ASI Invites War Criminal?
I found this interesting information while reading the comments on Dr. Elrod’s blog post on the 2007-2008 ASI Lineup. Greg Kendall-Ball was the first to post the link to the story in question. I now have some questions of my own…
LTC Steven Russell was the commander of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment in Iraq, and he became famous when his unit captured Saddam Hussein. Russell now travels the country speaking and promoting the Iraq war.
First of all, it is rather surprising that Harding would bring in someone who speaks single-mindedly and one-sidedly on such a hot current political issue. It is also surprising that there are still people out there who support the Iraq war and think it was a good idea at all.
Perhaps the most surprising thing, though, comes from the article that GKB linked, calling it a “revenge attack he led his men on near Tikrit in 2003.” This article shows a pretty startling view of LTC Russell. This is the summary of the article:
TIKRIT, Iraq — The U.S. military swept through Iraqi neighborhoods early Saturday, firing at houses suspected to be harboring hostile forces in the wake of an apparent attack on a Black Hawk (search) helicopter that killed six U.S. soldiers.
The worst part of the article is a direct quote from Russell, who said “This is to remind the town that we have teeth and claws and we will use them.” It is no wonder to me that we have become so unpopular in Iraq when we have unit commanders who order men to fire heavy weapons at random buildings in a town to remind them “that we have teeth…” and then come back to America and make thousands of dollars on the speaking circuit.
This tells me two things: One, that Harding is subtely supporting the war in Iraq as a means to achieve some sort of controted political end; and two, that Harding (ASI) doesn’t do any real preliminary research about their speaking candidates. Kind of an ironic little thing, isn’t it?
I would really like to see him defend himself on this report, but I am sure they will have a mediated card-selective Q&A.
Mark this up with the gentleman I had a conversation with last month who stated that rape is a justifiable means to quell a violent region.
Obiter Dictum: The ASI lineup sucks.
From what I read on this guy, having him speak is a little more than just “subtle.” He is one of the most outspoken supporters of the war.
Its not too surprising that this guy is so outspoken in favor of the war. Its what made him famous and put him on this speaking circut. If something makes someone famous, they are usually for it.
It had been suggested that I show up and ask about this guys Sherman-esque raid on the villiage of Tikrit, but I will (thankfully) be out of town that night. So, if someone would like to share some lime-light they can have it.
I’ll put down $20, 10-1 odds this guy gets a standing ovation. Harding has a political view that they throw at all students all the time; especially during chapel. This is going to be as bad as Sean Hannity speaking last year.
btw, in case the student body regains some shred of humanity and common sense by the time this guy speaks, I’m not paying anyone $200.
I’m not sure that this qualifies as a war criminal. Bloodthirsty jingoistic douchebag…yes. I’m sure ASI isn’t above inviting this war’s Reginald Dyer (if there was one), but this isn’t it. Odds on Rumsfeld next year?
I was kind of hoping for Karl Rove next year. That would really be interesting and I might even go to an ASI speech for once.
Rove spoke at my graduate school’s graduation ceremony last year. It really wasn’t that great. He blamed all of the problems in politics on the media (perhaps not a bad choice since he was speaking to a crowd of present and future political consultants). If he would be truly honest and not use his speeched as part of his propaganda it would be truly fascinating. If only….
Once Bush and Co. wind things down I’m sure Harding students can look forward to at least one administration ex-pat a year for the forseeable future.