SC

Letter: In Defense Of Michael Haley

FIRST GENTLEMAN’S SERVICE DESERVES OUR RESPECT Dear Editor, Hello, I’m writing this piece in response to the “Letter: Michael Haley’s Convenient Deployment” article posted anonymously by someone who referred to themselves as Consultant. First I’d like to say that I don’t question the patriotism of the writer of this article,…

army commendation medal michael haley

FIRST GENTLEMAN’S SERVICE DESERVES OUR RESPECT

Dear Editor,

Hello, I’m writing this piece in response to the “Letter: Michael Haley’s Convenient Deployment” article posted anonymously by someone who referred to themselves as Consultant. First I’d like to say that I don’t question the patriotism of the writer of this article, but will take their thoughts as an opportunity to inform.

All families of military, US government agency, and private contractors that serve our country in distant lands such as Afghanistan know that when they see their loved one awake and put on their uniform/clothes to leave, that it may be for the last time. That the drive to the parking lot or gymnasium to participate in a going away ceremony prior to getting onto a bus, may be the last time they see them. That is a sobering and challenging experience for any family member regardless of their status, privilege, or bank account.

Secondly, service is just that service. Those who have chosen to serve their country in whatever capacity have earned the honor and respect of a nation — their nation, this nation, the United State of America. Those who pay the ultimate sacrifice will live on with us forever. I can pointedly say that all service is equal although it is different. I’ve had the unfortunate experience to have friends killed during patrols in Afghanistan and while sleeping in there bunk aboard a FOB after a rocket attack or small arms fire. I’ve had friends killed while on combat patrol chasing the enemy and in a village attempting to show provincial leaders best practices.

I’ve lost friends in training preparing to deploy and during deployment making what some would call routine helicopter rides in the area of operations. Our nation lost an Ambassador who chose to serve his country by helping to rebuild a war torn country. A private citizen serving as a part of the Ambassador’s security detail lost his life. All of these individuals had one thing in common, they chose to serve their country and place themselves in harm’s way. Some chose to go to confront the enemy directly with arms, others chose to go and challenge the enemy by assisting to build a better, brighter future for others. I don’t think anyone should be attempting to belittle or challenge either’s service.

Finally the article’s assertion that Governor Haley, Mr. Haley’s wife, possibly lobbied to send her husband, her children’s father to war is just plain reprehensible. It is on the battlefield that he’ll often have his guard down and place his life in the hands of other soldiers or possibly Afghan forces as he attempts to assist the Afghan farmers. I have been deployed and a part of that security detail and understand that the success of that farmer meant the long-term success of the operation. It is that long term success that makes it somehow worth it, otherwise it is hard to reconcile any loss of life with just an attempt that fails. Many of the conflicts we are involved in today are not about how many people we kill, but how many people we help so we don’t have to kill. It takes both the farmer trainers like Mr. Haley and the security forces to accomplish that task.

I can’t speak for the governor but I’m sure she’d have given everything she had to ensure her husband and the other spouses that boarded that bus didn’t have to — although they are proud that their loved ones chose to.

Signed,

“Marine Infantrymen”

(This is a letter to the editor from a FITS reader. It does not necessarily reflect the editorial position of FITSNews.com. To submit your letter for consideration – anonymously or otherwise – click here).

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78 comments

Silly Me January 10, 2013 at 11:27 pm

“as he attempts to assist the Afghan farmers.”

We might also try not bombing, drone striking, or killing the farmers too. That might help.

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toyota kawaski January 11, 2013 at 8:13 am

no we should turn our attention to your house silly goat

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Perer January 11, 2013 at 1:14 pm

Silly me, we should not drop bombs on them. Just nuke the fuckers for 9/11 and come home.

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? January 11, 2013 at 3:55 pm

Nuke them for what? Being Afghans?

Let us all remember that it was 19 people that all were NOT from Afghanistan that carried out 9/11.

The Taliban(which is not all Afghans) made the mistake of allowing them to train there.

I’m not sure “nuking them” is the appropriate response.

Simply carrying out justice on those responsible(primarily Al Qaeda) should have been enough in my estimation.

It’s important to distinguish between Al Qaeda, Afghani’s, Taliban, etc. if the goal is to solve the problem.

If the goal is to kill everyone, well then I suppose a nuke is the most cost effective answer.

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Wilberforce January 12, 2013 at 12:00 am

Michael Haley had to be sent halfway around the world to find even the PRETENSE of respect!

Nikki Haley played well the Scarlett role of feigned tears as she said goodbye to her “beloved”!

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Chris Hayes January 11, 2013 at 12:22 am

Here’s to Mr Haley! Good luck and godspeed in you trip to help Afghan farmers optimize their poppy yields–big pharma and heroin addicts alike are indebted to you!

