Houston City Councilman Michael Berry, the cheerleader of the 28% who support the war in Iraq and the President, was punked on his own radio show. Again.Driving on the beltway and listening to Berry's gloom and doom for a full 20 minutes, I was looking for the nearest tree to slam into to end the misery. But then... Berry had been pumping his fist in the air calling for the United States to attack Iran, when a caller asked if he would be interested in fighting in Iran or Iraq. Berry, as he as done before, said no.
There is nothing worse than a 36 year old, with no kids, and a City Councilman with his own right wing radio show, shooting his mouth off about war, but refuses to fight for his country. So the caller challenged him to join, then called him what he is. A chickenhawk.
Hear the exchange here. If you wold like to contact Michael Berry to ask him to join the service, do so here.
63 comments:
John, your stunt was tasteless and dishonest, as is your post.
The post is tasteless and dishonest?
Pointing out the obvious hypocrisy of yet another loudmouth Republican chickenhawk is tasteless and dishonest? Matt, I think you need to open a dictionary and look up the meaning of those two words.
Matt,
who cares what you think? You too are a chickenhawk.
Pointing out the obvious hypocrisy of yet another loudmouth Republican chickenhawk is tasteless and dishonest?
Using a false name to get on the air is dishonest. So is posting about it in couched terms like "when a caller asked," as though it just happened, and John was lucky enough to record it.
(On the beltway, apparently).
Yes, that is dishonest.
John, have you supported any U.S. military action since 1973?
I'm curious, John -- did you sign up to go fight Mr. Clinton's war in Bosnia?
Matt, you have no proof that John called. You know there is more than one person in Houston who thinks this guy is a Chickenhawk.
Greg, Hmmm....choosing to serve one term in a place where we were asked to go, had a set time there, and left quicky vs. Iraq. Gee, if I could choose, yes I'd go to Bosnia. Moot point though, Don't Ask Don't tell keeps me out of the military.
Matt, you have no proof that John called.
Oh, come on. Let me guess: someone else with access to the BAND website just happened to be recording the show at the moment someone who sounds exactly like John called?
What do you want, a voiceprint analysis comparing the recording to John's voicemail?
Gee, if I could choose, yes I'd go to Bosnia.
Bon voyage.
Yes Matt, that a voice print analysis would suffice as proof. Cause I sure ain't going to take your word as proof.
And why not go to Bosnia now? It's not a war zone.
In the second quarter more military personnel contributed to Ron Paul than to any other candidate (from either party.)
Support the troops! Elect Ron Paul!
I'm still waiting for an answer about why the post is dishonest. Michael Berry, like Matt, is in fact a Republican chickenhawk who talks big but risks nothing. What is dishonest about pointing out a blatantly obvious truth?
Bob - why would they waste their money that way? Ron Paul, whose heart is indeed in the right place at least on that issue, has zero chance of winning the presidency. I predict, wiht complete confidence, that I will win exactly the same number of electoral votes as Dr. Paul when the EC meets after the election. So, why not contribute to a Democrat who can (1) win; and (2) end the war?
I suggest that you ask the troops why more of them support Ron Paul. My theory is that they don't see any of the democratic "front runners" as having enough guts to change our aggressive imperialistic foreign policy.
I don't think it's a waste of money to contribute to a candidate based on their ideas. I guess basing one's support primarily on electability is one of those loyal partisan mindset things that just strike me as odd.
It's kind of funny and sad to see Matt Bramanti over here trying to defend Chickenhawks. It's a little bit difficult to get a word in on Lone Star Times, Matt's "home" blog, because it is full of right wing neocons who don't take kindly to outside opinions and don't like seeing one of their own called out.
But, to see Matt here on a left wing blog, trolling around trying to pass off his ridiculous excuses for his chickenhawkery is almost comical? Why would he go out of his way to defend himself to an obviously left wing crowd? Very Strange indeed.
My thoughts are that he is finally reaching his tipping point and realizing how absolutely absurd his positions have turned out to be (both with regard to the war in Iraq itself as well as his much heralded Chickenhawk status), that he is flailing around (like a chicken!) until finally, he will break and fall into a sobbing lump looking for forgiveness.
It should be noted that Matt's brother did have the guts to back up his convictions and is apparently stationed in Iraq currently. That must be difficult, knowing that your family is on the front lines of a war that should never been while you have been bravely manning the keyboard back home in the comfort of your air condition and some nice cold adult beverages whenever you get thirsty.
Anon, I'm all for the miltary personel giving to Ron Paul. In the primary you vote with your heart; even if the person has no chance in winning. Heck, I gave money to Dean, even after "the yell."
And with the front runner in the GOP listed as "None of the Above", who says Ron Paul is a long shot?
It's a little bit difficult to get a word in on Lone Star Times, Matt's "home" blog, because it is full of right wing neocons who don't take kindly to outside opinions and don't like seeing one of their own called out.
It's not difficult to get in a word at all. Go right ahead. I'll even set you up a custom account. Email me: mattbramanti@gmail.com
But, to see Matt here on a left wing blog, trolling around trying to pass off his ridiculous excuses for his chickenhawkery is almost comical?
