2008 Military Times poll: Wary about Obama

2008 Military Times poll: Wary about Obama

www.armytimes.com

When asked how they feel about President-elect Barack Obama as commander in chief, six out of 10 active-duty service members say they are uncertain or pessimistic, according to a Military Times survey.

In follow-up interviews, respondents expressed concerns about Obama’s lack of military service and experience leading men and women in uniform.

“Being that the Marine Corps can be sent anywhere in the world with the snap of his fingers, nobody has confidence in this guy as commander in chief,”

(visit the link for the full news article)

This should only be a surprise to the New York Times crowd.

The various branches should be wary of the incoming Administration and Congress. The budgetary cuts and equivocating leadership will return us to the morale and capabilities of the Jimmy Carter era.

It will be interesting to see the end of 2009 recruiting and retention statistics.




www.armytimes.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

reply to post by Mirthful Me


Do the same poll about any candidate that was running and I wouldn't be surprised you get close to the same percentage. Ask them this same question about their current president and I'm betting they felt even worse.


My question is what purpose does an article like this serve for the American public?

To answer your question.... knowledge is power. I would rather know how the military feels about their future commander in chief than be in the dark about it.

As I recall, Bill Clinton was faced with a similar situation. Many troops felt that he was too inexperience and may try to pull something to prove that he could indeed lead the military. I guess Somalia was that something when he changed Bush's humanitarian aid into nation building and started chasing after that one guy. Anyways, everybody knows how that ended up. Situations like these are the reason the military has concerns about new Presidents with no military background. Hopefully, Obama will keep a level head and will not try to act like he knows what he is doing. Better to trust in his Generals than to lead these brave men and women down the wrong path. Obama must earn, not demand, their trust. He can do that by fighting for them on every front. Only time will tell if he does.

Being that the Marine Corps can be sent anywhere in the world with the snap of his fingers, nobody has confidence in this guy as commander in chief

I hardly think Bush and Cheney qualify as seasoned military campaigners or strategists either.
With a congress that is bought and paid for by foreign powers and big corporations, do the military really think they'll be sent to fight for the American people or to bolster corporate profits and swell the coffers of the war profiteers?

The talking head at the top may change but the people pulling the strings and sending the military to fight and die never changes.

I think the following quote by Major General Smedley Butler, ex commandant of the US Marine Corps summed it up quite well. It's from 1935 but it's as true today as it was back then.

I spent thirty three years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street.

I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents. Smedley Butler

[edit on 2-1-2009 by Britguy]

Originally posted by jam321
As I recall, Bill Clinton was faced with a similar situation. Many troops felt that he was too inexperience and may try to pull something to prove that he could indeed lead the military.

Being in the military during Clinton’s eight years was not good. He was an embarrassment and both he and Hilary had open distain for us. Our effectiveness was at its worst since the Vietnam War. Many still remember that time and so there is a good chance that things will go that direction once again.

reply to post by Mirthful Me


Hi,

I said this long ago, and was put down, of course - but I have felt very uneasy about Obama being elected president, when his name is SOOO close to terrorist names - OBAMA and OSAMA - also it is like SIN LADEN and BIN LADEN - also note that SIN - not a good sign. I am not surprised that the Armed Forces are alarmed.

I am alarmed as well, but else can we do?

No offense to people who have been or are in the military.

But when I was in high school, "they" kept trying to recruit me and my friends, even going so far as getting out home phone numbers from scholl records and calling weekly.

I stood up to the recruiters and told them the military is Government slavery, making you a pawn t be on the front lines of any war possible.

I always viewed joining the military as something done by the extremely desperate (no money no family) or the extremely stupid, or people who like to be ordered around like some pawns.

So in my perspective, the U.S. military is mostly made up of a bunch of half-waitted pawns. Not stereo-typing, see I just said most of the military. SO when 6 out of 10 say they dont believe in Obama ...that proves that 60% are a bunch of inbred fools.

These pawns would rather have a Country gun toting, inbred shoot-em-up president who wants war with everybody instead of a diplomatic strategist,

There were 10 million pet rocks sold in the U.S. so you do the math. Surrounded by idiots!!!!!

Originally posted by whoshotJR
My question is what purpose does an article like this serve for the American public?

Just like any other poll - it's good to know what different segments of Americans feel and why.

Considering this is the military - our defenses - it is good to know how much faith they have in their new leadership. This is where Obama's severe lack of experience will be sorely tested .. and will show the most.

How on earth a nobody from Chicago, who hasn't done much of anything and has no experience in this area, can be Commander In Chief beats the hell out of me.



[edit on 1/2/2009 by FlyersFan]

It will be interesting to see the end of 2009 recruiting and retention statistics.