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Big Daddy January 11, 2013 at 6:49 am

I wish for Michael and the rest of the troops a safe deployment and return home to their familes. But why are we over there helping a bunch learn how to farm and as I understand it, the bulk of what they grow are the poppy plants? I saw on the news a few minutes ago where Karzai is meeting with the President today – I reckon we’ll have to send them a few more billion $$$$. All of this for a bunch that would love to see us wiped out.

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D January 11, 2013 at 12:29 am

Ok, then why don’t you push to bring all of the troops home since America doesn’t agree with the mission. Service men and women aren’t looking for ticker tape parades, but at least the acknowledgment that any and all actions they are asked to perform are in the service of their country.

I’ll expect to see you pushing the come home banner as soon as possible.

Cheers!

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colonel mark sanford January 11, 2013 at 6:10 am

how come mark sanford-who has an even more bogus, politically expedient “military career”- has never been called off to war?

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Sarge January 11, 2013 at 9:02 am

They don’t want him.

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bogart January 11, 2013 at 10:02 am

I’ve wondered the same thing….Is he still in the reserves,or did he get out when he didn’t need them anymore?….Bet it was hard meeting sweety pie when he had weekend duty.

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SparkleCity January 11, 2013 at 10:24 am

Short answer: Mark “The Shirker” Sanford bailed on his Air Force reserve unit when it was activated a number of years back

Details: Not long after 9/11 and somewhere the time he was running for Gov, he joined the Air Force Reserves as one of a handfull of non-prior service 40+ year olds as some kind of Medical Records wonk if I remember correcttly (most slot for 40+ year olds with NO prior service are reserved for doctors – including vetrenarians. chaplains and the like). He pulled some strings and got a slot saying he wanted to set an example for his sons.

He went off to “Shake & bake” school and was commissioned in the Air Force Reserves out of Charleston AFB in one of the medical units. His unit was activated to go overseas (Southwest Asia). He requested to be excused from the activation because he was the govenour of SC and he was granted his request. So much for setting an example for his sons……

Last I remember reading was that the shirking SOB had an assignment pulling two weeks per year and drill weekends in some kind of Homeland Security assignment. The shirking SOB might have resigned his commission by now due to the fact that he is a confirmed adultrier(sp) and that can be grounds for dismissal by UCMJ for action unbecoming of an officer.

SIMPLY PUT, WHEN HIS UNIT WAS CALLED UP, THE FUCKER TURNED TAIL AND RAN. SO MUCH FOR SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR HIS SONS……

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Perer January 11, 2013 at 1:14 pm

Because we’re not invading Argentina.

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notagain January 11, 2013 at 7:04 am

You know, I do appreciate the job our men in uniform do for us. But this is an all volunteer military. Periodically, each soldier gets the opportunity to get out or sign up for another tour. They are not forced to do anything they have not agreed to do on a periodic basis. They get paid. You don’t get rich but the pay is not that bad, either. So one has to conclude that these folks are where they want to be in their chosen career and find adequate benefits to the situation to continue. I sometimes fail to appreciate the apparent reverence we give to our soldiers as opposed to other critical people in our environment. In my mind, just because somebody is a soldier and doing the job he/she has freely chosen to do, this extra special consideration is a little misplaced. If one admires it so much, it begs the question of why you aren’t in the military as some of the most vociferous have NEVER served. I did my stint in the Field Artillery. I am proud of it but I am proud of the job I did after leaving the military, too. I don’t feel I deserve any inordinate amount of recognition for it. Soldiers are valuable and do a critical function and I appreciate them. I appreciate the guy who picks up my garbage every week. He is performing a critical and necessary function and he gets paid to do it. True, most garbage men don’t get shot at very often. But soldiers know that is an occupational hazard and have taken that into account when making career decisions. So I simply say to soldiers, garbage men, and all the others that keep our society running, Thank You! I appreciate you all. (Well, maybe not members of Congress.)

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? January 11, 2013 at 9:52 am

I really, REALLY like your statement.

Good job.

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Bonhoeffer January 11, 2013 at 10:00 am

Well said. And speaking of other “critical and necessary functions” that society should appreciate and value in addition to the military, I wonder how many servicemen lost their lives in Afghanistan in December compared to the number of school teachers and administrators in Connecticut who also gave their lives for their country.

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Raspy January 11, 2013 at 11:26 am

Good post!

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Original Good Old Boy January 11, 2013 at 12:11 pm

Well said. I respect those who fight our wars even if I don’t respect the leaders who start them. But the hyper-patriotism propaganda has gotten out of hand, and it’s used to distract people from the fact that our military shouldn’t be over there to begin with. And you are correct that the loudest patriots are often those that fully support the wars — so long as they or their children don’t have to fight them. “Thank you for your service,” is a way for many of them (not all, of course) to feel better about themselves when they themselves don’t have to suffer the consequences of fighting these costly wars.