Are you asking me?
That must be difficult, knowing that your family is on the front lines of a war that should never been (sic) while you have been bravely manning the keyboard back home in the comfort of your air condition (sic) and some nice cold adult beverages whenever you get thirsty.
Why? Do you find it difficult knowing that there are cops out there risking their lives while you sit at home and enjoy their protection?
Like our police forces, our military is made up of volunteers and controlled by civilians. Condemn that system if you want, but be prepared to apologize to the ghost of Franklin Roosevelt, who dispatched more than a quarter-million men to their deaths despite his own lack of military service.
until finally, he will break and fall into a sobbing lump looking for forgiveness.
I'll be sure to let you know when that happens.
And why not go to Bosnia now? It's not a war zone.
Go right ahead. You're the one complaining that your homosexuality kept you from seeing sunny Sarajevo as a soldier, so why not see it as a civilian?
Well, Doc, then you have no right to opine on military matters.
"...then you have no right to opine on military matters."
You're a silly wabbit Gweg. Last time I checked the Constitution, it said that anyone can opine about anything.
But those wascally wepublicans and dastardly democwats are forever trying to limit free speech with garbage like campaign finance "reform" and regulation of the airwaves and the internet.
Maybe I'd better check the Constitution again--They might have slipped in a new law while we weren't looking.
Matt,
If you are willing to give me the money to fly, I'd be happy to go. Heck we can go together just so that we can discuss the situation there.
Now how about that voice analysis? Or the fact that so many Republicans seem to support the war and yet are unwilling to go?
You're a silly wabbit Gweg. Last time I checked the Constitution, it said that anyone can opine about anything.
That's his point, Bob. Greg was mocking John's apparent belief that only military personnel (and anti-war activists, naturally) may hold an opinion on the war.
If you are willing to give me the money to fly, I'd be happy to go.
Why not win it? I'm still waiting for someone to accept my bet on the Cornyn/Noriega race.
Thanks Matt. I stand cowected. John's a silly wabbit too.
I have no intention of betting with you, Matt. But one wonders why you are so certain about the chances of a man whose approval rating is below 50%. Is there nothing about conservative Republicans you won't blindly defend? The fact is, Cornyn has to get majority support to win, unless Kinky runs. Why would Texas be so different from the rest of the country - at least by Nov. 08 - when thousands more lives have been wasted? Surely even the great Matt can understand Cornyn's support is squishy soft, at best. Regardless, I'm not wasting time betting. Raising money and voting makes more sense.
I'm reminded of Claude Rains in Casablanca:
"A very clever tactical retreat, Major."
One of the few things I'll agree with conservatives is about gambling/betting; I stand against it and cringe every time spoken to alleviate a budget crisis of some sort.
So to use a tactic that you love to use... has politics become nothing more than a betting pool to you?
Matt,
How would you know about clever retreats? You've never had the gut's to go forward!
Matt, how many foreign countries have you been to?
How many languages do you speak?
How many times have you instigated physical altercations?
It's so easy to talk tough, but, takes a little bit more to actually DO something Matt.
Much more than clever phrases.
matt is a puss
Yes....a chickenhawk and poodle for the Bush administration
You've never had the gut's (sic) to go forward!
This coming from a person who doesn't have the "gut's" to accept responsibility for what he writes? That's rich.
Matt, how many foreign countries have you been to?
Four, if California counts.
How many languages do you speak?
Two, and enough Latin to get by.
How many times have you instigated physical altercations?
Fewer times than I've won them.
And I'm a Capricorn. Want my shoe size too?
One of the few things I'll agree with conservatives is about gambling/betting; I stand against it and cringe every time spoken to alleviate a budget crisis of some sort.
That's interesting. I have no problem with gambling in principle, but I agree with you on the second part. It drives me nuts to hear people say "let's legalize gambling, and tax it."
So to use a tactic that you love to use... has politics become nothing more than a betting pool to you?
I figure we might as well make it interesting. Can't I have a little fun while illustrating that the support for Noriega is pretty hollow?
Matt, you've really moved in here, haven't you?
Brought your pajamas, your own toothbrush and your favorite snacks.
Who knew John was creating a little home, a clubhouse in cyberspace, for Matt, Bob and Greg.
I think John deserves a round of applause for taking on homeless people and doing such a good deed.
Yall need blankets or anything?
See you guys later! I'm off to write "anonymous is a coward" 1000 times on a word doc.
This anon agrees with anon. We've become nothing but a punching bag for Matt. There is little to be gained by arguing with him, since we've already won over the majority of the American people on most of the subjects this blog discusses.
Let him think he represents a substantive and valid point of view. So do Bush.
I just emailed Mr. Berry. I suggested he enlist so he would get first hand experience what it is like to fight and to serve under a CINC that has no regard for the men and women in uniform, except to use them as props while trying to keep support for his illegal war. I am a Marine Corps vet and the mother of 2 children serving. I told him all of the benefits of being in uniform and said the Army is in need of ablebodied men since they are so broken and battered. Just say I gave him my view of a chickenhawk. It wasn't pretty! But it was humorous.
