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What do you think of the deal to free Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl?

 

 

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President Obsma released 5 4 Star Generals from Gitmo to once more become active in killing Americas for the return of an apparent DESERTER.....3.When will Congress wake up and begin Impeachment Proceedings against Obama?

Submitted by Vincent E Mis... (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 1:51pm

Surely a responsible Commander - In - Chief has more brains than to arrange for the release of a deserter. And to give up 5 terrorist, is nuts. Extremely POOR management. Based on know, facts, I think as a vet ( 4yrs active + 21 yrs weekend warrior), this Commander -in -chief should be impeached for this behavior.
It does not surprise me as this GREAT President, NEVER served in the military one day. In a sense of the word, this president has committed TREASON, in this old man's opinion. At 74 I can say I am getting older.

The presidents action has nothing to do with politics. He has even managed to disgrace the PEOPLE of "ALL" colors.

I wonder how more things this super president is going to screw up before he leaves OUR White House.

So far, in my opinion, he is leaving behind a history no other president would have dared to do. If this is a sample of what the folks of the COLOR are going to do when in the highest seat, then this country is surely on a downward path, rapidly, in MY opinion.

Submitted by Ed McHale Jr. (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:25pm

I totally agree with you. It is alright to bring the soldier home, but not at the expense of freeing 5 muslim Generals. This President has got to go before he releases all of the Gitmo prisoners in our back yards. What the President has done is NOT uphold the Constitution he swore to uphold and protect the citizens of the country. I thought the Bengazi hearings would hang him, and thought nothing could be worse, but here he releases the 5 most hateful and mean men on the planet. The Pres. has got to go! and NOW>

Submitted by Legislative Chm. (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:24pm

In the first place Obama did this without going through Congress ( even if they are as bad as our President). His decision to pull such a bonehead swap by letting 5 of our worst enemies go free to kill again is going to come back and bite him right in the ass. What he did deserves impeachment. We are now going to spend billions of dollars more to go and catch these radicle idiots. Money we don't have because of him and his cronies in congress.

Submitted by Mike Mullen (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:53pm

If you are indeed a Legislative Chairman, you are a sorry excuse for one. As a matter of Legion policy, no effort should be spared to secure the release of our POWs. If you really are a Legislative Chairman, then kindly have the courage of convictions to identify yourself, rather than being a coward and making volatile and vitriolic statements under that guise of a title. Your comments bring discredit on that title.

The provision of the NDAA that hamstrung President Obama, that mandated Congress be informed 30 days in advance undermines Obama's Constitutional Authority and is what is unconstitional, which is why he did a signing statement. (Show me where you complained about all the signing statements GW Bush did to justify torture) The publicity that would surround such a deal, as a consequence of it being revealed as public congressional record, might have endangered Bergdahl's life, had Obama complied with that provision.

It is also a poor testament to your grasp of geography if you consider house arrest in Qatar "in our backyards." Name one high-risk detainee from GITMO who was released into the United States.

Also, your poutrage regarding the attack on the consulate in Benghazi is purely partisan if you weren't calling for Reagan's head after the 200+ fatalities at Khobar Barracks in Beirut or all the embassy/consulate attacks that happened during the GW Bush administration.

Comments like yours are reflecting the ossified, partisan and bigoted views that are driving away potential Gulf-War era veterans who will be needed to fill the ranks vacated by the dying members for earlier wars.

By the way, there is a difference between insurgents (Taliban) and terrorists (al-Qaeda). Words mean things and if you can't get that right, then I have to question your ability to discern sound policies and courses of actions, much less advocate for them.

Submitted by Laura R. Standley (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 1:25pm

Again we have someone who will defend Obama to the death. Obama signed the law that he broke. Also you drag Bush into this by saying he broke the law so it is OK for Obama to do the same. You don"t have a good argument, there is not one, for Obama breaking the law so you say Bush broke the law. That's like telling a Policeman that stops you for speeding that you were justified in doing so because people were passing you.

Regardless of you're party association it's was wrong for Bush to break laws and it is wrong for Obama to break laws.

Submitted by Fritz (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 3:10pm

What this is is a political fight between Congress and the President. It is not the first time and not the last. Yes there was law, all wrapped up in big defense authorization bill. He signed it and said he objected to it. Reagan would have line item vetoed it out if he had the power. What Congress was trying to do was limit a Constitutional Power the President has under Article II. It will never go to court because the President would win. Now politically, he was wrong and should have notified the ranking members of the Intel Comm. But he did not need their permission. And he should have skipped the Rose Garden thing, but I am told this kids parents were in town. Still a mistake. But the Army needs to figure this out, not the tv reporters, not his platoon members, not a bunch of politicans. The Army. And for those calling for his execution, puleeeezzzzzz, take a friggin pill. We are not the Taliban or Stalin. We have a perfectly good system of our own. I suggest we start with innocent until proven guilty and go from there. Evidence that is given in the media is worthless.

Submitted by Spectcv (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 2:17am

Why is everyone so afraid of these Gitmo detainee's. Do they possess supernatural powers, do they have Krypton. I thought we were the greatest most powerful Nation on earth. Do we doubt our Military's ability to deal with them. Fox News and right wing media have conditioned a lot of our citizens to fear every thing, from our President to our government, Muslims, labor unions, liberals, Democrats, gays and the list goes on. We are Americans for God sake we should not let these people make us fear and hate every issue this Country faces, for their ratings. We can not be Patriots, that love our Country, but despise half of the people in it. I fear that will harm our Nation more.

Submitted by Bob S. (not verified) : Jun 9, 2014 9:52am

Known facts? Is that right? What do you know? Army, 24 + years 18 active

Submitted by Bill Randolph (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:00pm

First intelligent statement yet! All the others are inspired by sensationalists. Can any one of them site the provision or provisions of the Constitution the president violated. Just to state he violated the Constitution doesn't hack it. Before anyone passes judgement on anyone, don't you think the facts should be established first?

Submitted by Martin Gardner (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 3:20pm

Those years that you claim to to serve our country and the Constitution didn't the part about innocent until proven guilty mean a damn thing to you? Do you feel we as a country should just say the hell with any POW's or just those President Obama helps to get free?

Submitted by Thomas Gruver (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 7:51am

I hear you. I thought I was on an American Legion site?

Submitted by Spectcv (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 1:59am

Why must you question with color? They are no less than white people in Gods eyes.

Submitted by Doiel (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 4:42pm

I can't believe anyone would, in 21st century America, be clingng to the same Jim Crow sentiments you have but there it is:

"If this is a sample of what the folks of the COLOR are going to do when in the highest seat, then this country is surely on a downward path, rapidly, in MY opinion."

