who left his post has been gone for 5 years. What was the hurry now?? Why did this have to be done so quickly and illegally? It is an insult to the servicemen who lost their lives searching for him.

[rp001]

The main problem to me is that Obama took it upon himself-once again, illegally, to make this trade. He is required to discuss this with Congress, and 30 days should pass while it is being discussed. That is the LAW!!!! Not to mention that the US is not supposed to negotiate with terrorists. Heaven forbid that Obama pays any attention to the laws of the US. This has just increased the incentive for more US captures. This person who left his post has been gone for 5 years. What was the hurry now?? Why did this have to be done so quickly and illegally? It is an insult to the servicemen who lost their lives searching for him.

Yea and during the last eclipse Obama tried to steal the moon

[DeniseZ]

This country is in big trouble. Very sad.:(

[wendyquat]

This country is in big trouble. Very sad.:(

And it only takes reading some of these post to realize why!

[getdul981]

Have you been in a war?

YES I HAVE!!

I think that the President has overstepped his boundaries this time (once again) by making a trade of five terrorists for one US soldier. I have never heard of the United States negotiating with anyone to release a hostage. If this sergeant is found to be a deserter, we have just released 5 of the worlds top terrorists to wreak havok once again. This thread will probably be closed because it will be considered political by the Admin, but I don't think it is political. Instead I believe it to be patriotic.

Why would you trade 5 known terrorists for one deserter?

[VT2TV]

Yea and during the last eclipse Obama tried to steal the moon

I don't even understand what you are saying, because everything I posted is law and policy of the US.

[redwitch]

America has always negotiated to get prisoners of war back, even Reagan (think the Iran-Contra affair). As much as I resent that this "soldier" caused the death of 5 marines and that 5 Taliban leaders were freed to bring him home (and, believe me, I do highly resent that), time-honored tradition was followed to get a POW home. This is a prisoner exchange, not a terrorist negotiation. The Taliban is at war with the USA, it is not considered a terrorist organization. It is not on any American terrorist list (although some of its leaders are). Obama broke no laws in making this exchange -- as CIC, he has the right to negotiate to get back a POW, even if the POW is a total punk slimeball (and I doubt I'll ever understand why this was done -- kid deserved what he got; he went AWOL and denigrated the US long before running).

[rjn5656]

Another example of the poor leader we have elected.

[rubicon]

First let's dispense with the straw argument about what other countries do or do not do. We are discussing America and its Uniform codes, policies ,etc

Cody Full a one time roommate of Bergdahl states that prior to his disappearance Bergdahl mailed all his personal belongings home Why? Perhaps because he knew he was not coming back? Cody Full also stated that Berdahl spent a large amount of time with Afghan police officers at a remote post. E-mails he sent home indicated he was alienated from the Army, his mission and his country.

If he was a deserter in a time of war he could be shot. The problem here is that in the Obama Administration we are not at war (convenient huh) and that is why Bergdahl release for 5 terrorists who are sure to kill Americans again makes Obama defending his position justified.

And it was reported that Bergdahl was in good health when he returned.

Obama's actions has opened the door to kidnappings . Wait until the terrorist try to exchange one of ours for the architect of the 9/11 event

In my view no one should be elected President without first having served in the military.

[rp001]

YES I HAVE!!

I think that the President has overstepped his boundaries this time (once again) by making a trade of five terrorists for one US soldier. I have never heard of the United States negotiating with anyone to release a hostage. If this sergeant is found to be a deserter, we have just released 5 of the worlds top terrorists to wreak havok once again. This thread will probably be closed because it will be considered political by the Admin, but I don't think it is political. Instead I believe it to be patriotic.

Why would you trade 5 known terrorists for one deserter?

Thanks for your service brother. You have more than earned the right to have a viable opinion in this matter. Far too many that have never seen the 1000 yard stare are so quick to judge our young warriors and indeed to place them in harm' s way. Be proud of you service as am I. I respectfully disagree and firmly believe no man should be left behind, no matter what.

[rp001]

First let's dispense with the straw argument about what other countries do or do not do. We are discussing America and its Uniform codes, policies ,etc

Cody Full a one time roommate of Bergdahl states that prior to his disappearance Bergdahl mailed all his personal belongings home Why? Perhaps because he knew he was not coming back? Cody Full also stated that Berdahl spent a large amount of time with Afghan police officers at a remote post. E-mails he sent home indicated he was alienated from the Army, his mission and his country.

If he was a deserter in a time of war he could be shot. The problem here is that in the Obama Administration we are not at war (convenient huh) and that is why Bergdahl release for 5 terrorists who are sure to kill Americans again makes Obama defending his position justified.

And it was reported that Bergdahl was in good health when he returned.

Obama's actions has opened the door to kidnappings . Wait until the terrorist try to exchange one of ours for the architect of the 9/11 event

In my view no one should be elected President without first having served in the military.

As an American he deserves a fair trial. If found guilty he should be punished to the full extent of the law. That is not your or my job.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Soon to be the most hated man in America. I sure hope a lot of young people see what is happening to our country.

[Bobcuse]

This is more of the same embarrassing and disgusting behavior by this administration. We are already the laughing stock of the world and now this.

