Jenna Bush - Practically an idiot.

[Postman]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/10/11/jenna-bush-its-not-eve_n_68043.html

Below is a question from Donald Pence, San Francisco about Jenna Bush service in Iraq.

If the war in Iraq is so noble, why aren't you and your sister serving our country there?

Jenna Bush: I understand that point, but there are many ways to serve our country, and I think my skills are better suited for teaching and representing the U.S. in Latin America through unicef. I respect the men and women of our country who are over there fighting. It is an unbelievably selfless thing to do. But if people really thought about it, they would know it's not even a practical question.

[bigscott]

1. how is it

that everytime a member of the * family opens his/her mouth I hate them all even MORE??:wtf:

[Postman]

12. Not practical because no Bush gets their hands dirty...or is held responsible for their actions...

Another rich scumbag proves to the world just how priviledged they are...

She's just a chip off the old bags' block, ain't she?

"Why should we hear about body bags and deaths," Barbara Bush said on ABC's "Good Morning America" on March 18, 2003. "Oh, I mean, it's not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?"

[Mike Daniels]

38. Probably not practical in the Prince Harry sense

I can't think of a bigger bullseye in a battle campaign than the child of a world leader.

That said, there are tons of things that she could do within some capacitiy of the armed forces that would not place her on the battlefield.

So, while she's correct as far as being in the field she's still full of crap.

[Atman]

51. Being gettin' mah "OH OH" face on in da fox hole, if you know what I mean!

You're right. It would be an impossible situation having those girls over there. They're both better off in Latin America, closer to Paraguay where they can visit the family's compound in exhile.

.

[Red Zelda]

2. she's right

it is totally impractical to expect a Bush to go fight in Iraq. Or Vietnam. OK, maybe Kennebunkport.
Fuck you, Jenna. And the sack of sheckels you slithered in on.

[Sneaky Sailor]

6. "And the sack of sheckels you slithered in on."

WTF is that supposed to mean???

[monktonman]

8. something along the lines of "she was born with a silver spoon..." n/t

[patrice]

15. Hey maybe it's just inconsiderate aliteration. n/t

[Name removed]

58. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[aquart]

14. 30 pieces of silver is hardly a sack.

Although you probably get more for betraying a constitution.

[patrice]

19. This is more than an allegory.

It's a fact.

[Sneaky Sailor]

20. OK Just making sure

sounded like an anti-Semetic thing to me.

[aquart]

22. Welcome to DU.

Work on the humor.

[kestrel91316]

32. It wasn't. And it's "anti-Semitic", with only one "e".

[Red Zelda]

62. WTF?

[catmandu57]

3. The fruit never falls far from the tree

This one got stuck in a crook.

[scorpiogirl]

4. The U.S. in Iraq isn't practical either,

yet there we are.

[beberocks]

5. This is why we need a draft of all those who support this war. n/t

[aquart]

11. No, honey. A draft takes all of us.

As it should.

[patrice]

21. And, there'd be NO stopping them EVER, with a draft. n/t

[aquart]

25. Well, no. We had the draft in Vietnam and we did stop them.

Scarily, we got practically everything we asked for, including the vote.

What you're living with is them learning from their mistakes. Thus, no draft army; no free press; no independent judiciary; nobody in Congress who doesn't fill a blackmailable sleaze file.

But it took over fifty thousand American bodies before we woke up. We're faster on the uptake now.

[Bitwit1234]

30. Nope a draft wouldn't get them remember

bush squirmed out of going to Viet Nam by hiding in the Air Guard and then just HIDING. Did a damn good job of that, no body still doesn't know where he was for that year.

[bahrbearian]

7. Is "representing the U.S. in Latin America through unicef" like the

New Texas Air National Guard?

[aquart]

9. I wonder how many hours it took her to learn that speech.

The "practical" part is taken from the Prince Harry problem, when he wanted to go to Iraq with his unit, but it was deemed risky to the troops.

No way in hell she parsed those lines herself.