Submitted by Laura R. Standley (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 2:40pm

It appear if someone needed to go in and save this soldier, there are 8% of us in this poll to pick a team from. I will never question the method of bringing a solider home. These so called 4 star generals we traded for were more like the Gestapo. They make good war on women and children, but as soon as professional soldiers showed up, they surrendered or were captured. Don't know of any our 4 star Generals that stupid and very few of our troops were captured. We let these guys live at Gitmo. The next time we see them, we will kill them. Our Generals are better and our troops are better. If anyone was worried about the safety of our troops, they should have been speaking up in 2002. BTW; I have a son deployed. He can take care of himself. If for some reason he were captured, which is unlikely, I would hope the American President would get him released if he had an opportunity. We do not leave our justice to the Taliban, we handle it here and we cannot handle it, then we have no business in this conflict or any other. Its time for Americans to buck up and follow the rule of law we say we are so proud.

Submitted by Spec.tcv (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 1:46am

Everytime you say color, my skin crawls.

Submitted by Spectcv (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 2:25am

never happen because it would not look good for his race...............Our first black president ending up this way............

Submitted by g perreault (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:27pm

Remember...his race is black AND white. How soon we all forget.

Submitted by Marcia White (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:25pm

So being partially white makes it all OK? By the way - which part isn't white - the part that said Trevon could be his son? That part?

Submitted by Zando (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 3:48pm

Mr. Obama is not a stupid person though he may appear to be to some. I am not surprised at what he has done. He has his agenda to bring the people of this country to our knees by any means he can get away with. He has seriously violated his constitutional authority numerous times and yet our congress does nothing to stop him because he is a black man. That fact in itself is reverse racism. He should be impeached and removed from office in spite of then having Joe Biden as president.

Submitted by Herbert Barrett (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:10pm

That is something to thunk about. Biden could probably be easily removed, i.e. impeached, or found incompetent, but the next in line if I remember correctly would be the House Speaker.
Where would we go from there?

Submitted by J. Shaffer (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:34pm

Well, it is important to leave no man behind... period. We should always try to get our soldiers back no matter what their status prior to becoming missing. That said, once we get them back and they are healthy then the UCMJ should have something to say about whether or not he deserves to be either honored or punished according to his actions. Now ask me if I thought it was a wise move to have Bergdahl's parents at the Rose Garden announcement of Bergdahl's recovery. That was a terrible move. We don't have enough information to determine whether or not his parents should have been invited and honored by attending the Rose Garden ceremony. Their invitation was way too premature and just plain STUPID. That said, I'm still glad President Obama is Commander-in-Chief. He is a lot better than the clown that did such a horrible job prosecuting the Iraq / Afghanistan Wars. Subtract that foolhardy Bush/Cheney war in Iraq and we might have had a fighting chance to have won in Afghanistan - or the REAL war on terror.

Submitted by Timothy Beauchamp (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:56pm

Well said. Our relations with our allies have been restored following the stupidity of the Neo-conservative leadership of the last administration. Let Bowe have his day in court, then pass judgement. Those Taliban would have to have been let go with our pull out from Afganistan. Those terrorist were captured on a battlefield in their own country, seem to be more like POWs. Leave no man behind.

Submitted by Don Gillis (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:20pm

Foreign relations restored? You have to be kidding.

Submitted by Fritz W (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 3:23pm

Tim are you really prior military? The reason I ask this is that I question the veracity of your statements that you issued on Sgt. Berdahls release. I am a Vietnam Veteran and believe that Bergdahl is a deserter, thus he should have been left with the Taliban. As for your insipid comment calling Bush a clown and that this Marxist community organizer in our White House is a better Commander in Chief, I question your common sense. I denounce our involvement with boots on the ground in both wars. The middle east and especially Afghanistan is a total loss and an exercise in futility. We have wasted precious American lives and spent trillions of dollars on two third world countries that do not give a damn about our version of Democracy. And Tim we kill terrorist s.o.b.'s like the Taliban leaders that your idiot in the White House just released from the air with Predator drones or from 50,000 feet with Buffs as we did in Nam.

Submitted by darrell reeves (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:56pm

Darrell, are you really a Vietnam Vet? Did you fight for the U.S.? I ask, because I am surprised that you are so unaware of the constitutional rights that we as U.S. citizens enjoy and the commitment Soldiers make to one another when they serve. I would think if you were a Veteran that pledged to defend the constitution that you insist that Sgt. Bergdahl be given all of the benefits of his rights as a U.S. Citizen, and I would think that as a former service member you would remain committed to leaving no Soldier behind. Further, I would assume that you knew a more about political ideologies then you apparently do, especially if you are going to label our President in such a way.
I am an OEF Veteran and as a Company First Sergeant, it has always been important to me to insist that the very judgments and prejudice that I have seen on this post be done away with, as they have no place in today’s Army. We defend the constitution. We do not kill our prisoners or detainees. We follow the laws of war. SGT Bergdahl has never been charged with desertion or being AWOL. To my knowledge, there wasn’t even a 15-6 investigation regarding his disappearance. His Command has promoted him twice. His record wasn’t so much as even “flagged” by his Command. He has been listed as Prisoner of War. Until charges are preferred and he receives due process, we as Veterans should be insisting that he be treated with the same respect as any other Soldier. Our Constitution and the Army Values require it.

Submitted by Bill Randolph (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:59pm

Well said! Thank you.

Submitted by Thomas Gruver (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 7:55am

Agree with almost all your comments. History trumps the ignorant rants of the uninformed. Our country has always exchanged prisoners since the American Revolution . . . and every war since. We also exchange spies for prisoners since our founding: Their spy's & ours that other nations have captured. We paid tribute to the Barbary Pirates. Too bad our Commander-In-Chief, President Obama, did not exchange ALL the Gitmo prisoners and close that ill conceived chapter that reflects so poorly on America. Torture as a national policy by Bush and his Administration will continue to haunt us for decades. So proud to have President Obama as our CINC and 'decision maker' who can also string words together and explain his policies coherently. Such a refreshing leader compared to the Bush/Chaney policy of deficits don't matter . . . two unfunded wars, no WMD, and non-taxation of the wealthy, torture policy, and non-support for the VA and military among their many bad policies. Too bad Obama can't run for a 3rd term. And I should add that Obama Care should have been called Romney Care . . . . that was another failure of the Bush Administration's in the health care arena. End of rant.

Submitted by Ron Miller (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 10:40pm

Right on , Vincent! Impeach that Anti-American pigeon, as Putin correctly called him!

Submitted by Sgt Griffin (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:32pm

5 4 Star Generals? Is that right? Do you think you have all of the info on the status of those Detainees? "Apparent Deserter"? Have you heard a word from the Soldier himself? Have there been any charges made? Was there even a 15-6 investigation? Was there even a flag put on his record? Have you considered that he walked off a PFC, was promoted to SPC, then SGT and now is expected to be promoted to SSG this month? Are you thinking that prisoner exchanges are new? Would you have REALLY left one of ours there? How is that consistent with our values as military members or our the defense of our constitution?