One of my good friends is the infantry and was just deployed for his fourth tour overseas. He’s been to Iraq twice and now is heading to Afghanistan for a second time. I want these wars to stop so people like him will come home. He tells me that when people tell him “thank you for your service” or pay for his meals it makes him feel uncomfortable because (1) he does not support the wars (he signed up shortly after 911) and (2) he made the choice on his own and does not feel any more special than everyone else.

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shifty henry January 11, 2013 at 2:34 pm

…..Great positive statement. I hope some folks pay attention to it and do some deep thinking.

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Cid January 11, 2013 at 3:19 pm

Outstanding statement notagain.

I share your deelings but am sure I couldnt have said it as articulately.

Thanks

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Robert January 11, 2013 at 7:12 am

Wish him safe return to his children and family.

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Mike at the Beach January 11, 2013 at 8:31 am

Of course all (normal) people wish him well and want him to have a successful deployment and make it back home healthy and in one piece- that’s not what the hubub is all about. The piece of the story that has everyone spun up is simply the political side of him getting the good ol’ boy cushy gig to start with and the anticipated political hay Luv Guv II wil no doubt make over his trip.

We can honor the service our vets without falling prey to elevating them to religious icons, upon which we can’t comment without somehow appearing “unpatriotic.” I know from my own experience that when I was in, some of my boys were the finest Americans anyone will ever meet, and I think we did some important and praiseworthy stuff. I also know that some of the gang were clowns, cowards, and buffoons you wouldn’t hire to wash your car.

Honorable service is to be praised. If that’s what Haley is doing, great. Fair minded people, though, should be allowed to at least hypothesize that maybe there are other angles to the story. I don’t buy that it makes them un-American, or even unfair.

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south mauldin January 11, 2013 at 9:52 am

^^^This guy is making good points^^

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SparkleCity January 11, 2013 at 10:35 am

YEP,

Look how much the right claimed Al Gore’s (who I am not a big fan of)tour in Vietnam was for political purposes and he had a personal guard the whole time he was there (I don’t know if that’s true or not but back then you could be a paper pusher and still get snuffed by a Kutusha rocket fired by the VC hitting your Quonset hut or die from a hand grenade thrown by a VC whil you were on a sidewalk in Saigon drinking a beer.

I’ve kind of stayed out of this since I did 3 tours over there and under the circumstances of those SOB’s shooting you while wearing an Afghani uniform (which has happened a fair amount recently). I do wish him and all my brother & sisters in arms a safe return. Michael Haley could very well end up in harm’s way

But like Al Gore’s example above I think it is fair that some question him going over at this stage of the game. If the far right rode that pony for years, others can do the same in the present situation

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CNSYD January 11, 2013 at 8:35 am

Kipling said it best.

“For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Tommy sees!”

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Bonhoeffer January 11, 2013 at 9:53 am

Just curious, I wonder if Kipling wrote this before or after he encouraged and arranged for his near-sighted son to receive a commission in the British Army in World War One, where he subsequently was killed.

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JC January 11, 2013 at 8:56 am

“Although they are proud that their loved ones chose to.”

Forgive me for saying, but should she be proud her husband continues to occupy a nation in which we have no business being? Should she be proud her husband is apart of a military operation that has resulted in the cluster bombing and killing of scores of innocent civilians? Should she be proud her husband is apart of the most longest and most expensive military operation in American history, when most Americans want us the hell out of that place?

We were attacked by Al-Qaeda on 9/11, not the Taliban. They are distinct groups. We had every right in my opinion to try and apprehend and/or take out Al-Qaeda operatives responsible for 9/11, but a decade-long occupation and invasion of a third-world nation with no ability to be an imminent threat to Americans causes more resentment and hatred of us than originally existed.

From a libertarian point of view, war is a state program, just like welfare or any other entitlement. War is probably the most expensive and most sweeping state program, as government power during war is at its penultimate point. This truth necessitates that those who claim to believe in limited government must also abhor war, especially perpetual and unconstiutional war. That Haley uses her husband’s service in such state program for political gain demonstrates she has no real belief in limiting government and cutting spending.

People should not support Michael Haley for serving, nor should they support Nikki’s prostitution of her husband’s service for political gain, because neither is beneficial for South Carolina or the United States.

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CNSYD January 11, 2013 at 11:51 am

“From a libertarian point of view, war is a state program, just like welfare or any other entitlement.”

War is an “entitlement”? No wonder all you Libertarians are viewed as kooks.

In your view, all the vets of WWI and WWII should hang their heads in shame since there was cluster bombing, fire bombing and even atomic bombing in WWII where “innocent civilians” were killed.