[patrice]

10. You obfuscate the basic principle with personal insult.

There are now and have been thousands of people with "skills ... better suited for __________" in Iraq and MANY of them have died, because they didn't have the social economic status that conserved, or gave a rat's tail about, their true personal "skills" and aptitudes.

The rest of her comment did have some substance to it: "... it's not even a practical question..." because if she were in Iraq, she'd be an especially desirable target, so those poor slaves who got duped into this thing to begin with (NOT the ones who TRULY absolutely and completely freely CHOSE to be there) would be put in **extra** danger to protect her.

[lazyriver]

13. I guess Latin America must be experiencing a shortage

of over-privileged drunken party girls with no sense of personal responsibility. Perhaps Brittany Spears has missed her calling.

[monktonman]

16. How about teaching and representing the US in Iraq??

While wanting to educate poor children in latin america may be a noble cause
dont use that as a reason to avoid the truth.
Wouldnt teaching in Iraq or some other middle eastern country be WAY more help
to the country???
Pathetic.

By the way...where has the other daughter been lately?

[orleans]

17. "why aren't we serving in iraq? because WE don't have to. we're privileged!" n/t

[minnesota_liberal]

63. Actually it's more like...

Why don't we HAVE TO serve in Iraq?

-> Because there isn't a draft. And if there was, we'd be able to avoid it because we're privileged.

Why aren't we serving in Iraq ANYWAY?

-> Because we're able to deflect criticism thanks to good coaching, a strong right-wing media and de facto control over mainstream media.

[n2doc]

18. What she is really saying is "I'm too valuable to be used as cannon fodder"

Gotta keep that womb ready to pump out more members of Bushco....

[noamnety]

55. Oh right, she's a woman, DU must discuss her uterus. (nt)

[Fresh_Start]

23. She's right.

Her being in Iraq would further endanger everyone in Iraq. Not just the US but also any Iraqis she came into contact with.
Its similar to the situation with the heir to the throne.

Pity so many people project their negative feelings for his father and his policies on her.
So if you're father or grandfather is a bigot, I guess you think you should be assumed/treated as a bigot.

[FyurFly]

26. folks are really progressive here at the DU!

:eyes:

[Fresh_Start]

27. Everyone is frustrated.

This type of discourse causes people to leave the community.
Its a pity.

[DrDan]

28. absolutely on target

a scene right out of West Wing.

the cost of her serving in the military in iraq would be sky-high. And would needlessly endanger true security people.

She is right. Fun to talk about - but not in the least bit practical.

[Richard Steele]

47. If your father is a bigot, and YOU NEVER DISAGREE WITH HIM, then yes. You should be assumed one. nm

[Froward69]

24. Apple never falls far from the tree

even if she were to be drafted, Daddy would get her out of it. like grandpa did for dad...


edit =comma

[Fresh_Start]

29. Her daddy never did any volunteer work except on

election campaigns.
Her daddy never went out of the country (except Mexico) before he was elected.
Her daddy advocates abstinence policy. She's arguing for a more comprehensive solution for HIV/AIDS.

Its a really unfair comparison.

[Bluestar]

31. If Elvis could join the Army, so can Jenna

I assume she means because of the Secret Service detail--big deal. It could be worked out.
Stupid, snotty, superficial little . . . (a quote from Caddyshack II).

[MrScorpio]

46. Elvis was drafted

Then he partied in Germany

The Republicans fucked up such a sweet deal over time

[minnesota_liberal]

33. A great example of how freepers try to control the debate

THE REAL ISSUE: If the war/occupation in Iraq is worth fighting, why aren't the Bush kids serving in our military there?

PART 1 - THE SWITCH: Sidestepping the "military" and "Iraq" components and recasting the issue as simply "serving our country" in general.

PART 2 - THE ARGUMENT: Claiming that she already is serving our country.

THE DESIRED EFFECT: Non-critical thinkers won't notice the switch and accept the faulty argument as valid.