Submitted by Bill Randolph (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:59pm

Bill if he was under your command and left his post during war time he would be a deserter.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 7:19pm

Desertion is a legal charge. First, such a charge is not mine to make and I would assume noone else who has posted is in the position to charge the Soldier. Second, this Soldier does have a chain of commannd that has not made any such charges during the last 5 years. How can any of us assume to have more facts and understanding of the sitution then his own Chain of Command. In the same way, it is clear the hateful comments regarding Pres Obama are nothing more than vitriol filled rant with no basis of fact or evidence.

Submitted by Bill Randolph (not verified) : Jun 7, 2014 9:26pm

The reality is that they were old when captured, have spent more than a decade in confinement, and it is very, very doubtful that will ever have an active role in their respective organizations. That's not just my opinion, it is the opinion of several middle-east experts from various respected and authoritative organizations.

Submitted by Noah S. : Jun 5, 2014 9:03pm

It amazes me at how quickly we forget that George Bush released nearly 550 Gitmo prisoners and some of them ended up shooting at our troops once again after their release! One of them was even involved in the Benghazi incident.
At least Pres. Obama got something in return for his prisoner release.

Submitted by David Miller (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 11:36pm

I agree. These guys have been brainwashed by Faux News.

Submitted by Pasquale Gazillo (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 3:41pm

The political reality is that Obama will not be impeached and. removed from office. The Senate Democrats will protect him.

Submitted by Royce Milleer (not verified) : Jun 7, 2014 2:01pm

Don't sound so sad. That is kind of how our Constitution works. I kind of like its protections, for the President and for me.

Submitted by Spectcv (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 2:41am

This is another example of our country's leadership's inability to see the whole picture. Releasing those 5 terrorists is the worse possible thing that he could do for the safety of our people and country. Trading these people for a deserter is stupid and confirms our beliefs that he is truly a muslim and not an American citizen.
We have not seen the end of this action and I only pray and hope that I sam wrong. Our country is truly at risk of a major terrorist attack in the very near future.

Submitted by DBW (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 1:57pm

Every American that believes in Freedom and our constitution should be screaming for impeachment of this President.

Submitted by charles Beard (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 1:57pm

This has nothing to do with the ethnicity of the President nor his presumed stupidity, but rather with his belief that he, and only he, can determine what is good for our country and citizens. Megalomania? Mental illness should disqualify him from further decision making.

Submitted by Fred G. (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:38pm

I am a Vietnam Veteran and am almost 70 years old. I am extreamly agistated at the president acting like Sgt Berdahl like some kind of hero when he is a deserter who abandoned his post in time of battle and should be treated as such and Court Martialed to the fullest extent possible in a Military Court of Law and sent to Fort Levenwoth Kansas. I believe this is a Police Action and not a war otherwise Sgt Bergdahl could be facing the Death Penalty. He is no hero and should not be treated as such or be afforted any back pay or allowances due him for his time away from his unit as a supposed POW or otherwise.

Submitted by Forrest Luthy (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:42pm

Also a viet nam vet and I would like to hear the whole story before snap judging someone with only stories from the media. If he is in fact a deserter than appropriate punishment should be handed out. You're a viet nam vet and you trust our media?

Submitted by Tom Morris (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:30pm

Well said, Tom.

Submitted by Noah S. : Jun 5, 2014 9:04pm

I concur

Submitted by Pasquale Gazillo (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 3:43pm

I agree wholeheartedly. Just how many times are we going to allow this president to disgrace the constitution.

Submitted by Tom McDaniel (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:27pm

Obama is either the dumbest or most corrupt President this country has ever seen. It is obvious to anyone with a brain that this was done for political purposes, except it backfired on Obama. He didn't even bother to get the opinion of his own party leaders before letting the most dangerous war criminals out of GITMO. The spectacle on the steps of the White House trying to make a hero out of a deserter was appalling. I am ashamed to refer to Obama as our President.

Submitted by Brandt Peterson (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:05pm

I don't believe Obama is dumb or corrupt. He is a very intelligent man but doesn't have knowledge of the working government nor military. He is a controller and does what he wants and feels that is "good". Too bad, if we impeach look what we get! I agree his decisions are frightening and a seriously damaging to the country and the people he supposedly serves.

Submitted by jab (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:29pm

correct on all counts.

Submitted by joe63 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:02pm

There are so many dispicable performances on this whole fiasco of trading a deserter for 5 of the worst terrorists that boggles an intelligent mind. I can only imagine all the forefathers that are rolling in their graves in anguish for all the blood that was sheed to be all undone by such a dastardaly act that Ovomit just did behind the backs of the people & Congress!!!

Submitted by Del (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:11pm

The prisoners involved in this swap were ALL prisoners of war - not terrorists. Check the records. Prisoners of war - 6 of them. We swapped 5 Guantanamo prisoners who were going to be released next year anyway for one of our own who (it has been reported) was very ill.

During my 30 years of service, I always believed that we get our people back first and then decide how to proceed. If Bergdahl was considered a deserter, why did the Army promote him TWICE while he was a Taliban captive?????

Submitted by Ed Twardy (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:14pm

I agree with you. I don't mind a bit trading 5 of them for 1 of ours.
As to Sgt. Bergdahl being a deserter the evidence isn't in on that. I don't think it's a very good idea to find someone guilty in the press and on twitter before we get one of ours back. And what if the Taliban had put Bergdahl to death? What would everyone be saying then? I'm a vietnam combat vet, and I wouldn't want to be left behind just because a couple of jerks were bitching about who I was. So let's wait and see what happens and what Sgt. Bergdahl has to say. It seems he's pretty damaged by what happened to him at the hands of the enemy.

Submitted by D Evans (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:48pm

Not everyone is as bravado under combat stress and maybe captivity as some I hear. One of his platoon mates said he would kick and spit at the Taliban, yea sure and that would be the last thing you did before they sliced your head off. My uncle was a Jap POW. He survived using his brains and savy. He did not say much about his time in captivity except that terror was in his heart every second.

Submitted by Spectcv (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 2:55am

Ed...to the best of my knowledge, he was promoted without PLDC or a board. He was also promoted while in captivity. In short, he should not have been promoted to a rank of an NCO. So I think it is a very good question as to what is broken with the system. And on another note, any NCO...especially a Buck Sgt. in an infantry unit, should have the support of his peers. That is clearly not the case here. Was that your experience over the course of your 30 years? No disrespect intended. Just my two cents. You can find me on Facebook.

