THE FACTS: Outrage erupted Monday after the liberal anti-war group MoveOn.org took out a full-page ad in The New York Times. The ad was timed to appear Monday, the day that Gen. David Petraeus – the top-ranking U.S. military commander in Iraq – was scheduled to give his report to Congress. The ad was centered on the phrase: “General Petraeus or General Betray Us?”
Petraeus no Benedict Arnold\nGen. Petraeus isn’t exactly Benedict Arnold, and calling him a traitor is probably hyperbolic exaggeration. Still, it would be deceitful to say he’s undeserving of the same level of criticism that has been leveled at other fine military officers, such as ex-Senator, ex-Marine and triple-amputee Max Cleland, who was compared to Osama bin Laden by a Republican opponent, or Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who was branded a traitor for his anti-war stance in two terrible wars even after valorous service. Clearly the right-wing ideologues who now cry bloody murder have no hesitation when it comes to bashing men of military integrity.\nThese guys may be trying to fan outrage, but honestly, once Gen. Petraeus has gone on right-wing propaganda missions such as the Hugh Hewitt radio show, he ceases being a neutral political figure and starts looking like a pawn of the pro-war machine. --Peter Chen
Let dissent ring\nFar be it from me to side with Ann Coulter and others who spew insane accusations and negative slurs aimed at organizations such as MoveOn.org and media outlets deemed “liberal.” Specifically, that we liberal heathens “want America to lose,” which is how the conservative pundit replied to this ad and the media’s reaction to Gen. Petraeus’ comments on Monday. Still, it’s impossible to overlook the blatant disregard for the integrity of the general’s position. \nGood.\nHard-line conservatives don’t respect certain positions of dissent. MoveOn.org, as represented by the ad, has no respect for Gen. Petraeus and doubts the accuracy of his report to Congress, and I am calling them both out.\nThis is America. Mudslinging, harsh politicized statements – accurate or not – and flagrant disregard for authority are all part of the deal. Let dissent ring. --Rachel Fullmer