[Squatch]

34. I find nothing wrong with her sentiments here.

Not everybody is cut out for military service and (thankfully) we do not have a mechanism to make such service compulsory.

UNICEF does good work and I hope she can draw some positive attention to their efforts.

[minnesota_liberal]

39. Yes, UNICEF does great work. But your argument is still flawed.

It sounds like you're excusing Jenna because "not everybody is cut out for military service" and then trying to cloud the matter with the draft.

The issue remains, if the war/occupation in Iraq is worth fighting, why aren't the eligible children of the war's biggest advocate serving our country in our military there?

[Marrah_G]

42. Please stop and think

Any Presidents child would have a huge target on them endangering everyone around them.

[minnesota_liberal]

43. I never said it was practical, just that the argument was flawed. n/t

[Aristus]

52. Are you forgetting?:

Every American is a target over there. Do you really think the Iraqis are saying "Let's kill so-and-so. His father is probably really famous!" If you're wearing the U.S. uniform, you will be targeted, plain and simple.

Not a good arguement, I'm afraid...

[Marrah_G]

53. It is a good arguement

As someone who does have "skin in the game" his back would have a much larger target on it if he was sitting next to her. That IS the reality.

[Squatch]

60. I'm not excusing anybody or anything

She's made her choice, and last I heard, people are still free to choose the nature of their profession in this country.

"The issue remains, if the war/occupation in Iraq is worth fighting, why aren't the eligible children of the war's biggest advocate serving our country in our military there?"

Frankly, I wouldn't want her or any other high-visibility person to be with my soldiers. Besides the fact that the target around them would endanger others, they be a nightmare to command. How would you like to be the officer who gives orders to the President's daughter?

[WinkyDink]

57. Isn't the "mechanism" called Selective Service?

[Squatch]

61. Selective Service currently requires registration.

It does not make military service compulsory (as of 5:17 PM on Thursday PM)

[rocktivity]

35. A copy of this should be given to everyone who's approached by recruiter

As long as the commander-in-chump's in office.

:headbang:
rocknation

[Booster]

36. I don't want her over there. If she fucks up like her father, all the

other service men/women would be in danger. Well, ok, she could go over there and clean latrines, but she would probably fuck that up too and latrines are important.

[Vinca]

37. She should be marrying one of Mitt's sons. nt

[Marrah_G]

40. I do NOT want the Bush Twins over there

I don't want my loved one or anyone else's loved ones guarding working or traveling with her. Can you say "TARGET'? I can. Thanks but no thanks. Her family has done enough fucking damage already.

[Rhythm and Blue]

41. I fully and completely agree with Jenna Bush's statement.

1. Enlisting in the Army is not the only way to serve America. Were anyone here to believe that, they ought get off DU immediately and run down to the recruiter's office.

2. Jenna Bush would probably not make a great soldier. If she doesn't believe she would, she won't. We have an all-volunteer army for a reason. She wants to be a teacher, so let her be a teacher.

3. Her work with UNICEF, and her recent book detailing the plight of single mothers with AIDS in Latin America, are valuable. She could still be out partying and getting fall-down drunk every night. She isn't. It's nice to see her showing some maturity.

4. It isn't practical. She's the daughter of the President. She would be an incredibly high-value target, and killing (or worse, kidnapping her) her would be a huge PR coup for whoever managed it. Much like Prince Harry, she would risk the life of any soldier near her, and would require resources be allocated to defending her. She would be a drain on the army, not a benefit.

Moreover, she is not an elected official. She is her own person. Unless you seriously believe the sexist notion that a woman is only an extension of her father, don't bash her for not signing up for Daddy's war.

[Fresh_Start]

44. well put

thank you

[cobalt1999]

50. Logic instead of emotion.

That's rare around here. I agree with your post. I'll focus on her father, I won't hold her to any higher standard than any other person her age.

[tammywammy]

64. agreed n/t

[minnesota_liberal]

66. Unfortunately, your first point is based on the freepers version of the question

As I've stated before, the real issue is why the eligible children of the war's biggest proponent aren't risking their lives by serving in our military in Iraq.