Submitted by Greg Hardy (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:33pm

I believe Bergdahl may be a traitor or deserter but he is due his day in court. That is what America is about. If he is a traitor -- firing squad should be the means of execution, if a deserter he deserves the highest penalty available to the courts. Now as for the Pres -- he needs to be investigated and impeached. How much more damage can he do to this country?

Submitted by Joyce (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:19pm

Joyce; we had 50000 GI go AWOL in WWII. Our last execution was in 1945. I kinda think we should slow down on the hanging and execution talk. He has been gone for 5 years and was not charged with desertion. His commander said he was a good soldier. I have a son deployed. And if something went bad over there I want to know what it was. I also want to know why their was a possible failure of leadership. In other words there are a lot of questions that need answers. And a courts martial is the only place a verdict and sentence can be made based on the facts of the case under oath. Not a bunch of slimmy TV shows and social media boards.

Submitted by Spectcv (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 3:04am

There is just not enough information to know. A swap of Pow's was worth it to return our soldier regardless of his status. However terrorists never. More detailed information may find better reasons than on the surface. I hope so.

Submitted by Gary Craig (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:22pm

Who doesn't have enough information? The people on this forum? This is an issue that has been up for discussion for a long, long time. The people that made the decision are the people who would be expected to have the best information available. We do know that in 12 years, the U.S. and it's allies have failed to come up with charge the 5 with any crimes. They were detainees, not criminals - not terrorist. Bergdahl's chain of command have considered him a POW. Until the facts change, that is his status. Everything else is speculation and personal bias / prejudice. Why did any of us pledge to defend the constitution if we are to make such judgements without any due process?

Submitted by Bill Randolph (not verified) : Jun 7, 2014 9:39pm

Guys, don't waste your breath. If you think they could, would or had the stones to even attempt to impeach Obama, you are insane. Use your brain and think about the repercussions that would cause. He is untouchable. Thank God he is lame duck. He has surpassed Carter as a BAD President. As far as Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, let him be judged by his peers. If men who served beside him say he is a turn coat, take them seriously. As a Vietnam Veteran we don't just make accusations about each other. If his Brothers in Battle say he is a traitor, take them seriously. If he is, let him take the place of the five they traded for him at GITMO.

Submitted by James Bowden (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:27pm

I agree, let the Congress make the determination on Obama. Let the military make the determination on Bergdahl. As a veteran, spouse of a Viet Nam vet and spouse of vet killed in Nam I have no use of a traitor or deserter. We have all fought for this country and that means we fought for our justice system. Pray it worked quickly.

Submitted by JAB (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:35pm

I agree, let the Congress make the determination on Obama. Let the military make the determination on Bergdahl. As a veteran, widow of a vet killed in Nam and spouse of a Viet Nam vet, I have no use for a traitor or deserter. We have all fought for this country and that means we fought for our justice system. Pray it works quickly.

Submitted by jabaz (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:07pm

Somewhere along the line he deserted his post.Why we don`t realy know but he did desert and need to be prosecuted for it.He`s NOT A HERO! As for Obumer the majority voters have gotten what they wanted twice over so they have to live with that.

Submitted by John Jones (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:06pm

I do not believe we as a country should negotaiate with the enemy . All this dose is open us up to more people being captured for ransom.

Submitted by Jim Bassett (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:27pm

Bowe was a "Deserter"- left his post for the 3;rd time as a Pfc, was promoted to Sgt. His family will get to see him again. BUT- the families of the "Six Brave Troops" that were killed while searching for "A Deserter" will NEVER see those "Six Brave Troopps Again" !
Obama should now "Make a Deal" to "Trade OVER 20 Million Illegal Imigrants" now in the USA for the Marine held }Captive" in Mexico. For Sure !

Submitted by Gareth Ropdman (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:33pm

there is no way i would have made that trade, he chose to be a deserter, and that's exactly where i would have left him. there were days when as a deserter he would have been shot!! still not a bad idea!!

Submitted by gene l hofbauer (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:37pm

How many laws must this want to be EMPEROR break before action will be
taken?

Submitted by charles kyker (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:42pm

Emperor? Asshole. maybe. Still not a patch on Bush and Cheney, who got this country into the mess that allows such trades with their outright lies re weapons of mass destruction being located in Iraq, thereby starting an unfunded war, the consequences of which we still live with today and for a long time to come, including this ill advised action recently taken by our current Commander in Chief. Obama certainly leaves a bit to be desired, but puppet Bush and his handler Cheney leave a couple ton more. This country needs some real old fashioned, unencumbered leadership, something we have not had since the Harry Truman days, and will not have again unless we voters are presented with a real, old fashioned, unencumbered choice and then have the good sense to vote for him/her. Anyone see that happening? Neither do I.

Submitted by fre2go (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:36pm

Get off the Bush bashing.

Submitted by Fritz W (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 3:34pm

This was all set up in advance. Bergdahl's whole family is muslim and all are traitor along w/Ovomit! Proof- His father praised Allah in a muslim language and the president smiled and gave him a hug. Bowe speaks in a muslim language. Evidence points to the fact that he walked away from his unit and into the arms of the enemy.

Submitted by Patriot 1 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:44pm

Did you notice who Obama was snuggled up close with while her husband followed.

Submitted by Fritz W (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 3:36pm

We only have three more years of this Presdent, and when he leaves, thank god hes gone, bit the damage he done, will take years to correct.

Submitted by george sedun (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:51pm

LET'S TRAID OBAMA FOR THE FIVE BACK AND WE WILL EVEN THOUGH IN POLISA OR WHAT EVER HER NAME IS.

Submitted by DANIEL ROBERTS (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:55pm

Bad deal for US great deal for Taliban. Why out of all the good soldiers that have been taken prisoner in this war does the SALLY get out alive it doesn't seem fair.

Submitted by 12-BRAVO (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 2:58pm

It appears to me that most of the comments made here are more against President Obama than Sgt. Bergdahl. One comment was also racist, which
was disgusting.
Judging someone without the facts, and we don't have the facts, just opinions, shows me that the "traitor" word is being used to sway public opinion. Even the guys in his squad and platoon don't seem to know for sure what happened. I'll give the guy a chance to tell his side of the story, and then we can weigh the "evidence", and not merely judge the guy based on opinion and emotion. I'm an infantry vet from the Nam, and we all knew that you could be abducted if just by accident, and taken prisoner. So, we need to ignore the CNN over blow and let them blow over. Wait for the evidence, and be cool.

Submitted by D Evans (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:01pm

Apparently you are deaf and unable to read according to your comments. For myself and my experience has been that the individuals serving with a person have a very good idea of the character and worth of that individual - more so than any of our great politicians. The only thing that I can see that may come out of this situation would be that he is back where he can be tried and if convicted, serve the penalty for his actions.

Submitted by Thomas C. (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:47pm

Right on D Evans. I am a vet, let the journey take it's course.