Michael Berry called!
He has asked for a load of chapstick for his butt since Matt and others have been licking his butt all day on this blog.
Share the email! And his response!
Hope your kids come home soon and safe.
If you ignore matt, he will go back to carrying Berry's jockstrap.
Just ignore him. He will go away.
hey dude,
i survived the 68 tet offensive.
a few of us are still alive. so far
im still livin off section 8 housing ? i got almost nothin.
why not join? you get a chance to
learn new things? go an help the suffering? you'l comeout with a new attitude .. i think it'd change you! the way i see it? if
you won't join then shut up..
craig wolff (usmc. 1967-1969)
Craig - words of wisdom. Loud mouth chickenhawks like Michael Berry and Matt Bramanti only see the romanticism of war, the thrill of armed conquest. It makes them feel like men, vicariously of course. Sorry for the troubles in your life, man. I was in the streets in '68, but I salute you.
if you won't join then shut up..
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles, and I appreciate your service.
But your statement runs contrary to the American way. In this country, military authority is subject to the civilians. Civilians tell the military what to do, and not the other way around.
If you ignore matt, he will go back to carrying Berry's jockstrap.
I listen to the guy less often than John does.
Matt - I read your response to Craig. What in the hell are you talking about? You not only missed his point, you found one he did not make. Amazing, but so typical.
And, by the way, I read your comment to suggest that you believe Americans therefore control the commander-in- chief of the military.
If you believe that, after reading today's news headlines, then you, Matt, are as thoroughly delusional as our commander-in- chief.
So common... when you already lost an argument, ignore the message and attack the messenger.
Same hypocrites in this doc:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFGit_tZDqs
Would have been the perfect doc, except for the stupid stunt at the end...
I would not care much but they are criminals ruining the lives of so many people...
These hypocrites %@#%$£ makes me sick!
And all this for power and money, disgusting.
Matt - I read your response to Craig. What in the hell are you talking about?
He said "if you won't join then shut up," suggesting that civilians shouldn't comment on military matters. That's absurd in a country with an all-volunteer military that's subject to civilian authority.
And, by the way, I read your comment to suggest that you believe Americans therefore control the commander-in- chief of the military.
The people have the same recourse against the president that they've always had. They may, through their representatives, remove him from office.
Actually, I second his motion. The comment had nothing to do with civilian command, it had to do with you being a loud mouth and a coward.
The Only good thing about Micheal Berry, and the other chickenhawks not enlisting is that Our Great fighting forces(the best of the best in the world), will not be forced to serve with them. As I, thank God, was fortunate enough that Rush (I got a pimple on my ass)Limbaugh evaded the draft and we didn't have to serve with him
Anonymous, follow the logic. Let's say we implement the Craig Doctrine -- "if you won't join then shut up" -- and it's universally adhered to.
You have thereby created a system in which only the military may address issues involving the military.
Is that what you want?
No kidding!
Can you imagine having to not only protect yourself from getting killed, but also having to carry around a crying, babbling, crappin in his pants, chickenhawk around?
These chickenhawks are truly worthless Americans. They won't fight, and if they do, our troops would have to baby them.
worthless.
Maybe you guys should take on this never-served-'cause-I-had-better-things-to-do coward for his abuse of an honorably discharged veteran.
We warmly welcome Bay Area Houston to Operation Yellow Elephant, a non-partisan grass roots citizens initiative to Support Our President by encouraging his strongest supporters, if qualified [healthy heterosexuals 41-and-under], to volunteer for military service.
If a particular patriot is not accepted for enlistment, Your Country Thanks You for stepping forward.
After all, if President Bush cannot convince even his strongest supporters to Be A Man! Enlist!, how can he possibly lead our nation, and the international coalition, to a successful outcome of the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere?
OOOOOOOOO-RAAAAAAAAH!
Your first target should be Keith Olbermann, who impugns the service of an honorably discharged veteran despite having never served himself.
Until you take on one of your own, you have no moral standing to take on your opponents.
This is the most entertaining bullshit on the internets. All of them.
Anyone remember the swiftboating of an honorably discharged vet?
You guys are fucking ridiculous.
This is internet masturbation for all of you, right?
When you consider that those questioning aspects of John Kerry's service were men who served with him, it is hardly the same thing at all.
Operation Yellow Elephant, a non-partisan grass roots citizens initiative
Oh sheesh. OYE is non-partisan in the sense that Kos and MoveOn are non-partisan.
I hope they sent your contact information to every recruiter in the area.
If you wont fight over there, then maybe you will fight off the recruiters over here.
So, John, you advocate using the US government to harass political opponents -- and to waste government resources to accomplish that end?
What a patriot you are -- NOT!
Yes.
Of course he does. Cobarruvias wastes government resources as a low-level government functionary, so why not waste them on his free time as well?
I tangled with the OYE crowd a couple of years ago. I asked if they supported the invasion of Iraq, and they refused to answer clearly.
I think that they are superficial political hacks that don't have the guts to take a stand.
And I am 100% against the war.
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