Czars, giving terrorists rights under our constitution instead of treating them as war criminals, announcing our troop withdrawals to the enemy for political gain, Benghazi disgrace and cover up, embarrassing foreign policy in Syria, Egypt, Ukraine, etc, horrendous V.A. abuses, Attorney General refusing to obey Congressional mandates, Rose Garden appearances for political gain with the family of this soldier, Obamacare's disastrous impact on jobs and our insurance rates, etc, etc. Just a few examples.

The downward spiral continues at an alarming rate for this once great and proud country.

[Rags123]

As an American he deserves a fair trial. If found guilty he should be punished to the full extent of the law. That is not your or my job.

" Sometime after midnight on June 30, 2009, Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl left behind a note in his tent saying he had become disillusioned with the Army, did not support the American mission in Afghanistan and was leaving to start a new life. He slipped off the remote military outpost in Paktika Province on the border with Pakistan and took with him a soft backpack, water, knives, a notebook and writing materials, but left behind his body armor and weapons — startling, given the hostile environment around his outpost."

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/us/us-soldier-srgt-bowe-bergdahl-of-idaho-pow-vanished-angered-his-unit.html?hp&_r=0

"The Pentagon on several occasions had ground-level intelligence on where ArmySgt. Bowe Bergdahl was being held captive at various times — down to how many gunmen were guarding him — but special operations commanders repeatedly shelved rescue missions because they didn’t want to risk casualties for a man they believed to be a “deserter,” sources familiar with the mission plans said."

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon knew Bergdahl's whereabouts but didn't risk rescue for 'deserter' - Washington Times (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/2/pentagon-knew-berghdahls-whereabouts-but-didnt-ris/#ixzz33Ztd2woT)
Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter

"Since Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was captured in the mountains of Afghanistan in 2009, his father had become an expert on Guantanamo Bay’s detainees. It was out of necessity, because the Taliban demanded that the United States free prisoners from Guantanamo in exchange for Bergdahl.

“No family in the United States understands the detainee issue like ours,” Robert Bergdahl said in a 2011 plea to his son’s captors.

So it wasn’t entirely unusual when Bergdahl apparently published a tweet last week about Guantanamo’s detainees. Except this tweet was directed at a Taliban spokesman. And it came just four days before it was announced that his son was finally being released.

“I am still working to free all Guantanamo prisoners,” the tweet said, according to various screen grabs. The tweet was subsequently deleted. “God will repay for the death of every Afghan child, ameen.”

The curious case of Bob Bergdahl’s apparent tweet to the Taliban (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/06/02/the-curious-case-of-bob-bergdahls-apparent-tweet-to-the-taliban/?hpid=z2)


If you actually have no doubts about what has happened, then you TRULY are 100% politically motivated !

[Taltarzac725]

As an American he deserves a fair trial. If found guilty he should be punished to the full extent of the law. That is not your or my job.

I still believe in the great wisdom of the Founding Fathers in sitting up the checks and balances of the US Constitution. The alleged deserter deserves a fair trial by the military which should be carefully monitored by the media. I have never been in the military but see the no man left behind idea is a very good one for the morale of others serving in the military. The trade for the alleged terrorists is troubling but a hard choice that had to be made.

[Rags123]

I still believe in the great wisdom of the Founding Fathers in sitting up the checks and balances of the US Constitution. The alleged deserter deserves a fair trial by the military which should be carefully monitored by the media. I have never been in the military but see the no man left behind idea is a very good one for the morale of others serving in the military. The trade for the alleged terrorists is troubling but a hard choice that had to be made.


You are correct about the constitution.......absolutely right on.

"House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers on Tuesday said that Congress hadn’t heard from the Obama administration since 2011 on the possibility of a prisoner swap with the Taliban.

The Michigan Republican also cast doubt on the administration’s claims that it had to act due to Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s health, saying, “Their public rhetoric does not match the facts on the ground.”

Read more: Mike Rogers: No Hill briefing since 2011 - Jonathan Topaz - POLITICO.com (http://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/bowe-bergdahl-mike-rogers-congress-no-briefing-since-2011-barack-obama-107360.html#ixzz33ZvH0Cnk)

"CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin declared on Monday that President Barack Obama “broke the law” when his administration failed to give Congress notice of at least 30 days before releasing five ranking Taliban members from Guantanamo Bay. Toobin said that a presidential signing statement did not absolve Obama from culpability for failing to abide by the law mandating congressional notification.

“I think he clearly broke the law,” Toobin said. “The law says 30-days’ notice. He didn’t give 30-days’ notice.” Toobin added that Obama’s opinion expressed in a signing statement “is not law.”

[Cisco Kid]

yes i have!!

I think that the president has overstepped his boundaries this time (once again) by making a trade of five terrorists for one us soldier. I have never heard of the united states negotiating with anyone to release a hostage. If this sergeant is found to be a deserter, we have just released 5 of the worlds top terrorists to wreak havok once again. This thread will probably be closed because it will be considered political by the admin, but i don't think it is political. Instead i believe it to be patriotic.

Why would you trade 5 known terrorists for one deserter?

Thank you for your service

[dewilson58]

As an American he deserves a fair trial. If found guilty he should be punished to the full extent of the law. That is not your or my job.


Barack or Bowe ???



(or both)

[Rags123]

This is NOT in anyway a political thread. The only political posts are those DESPERATE folks crying about one network....now, that is political and meant to be by those posters.

This is a current event discussion that is taking place on ALL networks all over the world...it is front page news all over the world.

[Moderator]

This thread has become far too political and polarizing and would require massive pruning of posts to leave it open.

Thread closed.