Submitted by Fitz W (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 3:38pm

Bad move. Even if he were a legitimate POW. Those of us that serve or have served know the risks. His brothers died looking for him. The Talaban has more ammo than they ever did. America looks weak and ridiculous. And our Commander in Chief has only proven to everyone again that not only does he not understand the nature of the military and what it is to serve, but that he is completely and untterly incompetent...oh yeah...period.

Submitted by Greg Hardy (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:24pm

His comrades needed to get him back for their own safety so he could not compromise them,You don't say deserter unless you see it and was seen by more than one. Was he worth the other lives lost I'm sure the family of those brave men don't think so and we should not either if he was a deserter. He sure looked better than those held in Hanoi Hotel and other POW's held in other countries .If the ones that were with him cam testify what is said is true he should be charged and pay the price.Obama again overstepped his power and needs to held accountable for his action

Submitted by Laverne Wertz K... (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:17pm

What's ticking me off is how fast some are condemning the guy, before he's even been interrogated and the facts released to the public. The American way is innocent before proven guilty. I think those smearing the guy need to put a lid on it until they know more than just rumors.

Submitted by Lynda Narug (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:28pm

At this time I think it is wrong to make judgement in the case. When he is debriefed and returns to the U. S. he should undergo investigation fully and in public so that all the information is available and from which some action (or none) can be taken. At that time he should be judged and treated as that judgement dictates.
That does not mean I take the comments of his platoon mates lightly, only that I prefer to hear them under oath and hear his response.

Submitted by Raymond Karnes (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:38pm

Making deals with terrorists and hostage takers is bad business. In this case, the door is now open for our enemies to kidnap more of our people in order to obtain the release of their people. A very dangerous precidence has been set.

Submitted by Michael Bishop (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:47pm

This isn't negitiating with terrorist. This was a prisoner swap. Do you remember the images U.S. heads being chopped off on video? If there is a hard and fast rule that Prisoner Swaps are absolutely forbidden, what is the motivation for treating U.S. prisoners in a humane way?

Submitted by Bill Randolph (not verified) : Jun 7, 2014 9:54pm

As I recall when in the Marines, the only reason to go after a deserter was to get him before the enemy did, not necessarily 'save him'. That's why nobody in our unit deserted, they knew we would come get them all right. The point: Is or Is Not he a deserter? Did or Did Not his unit know? What could they do about it within their unit?

Submitted by Wayne Ward (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:49pm

The only way this could have been a positive move is if Our Government had surgically planted tracking devices in the prisoners so that we could track them down and destroy every one of them, and send a new message don't F#*% with the USA. Hope you all who voted for Oboma Are happy!!!

Submitted by Saw Gunner Jim T. (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:51pm

I voted twice for him and would the third time over what the republican party keeps offering. Bush, McSame, Romney, yes even Reagan.

Submitted by Thomas Gruver (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 8:05am

Idiot.

Submitted by Pudentame (not verified) : Nov 17, 2015 6:25pm

There should be no question of the cost for the freeing of American POWs and the accounting for American MIAs. It should be 100% WE WILL GET THEM BACK! This one may have been a deserter. Whats next? This one was in the National Guard (part time soldier). We won't give a 100% getting him back. This one was only a private. We won't give 100% getting him back. This one was Republican. We won't give 100% getting him back. Maybe we should give back those Pilots who denounced the American war effort during Viet Nam? Bottom line. Anyone who has ever served in uniform for this country and is willing to accept less than 100% retrieval of American POWs and MIAs should not only be ashamed of themselves but afraid to serve in uniform because you may be the next POW or MIA.

Submitted by Martin McMahon (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:56pm

Well stated Martin. To Michael Bishop and others wailing that "the door is now open for our enemies to kidnap more of our people..." I suggest our enimies had the same intentions before this prisoner exchange took place and it would be naive to think otherwise. Further, I doubt this case will cause the best soldiers in the world will be any more vulnerable to kidnapping than previously. To those who seem to already know all the facts, are misstating the facts, and making up the facts,I remind them it is because we live in a country protected from people like of that ilk that they have the right to do so. I spent thirty years in courtrooms trying cases where jurors decided the facts after taking an oath to leave their predjudices behind or ask to be excused from decision making,an oath to keep an open mind, and to listen to ALL the evidence before prejudging the case.
We need not be in a courtroom to follow such an approach.
So

Submitted by Russell Spence (not verified) : Jun 7, 2014 6:24pm

they should have gone to get him and their first act should have been to arrest him.

Submitted by joe63 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 3:59pm

First,everyone needs to to know the truth behind how he managed to get captured.I myself have heard (heard Mind you)that he left a note.Why was that not given to the top Brass before all this took place.And if it is true he should be tried for desertion.and if he gave information to the Enemy,That caused some of his fellow soldiers to get killed,then he should be tried and put before A firing squad.Also being the Commandering Chief of the United States of America,Obama should have known that you do not barter with the Enemy,and he had NO right to hand over Known Enemies from GITMO without prior approval by Congress.President Obama over overstepped his authority to do so.There seems to be something to this also?????

Submitted by Manchu4/9 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:03pm

This is, among many, an impeachable offense. I see I am not alone recognizing this fact. One of Mr. Obama's first impeachable offense was "giving aid and comfort to the enemy" upon disclosure of the operation plan of the Special Operations Team that executed Osama Bin Laden... He should have been tried for treason and sentence to death OR life in prison..... This was a treasonous act when I served.... I wonder why Mr. Obama was not tried and convicted????

Submitted by John Dolan (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:06pm

There is not only the possibility that Bergdahl deserted, there is, according to some of his team members, he was actually a defector who gave aid and comfort to the enemy along the lines of Marine PFC Robert Garwood in Viet Nam. According to some of his fellow soldiers, enemy attacks on allied convoys improved around the time of Bergdahl's defection with IEDs exploding after the road clearing equipment had passed the location of the explosive. If this is true, then Bergdahl should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Submitted by Martin Wade (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:07pm

i dont care if this kid is guilty, we dont leave anybody behind, period...if he is guilty, then army cid and army jag will find out and he will spend the rest of his life in leavenworth on american soil

Submitted by scott helmus (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:28pm

I am a twice wounded Viet Nam veteran and believe we should not have traded 5 top level officials for one deserter. Now that we have he should face the military courts, be stripped of all veteran benefits. Let's face it i"if it walks like a duck,looks like a duck, it probably is a duck" as far as the issue of leaving his post in combat. Susan Rice should be ashamed she said he served his country honorable y and with distinction.

Submitted by Richard Thode (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:33pm

It's like trading 5 nukes for a .22 derringer. Glad we brought him home but now lets hear the truth, if thats possible from our poloticians.