TRUE. But a continuing weaker economy (more unemployed) will also be an incentive for enlistment, dont you think?

reply to post by dominicus


Those statements just proves you complete ignorance about the men and women in our armed forces. The current members are some of the most intellegent and bright individuals in our history. Your attitude just goes to prove how much you have been brainwashed by the socialists in our school system. Without these fine men and women, you'd be in jail on bread and water for being so ignorant and speaking the way you do. You denegrate our citzens and you denegrate yourself by making such foolish remarks. Trymaking those statements to one of our service members face to face. You won't have have a face thats recognisable after you do!!

Zindo

They should be worry, even my husband that is doing great due to Bushes runaway defense spending is worry also.

See analyst believe that Obama key to fixing the economy will come from cutting defense spending, borrowing more from Arabs and bending to their financial under sharia law.

Read more, Sharia Finance? Obama the door to radical Islam In America?

www.abovetopsecret.com...'

Pretty scary.

I know quite a few people both in the active military service, reserves, guard, etc. Also a large number in the intelligence community. My conversations with a number of high ranking officers and several enlisted has proven to me what should be obvious: Obama is an unknown commodity, and that can un-nerve any one, thats perfectly understandable. But what I do believe about him is he is a patriot, has tremendous intelligence, speakes english which will be a nice change for all of us.

Yes were stuck with Bush untill the 20th, and I am really counting days untill goes goes back to Texas, and they have to put up with him. Texas, you are in my prayers. Its been quite reasonably said "don't mess with Texas" I like that phrase, and think it also should to the all the U.S. But you diden't have a problem when he was your governor? Mabey you did but I just diden't hear it. And Texas, your going to be stuck with Bush. Give me an address, I'll send flowers. And wreaths to our military graves because he "knew better" then military and intelligence people who DID THAT for a living.

Bush has done to my, our nation if your American, more damage in areas I am area of then any President since at least 1900. You name the area; science, asking and listening to what people who know and the administration does not?, our intelligence community is a classic example; Then the military. Bush, and the V.P. made it clear if your conclusions despite any "so called" evidence does not parrot what we say? As I was told by a superior in the intelligence community, "you know your just wasting your time, and and guess what? So am I".

More were optimistic than pessimistic. Only 25% were pessimistic. And "Uncertain" just means they don't know.



Optimistic: 33%
Pessimistic: 25%
Uncertain: 35%
No Opinion 8%

Originally posted by Mirthful Me
The various branches should be wary of the incoming Administration and Congress.

I think that's true of any incoming administration. It's something new - the unknown, and our military are some of the most vulnerable people, especially now. They SHOULD have been scared out of their pants when GW Bush was on the way in. Look what he's done for and to them.

Originally posted by spellbound
also it is like SIN LADEN and BIN LADEN - also note that SIN - not a good sign.

What does "Sin Laden" have to do with Barack Obama?

Originally posted by jam321
Better to trust in his Generals than to lead these brave men and women down the wrong path.

I think you're right on. And keeping Gates and some of his people who are familiar with the situation, was just a sign of what I think he will do.

The military people should be concerned. They're in a very dangerous situation. I'm concerned, too. But I think Obama is going to surprise people.

Originally posted by whoshotJR
reply to post by Mirthful Me

 

Do the same poll about any candidate that was running and I wouldn't be surprised you get close to the same percentage. Ask them this same question about their current president and I'm betting they felt even worse.


My question is what purpose does an article like this serve for the American public?

I'm betting that your assumption that the troops would feel the same about any incoming president is wrong. The troops listen to what these candidates say and it does color their viewpoints. The troops all saw the dissing of them (ion Germany) and the symbols of this country (flag) that Obama did during his campaign.

I think the pessimistic stat will increase once the situation escalates in Afghanistan. If i were currently in the Service I would certainly cast a pessimistic vote for Barry. I doubt that he even knows how to shoot a gun let alone be Commander in Chief.

reply to post by Mirthful Me


Right, the New York Times crowd. That's because apparently us liberals only get our information from the "liberal mainstream media" and aren't as nifty as you to be able to filter out the partisan banter. Right.

Of course the military is wary, but 4 out of 10 is almost 50-50 and not bad for a service that generally aligns itself with the right politically. And why wouldn't they? Follow the money trail.

I doubt they need to worry too much about Obama sending them elsewhere, but they can be certain that they will be coming home from Iraq ASAP. They can be certain that while their budget will be cut, they will probably receive better compensation and treatment for their time spent.

So four out of ten equals "nobody is confident"? I think Obama should give the military some extra funding for education.



And after reading through the thread more and seeing the spin that was put on the story, I am literally laughing. More were optimistic than pessimistic. Unreal.

Honestly Mirth, I would delete the thread if I was you to save face in light of your degrading introduction to the "NY Times crowd".

[edit on 1/2/2009 by Irish M1ck]

reply to post by centurion1211


In his defense, the military recruiters are little better than used car salesmen. They have many dirty tricks up their sleeves (but who doesn't when you have a quota to meet?).

One tried to tell me once that there was some number of DUI deaths in North Carolina 2005, and that due to that statistic, he felt it was safer in Iraq than the US.

Yeah, he said that.