General’s comments to be probed

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.msnbc.com/news/981939.asp?0cv=CB10

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Tuesday that the Pentagon would launch an internal investigation into comments about Islam made by a senior military intelligence official.

RUMSFELD SAID during a briefing at the Pentagon that the investigation came at the request of the officer, Army Lt. Gen. William Boykin, who has been sharply criticized by some Democrats and religious and civil rights groups.

Boykin, the deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence and war-fighting support, made comments at churches and prayer breakfasts that cast the U.S. war on terrorism in starkly religious terms, saying in one speech that Muslims worship an “idol” and not a “real God.” The comments were first reported last week by NBC News and the Los Angeles Times.

Rumsfeld said “I think it’s appropriate” to have such an investigation, possibly to be carried out by the Army and the Defense Department inspector general’s offices. He did not reveal the scope of the probe or indicate whether he believed Boykin had done anything wrong.

[htuttle]

1. A 'probe'?

Do you notice how Rumsfeld is acting like nobody has told him what Boykin said?

More like a spin session...

[Rex]

2. They're gonna probe his WHAT?

Ohhhhhhhhhh...comments, righto.

This rings as hollow as an "official Pentagon investigation". :eyes:

[CO Liberal]

3. Like in "Cartman Gets an Anal Probe"?

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. here is my take on this

Now here is my take... the Inspector General Office... told Boykin we are going to investigate, mostly due to the shitstorm you have caused, but it will look far better if you officially request it. (I can bet the language involved quite a bit screaming and creative use of the English language)

Given that this is a serious violation by a senior ranking officer, I am also betting that they are doing this agianst SecDef's wishes, as he still is trying to hide his head in the sand, and especially against the wishes of the Deputy Secretary for Defense, Paul Wolfowitz, after all how else do you cook Intel?

We may be seeing an internal civil war in the service, given how long it has taken for the investigation to begin, and this should officially have started oh within 36 hours of the story surfacing, with Rummy ordering it.

Also watching C-SPAN and Senator Warner and Durbin and some others demanded for one, and even the Senate is thinking of getting involved... now beyond oversight the Congress HAS NO role in DoD supervision, and an internal investigation is not something the Senate plays with. Yet, when tom asked Kucinich on Sunday, Kucinich said that him and Conyers (on the House side) were pushing the issue. Oh and the Senators also asked for reasignment of duties for the good general until the investigation is over. I am almost willing to bet that his career in the US Army is over... he will not be confirmed for a fourth and last star... and in fact he may be forced to step down for the good of the service.

This will be a good thing for the service and good order and discipline, but yet one more stain for Bush as they are being forced to do what they should be doing VOLUNTARILY. this is pointing to increased loss of control for the Bushistas... every good sign is a good one

[peterh]

7. Yeah, but in reality…..

This investigation will proceed and conclude along the same lines as that other investigation….what was it now…hmmmmm….Oh yeah…the CIA outing deal where the DoJ is doing a number on the WH…..haven’t heard much on that lately….

[legin]

9. Havn't heard much

of the Hutton inquirey either, although when he releases his report that might wake things up a bit (after Christmas ?).

It does seem that these inquiries if properly managed can take the heat out of a potentially awkward situation.

[flamingyouth]

5. Yeah, that'll be real effective

Can't wait for that "internal probe" (LOL), like I wait for the one on the Plame leak, the so-called intelligence failure, and, uh, oh, fuck, I'm just going to go drink more wine. Who really gives a shit about this anyway? It's a fucking joke. Have nice night!

[leetrisck]

6. Somalia - Clinton - What would the right

wing have said if those words of General Boykin's had come to light at the time. Or, what would the right say if those words had come from the mouth of General Wesley Clark?

[snippy]

8. Bush administration probe.

[Rose Siding]

10. At Boykin's request?

He's asking to have himself investigated? ROFL That doesn't sound very economical. Can't he just type a statement and resign? I'll loan him the paper :-)