Submitted by Alford Pouse (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:34pm

It's my feeling that if he has been in the enemies hands for 5 years, the President did the right thing by trading 5 prisoners for 1 American solider. I also feel like the military is a little late in starting an investigaton as to all the details surrounding his disapperance. I also am of the opinion that no matter what this president does someone will try and find something wrong with it.

Submitted by MM (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:34pm

I am dismayed that so many Veterans (this group) would rant against bringing ANY captured serviceman home. It's what we do. If he turns out to be a deserter then Court Martial him and punish him. If he did not desert give him a nation's thanks and let him resume his life. He is innocent until proven guilty - that is what we all fought to preserve. It's the American Way.

Plus, everyone is referring to the thugs we swapped for Bergdahl as Terrorists. Nope. They are not Al-Quita they are Taliban. The Taliban are not nice people but they are NOT classed as a Terrorist group, they are fighters defending their home country from a foreign force. We have classed as combatants, not terrorists. They are listed as and being held prisoner as enemy combatants. Under International Law we would be releasing them within a year as hostilities cease there as currently planned. We got one of our own back for guys we were obligated to release soon anyhow.

Stop listening to misguided (and mostly non-veteran) conservative talking heads, guys. Think like a military guy and be glad we got one of our own back. If he is a bad apple we can fix that in the military justice system, but we should always get our own back. Always.

Submitted by Bob Pustell (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:42pm

Thank you Bob for the single rational response. The remainder makes me ashamed of my citizenship and service.

Submitted by Navy Diver (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 4:15am

It is impossible to know what is in the mind of every man/woman in a combat zone. The longer they are in that type of conditions more time the brain churns with stress; some can handle the stressful conditions, some cannot. If he is in fact a deserter and doesn't live up to his obligations within the military he should be convicted and sentenced let the courts decide. If he is a traitor then the pres made a horrible deal!

Submitted by Edwin Cox (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 4:55pm

The release of Sgt Bergdahl is a very good thing. We as a nation need to never forget out service members who are being held by an enemy. Any other discussion needs to wait.

Submitted by Charles Pierce (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:07pm

Freeing a deserter is despicable, and then trading despicable terrorists (who hates americans and wants all of us americans dead) for this dishonorable, disloyal supposedly american (who sure didn't look like any pow i have seen)supposedly held in captive for 5 years. Now thanks to our despicable leadership in Washington D.C. there are 5 American enemies that get to kill more Americans and put every soldier in more harms way so they can make more deals and free more who hate us. President Obama over overstepped his authority as he has continously throughout his presidency and congress has closed their eyes or fell asleep at the helm. Mr. Obama is doing his best to weaken this great nation and this was one more step in accomplishing his goal, and the taxpayers who have no say get to fund this horrible campaign. Looking at the top 10 traitors in US history, it defines:Black’s Law Dictionary defines “treason” as ”attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which one owes ALLEGIANCE, either by making war against the state or by materially supporting its enemies”. Treason definitely.

Submitted by Stan Adams (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:19pm

Many of you have forgotten, but this same thing happened back in the 80's, but under different circumstances. Israel was ordered to release some of their Muslim captives, but refused to do so to any that had blood on their hands. Our Then President Carter insisted that all be released. One in particular thanked us by piloting a commercial passenger plane into the "WORLD TRADE CENTER!" in 2011

Submitted by R Carlson (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:21pm

The fact that the members of the President's staff with the authorization of the President made a deal to return suspected terrorist for anyone, whether it be a soldier or civilian is unconscionable. If you do it for one you will have to do for others. We might just as well open the gates to Guantanamo Bay Detention Center.

Submitted by A. MacPherson (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:29pm

The Commander -in- Chief should resign. If he does not, impeach him for giving aid and comfort to the enemy, by releasing the 5 enemy commanders.

Submitted by John N (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:37pm

Berghdahl is a traitor. He should be convicted of treason.

Submitted by Carrol G (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:44pm

There are three branches of government. The president is doing what he is doing because congress wants him to do it.

Submitted by hilohi53 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 5:58pm

Bergdahl was not a POW and we should not negotiate with terrorist.

Submitted by Ron Mansour (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:17pm

Army VET... This story reminds me of a Rosanne episode about her missing son. Her response: "I hope nothing has happened because I want to get him home and beat the crap out of him!" Reducing our Guantanamo Bay prisoner population is a good thing. It had to happen some time. We had no business imprisoning them in a foreign country in the first place. If you believe these high level prisoners are free to conduct whatever mischief they want, you don't know the National Security Agency. They are worth more roaming Qatar for the next year and beyond than they were rotting in a cell in Cuba. At some point, all the prisoners will have to be released... or shot! The released American had damn good reason to question why he was putting his life on the line every day. Why start a war when simply blowing the crap out of their training bases is cheaper? Why are we defending the right of tribal fools to stone their daughters to death for marrying the wrong man? How does a military fight an enemy who does not wear a uniform or represent a country and changes sides depending upon the time of day?

Submitted by Bradford Randolph (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:44pm

I want to know if he was actually a POW and not a collaborator. I think a lot more attention should be given to a two tour veteran of Afghanistan who is rotting in a cesspool of a prison in Mexico. He has served this country honorably and defended us from people like our head man released.

Submitted by Joe Hooper (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 6:47pm

After reading the majority of these comments I am embarrassed to be a vet let alone an American. Sounds like a bunch of racists responding. He is the best President since Clinton.

Submitted by Tom Trambley (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 7:00pm

If he were my son/nephew/brother/cousin/father I would want him back and I wouldn't care who or what we gave up for him. Having said that, the US Army has a couple of centuries of experience in dealing with deserters. I am sure he will eventually get what is coming to him.

Submitted by John Penman (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 7:20pm

Bad move to negotiate with terrorists, as it encourages them to TAKE hostages. And it is questionable as to his being a POW, and more likely at DESERTER!

This is complicated, but this CIC has shown that he does not have our nation's best interest at heart, and he certainly does not have the ability/qualifications to deal with this situation. He, as OTHER COUNTRIES's politicians, media, etc. have said, is the WORST PRESIDENT in the history of this nation.

Submitted by P. Johnson (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 7:52pm

Tom Trambley... You Proberly not A vet Making a statement of that sort.You sound like a Wanabe..And as far as Racist is concerned you are...Vietnam Vet.

Submitted by nManchu4/9 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 7:55pm

I spent 20years in the Army 2 tours in Nam, and I can't figure out why people cant see what is going on, Obama is a Muslim Socialist and wants to pull this nation down and him being in charge and he is headed that way and no one is stopping him Talking here will not get it done, and all you Vets know what I mean so get ready

Submitted by Alfred Martin (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 7:57pm

this country has a long history of negotiating with terrorists. from our founding fathers, to more recently Nixon, Reagan, Clinton. when I served I was taught we all come home. we can sort the rest out later.

