Last edited Wed Nov 20, 2019, 09:39 AM - Edit history (1)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathew_L._Golsteyn
Golsteyn graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2002. He was commissioned into the army and was recommended for discharge, following an inquiry, in 2015.[5] The inquiry allowed him to keep his veteran's benefits.[6][4] In 2011, then Captain Golsteyn was awarded a Silver Star, for actions in February 2010; however, the award was revoked in 2015, after an investigation into an rules-of-engagement violation by Golsteyn in 2010.[7][8]
Killing of Alleged Afghan bomb-maker
In 2010 Golsteyn was part of Operation Moshtarak, a campaign to liberate the town of Marjah, Helmand Province, from the Taliban. In February, a bomb killed two Marines who had been working under Golsteyn's command. Golsteyn and his team searched the nearby village for the bomb-maker, whom they believed was a local named Rasoul. A tribal leader alleged that Rasoul was a member of the Taliban. According to the Army, the leader did not want Rasoul released and feared that if he was released that he would kill the tribal leader. According to an interview with the CIA in 2011, Golsteyn claimed that another soldier had later taken the alleged bomb-maker off base, and then shot and killed him. Golsteyn said that he later helped burn the body. After this revelation, the Army investigated the case, but closed it with no charges in 2013.[9]
In November 2016, Golsteyn was a guest on a Fox news show. Asked by host Bret Baier if he had killed the suspected bomb-maker, Golsteyn responded "yes". Golstyen's admission led to the Army reopening the case.[9]
Who was president when it happened? At the time of the initial investigation? At the time it was re-opened?
Wingnuts have held Golsteyn up as an example of how Democrats in general and Obama specifically persecute All-American Heroes(tm) Doing Their Duty(tm). It thumps the same drum Republicans have been beating since Vietnam, about how "chickenshit gummint byoooreacrats stabbed us in the back/made us fight with one arm tied behind our back". This crowd also isn't too keen on the idea of Americans being prosecuted for war crimes under any circumstances, no matter what was done.
In other words, once again Trump plays to his base and in his own mind gets another dig at Obama.
= new reply since forum marked as read