Freepers love to recast the question as "Why aren't you serving our country?" This allows them to dodge the military aspect, point to their flag lapel pin, cite something completely risk-free like teaching kindergarten or pushing paper for UNICEF and say, "Serving in the military isn't the only way to serve my country."

This sounds much better than, "I don't want to serve in the military and you can't make me!"

That said, I agree with you that Jenna is her own person, would make a lousy soldier and even if she were willing to serve in Iraq, her doing so would be completely impractical.

[MrScorpio]

45. What you have here is a standard Republican trust fund kid reply to such a question

They ALL think like this.

Worthless uses for human skin

[edbermac]

48. A chip off the old block-head.

:hide:

[MilesColtrane]

49. Well, I tip my hat to these "impractical" patriots.

President Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln, served in the Civil War.

President Ulysses S. Grant's son, Frederick Dent Grant, fought in civil war alongside his father. He went to West Point, graduated in 1871, was in the military until 1881. He fought in the Bannock War in 1878, and in the fight against Victorio in New Mexico. In 1898, he went back into the army, and served as colonel in the Spanish-American War. He fought in the Philippine-American war for three years, and was in the army until his death in 1912.

President Rutherford B. Hayes' son, Webb Hayes, served during the Spanish-American war, was wounded during the crossing of the San Juan River and the assault on San Juan Hill, and again in the invasion of Puerto Rico. He was awarded Medal of Honor for actions in the Philippines. He also served in WW1.

President Theodore Roosevelt's son, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr, served in WWI as a major. He led his battalion in combat. All the Roosevelt sons served in the military. Teddy Jr. served in WWII, led troops during D-Day landings, and died of heart attack one month after Utah Beach landing.
President Theodore Roosevelt's son, Kermit Roosevelt, served in WWI and WWII with the British Army and the US Army.
President Theodore Roosevelt's son, Archibald Roosevelt, served in WWI and was wounded and discharged with full disability. He tried to join the Army again for WWII, but was turned down due to his age (48) and disability. He pleaded with FDR to intervene, which he did. He was given a commission as a Lt. Colonel, and commanded the 162nd Infantry. He was wounded again, and earned the Silver Star during combat in the Pacific Theater. He is the only American ever to be classified as 100% disabled twice, and the only serviceman retired on full disability from both world wars.
President Theodore Roosevelt's son, Quentin Roosevelt, fought with the Army Air Service. He was shot down behind German lines in France. The Germans buried him with full battlefield honors.

President William H. Taft's son, Robert A. Taft, wanted to serve, but was rejected by army for poor eyesight.
President William H. Taft's son, Charles Phelps Taft II, dropped out of Yale in order to serve in the US Army during WWI.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's son, James Roosevelt, was 2nd in command of the 2nd Raider Battalion of the Marine Raiders during WWII. He retired as Brigadier General, and earned the Navy Cross and Silver Star.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's son, Elliott Roosevelt, was an Army photo reconnaissance pilot during WWII, and played a key role in D-Day landings.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's son, John Aspinwall Roosevelt, served in the Navy from 1941-1946 during WWII. He received the Bronze Star.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower's son, John Eisenhower, served in the Army during WWII and the Korean War. He attained rank of Brigadier General.

President Jimmy Carter's son, Jack Carter, enlisted in the Navy at his father's suggestion. He served in Vietnam on a salvage ship.

[Yavin4]

54. What on Earth Is Jenna Gonna Be Teaching Children in South America?

How to play quarters?

[WinkyDink]

56. If she's in UNICEF, she is NOT "representing the U.S." But WHATEVER~~~now EVERYBODY is

"serving", sure. Why, I served just today, by shopping at the mall.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

65. it's UNICEF's "party girls without borders" program.

[kskiska]

59. Lyndon Johnson's two sons-in-law served in Vietnam

and Lincoln's and FDR's sons saw active duty while their fathers were president. Was anyone endangered?