Submitted by eddie taylor (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 8:02pm

Alfred....You are absolutely right.Keep your powder dry A Round in Your Chamber.I believe the next BIG ONE will be on our on Doorsteps.BUILD your bunker in the back yard

Submitted by Manchu4/9 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 8:24pm

If the five have tracking devices planted into their bodies, to track down Talaban locations, then it was a great move.

Submitted by ROGER AMADORI (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 8:41pm

If the five have tracking devices planted in their bodies to track down Talaban locations, it was a good move.

Submitted by ROGER AMADORI (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 8:44pm

Just the facts. I need to know the facts, not opinions or what members of Congress think before anything happens to Bowe Bergdahl. An investigation needs to be done, perhaps returning to the previously made determination and see if there is anything more to add. Bergdahl deserves to a fair hearing and not in the court of public opinion. He is after all an American citizen; perhaps not a really good one right now but he rates due process.

Submitted by John Hodson (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 9:07pm

you cannot change the deal so why all the chatter. quit living in the past else you will never have a future. I remember 250 marines plus or minus were killed in Syria or somewhere over there by a truck loaded with explosives. for that, I never heard a call for President Reagan's head on a platter. again, get over it, IT IS OVER!

Submitted by LEE DOWNS (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 10:29pm

Didja notice how quiet it has gotten on the VA mess since this swap was made? I would be a lot more impressed if some of these VA types were prosecuted. Instead they talk of how hard it is to fire a federal employee. Another thing I dislike, some politicians who badmouth veterans in general for instance, one called his teammates
"probable psychopaths"...............UGH..and while I am at it, does it seem like one party does all this veteran badmouthing? (of course, not around memorial day or veterans day"

Submitted by Navy 1946 (not verified) : Jun 5, 2014 11:18pm

I am thoroughly amazed at the comments I have been reading. This has nothing to do with Bush or Carter or Reagan. This has to do with a President who broke the law. In fact a law that he signed. He did not notify Congress of his intentions. Period. But why should we be surprised? He has broken the law repeatedly with Obama Care, Fast and Furious, immigration and the VA. He did tell us what he was going to do in 2007. He said he would FUNDAMENTALY CHANGE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. And the American people voted for him! And not only once, but twice!! And even now, some of those same people are sticking up for this guy. Shame on Obama. He should be impeached for breaking the law and his pledge to defend the constitution and laws of the US. And shame on all of those uninformed, uneducated, cool-aid drinking, stupid Americans who voted for a man just because he was BLACK. As the saying goes you get what you pay (or vote) for. So, time to wake up and smell the roses. This country is in real trouble. Time for a Huge course correction. WHAT YA GOIN TO DO?

Submitted by Robert Richardson (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 1:35am

My understanding is that President Obama did a signing statement regarding that provision. President Obama complied with Legion policy to spare no effort to secure the release of our POW. It was Congress who violated the Legion's advocacy for POWs, by impeding our duly-elected Commander-in-Chief from performing his duties in a manner that demands that sensistive deals in which a POWs life hangs in the balance by put out there at risk to SGT Bergdahl's life. The publicity required by that provision of the NDAA could have gotten Bergdahl or any other POW killed had Obama complied.

Submitted by Laura R Standley (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 12:12pm

The timbre and sheer ignorance in the majority of these comments demonstrates my embarrassment of my citizenship as an US citizen. Did we learn the mistakes of Vietnam? Or did we allow our ourselves to be fooled into another waste of a generation and blood and treasure with no possible positive outcome. We have been fooled again. Time to bring the troops home and bury the rhetoric.

Submitted by Navy Diver - 1980s (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 4:05am

Example of a the decline of the US ... That an adult can write the following ... "I spent 20years in the Army 2 tours in Nam, and I can't figure out why people cant see what is going on, Obama is a Muslim Socialist and wants to pull this nation down and him being in charge and he is headed that way and no one is stopping him Talking here will not get it done, and all you Vets know what I mean."

Submitted by Navy Diver (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 4:10am

Israel NEVER Deals with Terroist(Enemy).
President Obama dealt wrongfully on many steps.
POW's should be brought Home,but NOt at the Heavy Price of ever releasing One(1)Terrorist.How many will DIE or Suffer?
Such a Terrible mistake.

Submitted by Hyman Rittenberg (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 5:17am

Israel, because of its treatment of the INDIGNEOUS Palestinians, now has all the moral high ground of South Africa during apartheid or the ghetto-ization of Jews in Medieval Europe. They are also caving in to their own religious extremists in regards to women's participation in the sociao-economic mainstream to the point their law enforcement winks at their ultra-Orthodox citizewns spitting on little girls who are merely walking to school. It would be ill-advised to let Israel's behavior inform ours.

Also, the Legion, by policy (Resolution 288) calls for "no effort to the be spared" in ensuring the safe return of all POWs and the repatriation of their remains. Obama did the right thing and for a fraction of the Taliban POWs held by the U. S., secured the return of ALL our POWs.

If the FACT of Obama's adherence to the ideal of Resolution 288 troubles you, then perhaps you ought to rethink your Legion membership.

Submitted by Laura R. Standley (not verified) : Jun 8, 2014 12:03pm

Rittenberg is right and you are a blithering leftist idiot. I wish feminazis like you would go to Palestine and experience the way women are treated there as opposed to how they are treated in Israel.

Submitted by Pudentame (not verified) : Nov 17, 2015 6:27pm

Did any of you guys ever consider that Bergdahl is a mole? He was implanted with the Taliban to gather intelligence and was promoted while in "captivity" to make him more credible to his Taliban captors. When his cover was about to unravel, his father was recruited to bolster the cover story. He is now the key to the demise of the Taliban and his "medical evaluation" in Germany is actually extensive debriefing. He will likely be in Germany for quite a while while CI forces check out all of the HUMINT collected. That's why the return celebrations in CONUS have to be postponed. The five terrorists released in exchange for Bergdahl are "tagged" and will not survive in Qatar very long. A very dangerous mission brilliantly and successfully completed. Expect to see a Hollywood production in the near future. Think about it.

Submitted by BobB (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 6:45am

This deal is all good - no bad. Here is why, in descending order of importance:
1. Guantanamo has been a black eye on the USA for a long time. To get rid of even 1 prisoner is a plus. After hostilities cease, by international law, we have to let them go anyway.
2. It shows we are talking to the Taliban. We can never defeat them by force. Killing them just encourages more recruiting. Like it or not, they will become part of the government. Remember, it is their country, not ours and what we call terrorists, they call patriots. Best we get together and air our respective grievences.
We went into Afghanistan to go after Osama bin laden & Al Qaida, not the Taliban. He is dead, lets move forward.
3. Maybe all of this will lead to more prisoners being released. And some civilians being held by the Taliban.
4. Bergdahl is freed. This is actually the least important factor. Was he a deserter? If so, why did he get 2 promotion while in captivity. Many unanswered questions. So for now hold off on opinions. If justified, court martial him.

Submitted by William C Stevenson (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 9:55am

I'm not sure Bergdahl was a pow. Notice the video was filmed by the Taliban so that shoots transparency of this admin out the window let alone how Obama now make it a habit to bypass congress on everything at this point. What I mean by not sure Bergdahl or however his name is spelled in the video he doesn't look too underfed which indicates to me he was cooperating with his captors in some form. That's only an assumption on my part and I don't think anyone will know for sure until it gets investigated. What really bothers me is the rankings of the 5 that were released. Some belive it was a political ploy to distract America from the Bengahzi and VA scandals. There may be some truth to that. There is way too much going on behind closed doors with this administration. I can only see on logical reason why Obama would do something so stupid. One guy I spoke to said wouldn't it be interesting if this was a field test for the rfid chip. I told him I doubted this administration had enough intelligence or imagination to do that.

Submitted by DaMadOne : Jun 6, 2014 10:12am

At this point we do not have all the facts about the trade of GTMO detainees for Army Sgt. Bergdahl. We know that the liberal news media has their agenda and the conservative news media has their agenda. They each only report the information that supports their point of view. You have to listen to both sides to even make an educated guess as to what is the truth. The President is our ELECTED Official and with his cabinet has access to a LOT more highly classified information than we may ever know. They have Top Secret, Atomic, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Single Integrated Operation Plans - Extremely Sensitive Information SIOP - ESI) and many other designations that highly restrict access to only those that have a need to know. The Government whether liberal or conservative makes their best decision based on analysis of this information. Contrary to popular opinion, we do not need to know, because we do not have the need to know. It's classified and considered sensitive to protect the information from getting into the hands of our enemies, both foreign and domestic which therefore protects us as Citizens. We believe their decisions are right or wrong based on the information that we know which is far less than what the Government knows. We can agree or disagree with the decisions made, but we have to have confidence that these decisions were made with all the facts taken into consideration along with the possible repercussions.

Submitted by Warren Wood (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 7:24pm

Dear Cmmdr.Dellinger:
In the case of Sgt. I do not want to reach a rash judgement but as I see it as long as he was incarcerated in Afghanistan what he initially did pretend to be cooperative but only that he may be released letting the enemy think he was with them, but it seems to me that during his incarceration he most definitely was stressed out and probably suffering from a paranoid complex, not not everyone is able to endure such treatment, and after five years? one can only imagine what he went through, and this paranoia continued probably after his release, and probably, most assuredly underwent serious indoctrination by the Taliban, which is very common in this day and age specially in those Middle Eastern cultures as we know from what goes on.

The Sgt. may still be infected by that indoctrination, I am not a psychiatrist nor psychologist but I think I am on the right track.

If I am wrong I would like imput from someone that is familiar with such cases I am open for correction.

Submitted by Frank PCalderon (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 8:00pm

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. I have seen the works that are done under the sun; behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
(Ecc1:9,14)

Submitted by PGNav (not verified) : Jun 6, 2014 11:55pm

We've heard the men who served with Bergdahl state their reasons why they believe him to be a deserter, and they should know. However, the UCMJ has a role to play in determining what the facts are before proper judgment can be rendered. I will not be swayed one way or the other until a courts martial has been convened and all pertinent information has been brought forward and argued. Perceptions and raw public opinion have no place where justice is concerned in this matter.
While we are glad (and fortunate) to have one of our own back from the hands of our sworn enemies, the method used is also in serious question and should also be thoroughly examined. We see that, once again, congress has been thwarted which casts a very dark shadow on how our government is supposed to function according to law. The executive appears to have overstepped its authority by releasing such high profile terrorist commanders which has a high probability of further endangering lives and destroying the gains we've made through the hard work, blood, sweat and tears, and death ....of our armed forces members. Much was given in the capture and incarceration of those terrorist commanders, and our CIC appears to completely ignore that as well as miscalculate the new potential damage they may yet cause as a result of their release from GITMO. Mr. Obama swore long ago to close that facility so, with releases such as these it seems obvious what the real intention is. Our national security and the reasonable safety of our warriors on the front lines in the defense of freedom are, once again, placed in jeopardy, making our efforts and sacrifices null and void. If this is how the game is to be played out, we just as well dis-arm and surrender to our enemies. I submit that, in future, if any of these five terrorists are encountered on the battlefield or found to be participating in terrorist activity wherever they may be, they be shot on-sight. In the meantime, we have to take our executive branch to task and do our best to determine whether any acts of treason have been committed. I believe there have been, but it is not for me or any other individual to make that determination. A full and complete investigation is required, and sooner rather than later. If we are to believe we can win the war on terror, we first have to believe we have competent leadership. Right now, I do not believe we do.

Submitted by Gene Kinnick (not verified) : Jun 7, 2014 12:30pm

The price we paid for that exchange was way too high. It was a bad negotiation. We gave up 5 of the highest ranking terrorists to get back a soldier who was probably a deserter. In my opinion this was a very bad move and we will regret doing it.

Submitted by GEORGE ASADOURIAN (not verified) : Jun 10, 2014 1:30pm

Is there a clause in the UCMJ that says " hang the guilty SOB and then give him a fair trial "?? just asking...

Submitted by Ernie Spetter (not verified) : Jan 8, 2016 10:27am

After reading all of the above comments there is only one thing that is obvious and that is the complete Balkanization of not only our country but our great organization. Those of us that went to war in WWII, Korea and early during Vietnam served a nation united. The deterioration of that unity began during the Vietnam war and has increased exponentially every year since. It isn't surprising that those that returned feeling stabbed in the back will never trust those they view as the ones that betrayed them; it is the logical result of that perceived betrayal.

What is surprising is those posting here are Legionnaires that should know better than engage in the nasty divide and conquer tactics designed to promote such Balkanization. From The American Legion Constitution come the words, "To make right the master of might". Right is the Rule of Law, not the partisan "Obummer name calling or the, it is all Bush's fault" name calling that plays directly into the divide and conquer tactics. Grow up and unite!

We have more than enough to do to require the VA to fulfill its mission, a mission it has demonstrably failed to perform, without engaging in partisan name calling. The longer we indulge in stupid partisan politics the less likely we are to ever be able to serve our communities as our great organization was designed to serve. If you want to be political join your local political organization and be politically polarizing there; there is no time, room or reason for political polarization while attempting to serve The American Legion.

Submitted by Bob95490 : Jun 11, 2014 8:25pm

This is an insult. One of my sons first war time duty stations was Gitmo. That son was KIA in Iraq, 8-5-2007, and this was a walking on his grave.

Submitted by Stephen R. Blac... (not verified) : Aug 30, 2014 11:09pm