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Original Good Old Boy January 11, 2013 at 12:22 pm

Come on CNSYD, he didn’t say war is an entitlement. He said war is a program of the state, much like welfare or entitlements are programs of the state.

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JC January 11, 2013 at 3:06 pm

CSNYD

Original Good Old Boy is correct. War is a state-funded enterpise that grows government. In fact, it grows it at a much faster and monstrous pace than entitlements. One need only look at things such as the Patriot Act, TSA, FISA Courts, the NDAA and the assassination of Anwar Al-Awlaki sans Due Process to see what governments can do with the fear associated with war.

As for WWI and WWII vets, many didn’t have a choice, due to the draft and conscription. Today, the military is all volunteer. That means they have a choice in whether or not to join. Given the fact that our government has not constiutionally declared a war via the Congress since WWII, and given our government’s continued inability to mind our business and stop being the world’s policeman, I will not praise those who choose to perpetuate these policies that harm our country and state.

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CNSYD January 11, 2013 at 3:29 pm

JC,

I see you left out your boy Osama. Did he get “due process” in your view? Did you shed any tears?

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JC January 11, 2013 at 5:07 pm

Al-Awlaki was an American citizen, Bin Laden was not. Al-Awlaki was never charged with a crime, indicted by a grand jury or convicted of treason. As far as we know, the only thing we know about him was that he was a propagandist. Even still, his videos are free speech based on the Brandenburg test.

Beyond that, Al-Awlaki’s 16 year old son and his friend Samir Khan, both 16 year old boys, were killed in the drone strike. They too were American citizens, and they too became collateral damage. There is absolutely no justification for these killings. We routinely condemn and invade other nations for committing these very same types of acts.

The killing of American citizens by an Executive without any review or court proceeding is the definition of tyranny, and demonstrates how far into despotism we have really fallen.

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CNSYD January 11, 2013 at 6:54 pm

JC,

So is killing your bud Osama OK by you because he was not a US citizen? You seemed to have avoided discussing that.

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JC January 11, 2013 at 8:56 pm

Yes killing him was ok. And the fact that you think he’s my bud because I have serious issues with American foreign policy shows just how authoritarian the neoconservative influence in both the Republican and Democratic parties is.

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Golden Toilet Joke January 11, 2013 at 9:01 am

Tommy Stringer sees indeed.

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neighbor January 11, 2013 at 9:42 am

Michael is just another pawn in the little girl’s political chess game.

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silvereagle January 11, 2013 at 10:22 am

AGREED!! I still think we should get together a pool to see how many times in one speech Nikki Haley says I am a military wife with my husband deployed overseas. This is very opportunistic for the coming reelection campaign.

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shifty henry January 11, 2013 at 6:01 pm

…. 69 times

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jimlewis,owb January 11, 2013 at 9:58 am

OK, this one is a little long so let me say it up front, go fuck yourself.

Most if not all the comments posted about Cuckold, have nothing to do with the Military, Military Service or the sacrifices made by thousands to protect those of us sitting on our lily white ass in Chapin in our long johns exercising the freedoms of living in America.

There is a big difference between Michael the First Gentleman and Michael the pseudo Military Officer.

Just because he wears an uniform makes him no more military than a clerk working out at the nuclear plant claiming to know everything about electricity.

In my opinion few individuals posting on this blog have ever said anything negative or disrespectful about the Military or true Military Personnel. Most individuals commenting tend to rip a new asshole for the Cockroaches who send boys and girls/men and women and their own husband into harm’s way for their political self aggrandizement.

Michael, the First Gentleman, by the nature of how he became an “officer” and by the nature of the political environment in which he thrives is fair game for commentary.

Your letter does appear to be an attempt to cast some of us who comment on this site as traitors, non-patriots or maggots.

That is fine with me. That is what the Constitution is all about.

In fact the Constitution gives me the latitude to say that if you really want to stand up and be counted then sign your fucking name to your comments.

In my opinion your anonymous use of the title Marine Infantrymen is dishonorable and is a wicked attempt to validate your comments.

If you are a Marine, if you believe what you write and you truly believe in the protections of the Constitution then sign your name to your damn letter. Stand proud and give your words some back bone.

Otherwise, Eunuch Timmy shut the fuck up.

jim lewis,owb
sandbar road
chapin, sc

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? January 11, 2013 at 10:50 am

One of the many reasons I like you so much OWB is because you have great big balls, the AC/DC song is your banner:

youtube.com/watch?v=_W-fIn2QZgg

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Manray9 January 11, 2013 at 11:06 am

People who send letters to the editor, not just commentators on the website, should sign their names. Newspapers require a name and address on letters to the editor submitted for publication. I am suspicious of the identity and connections of “Marine Infantrymen.” Is a group? If not, why “Infantrymen?”

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dwb619 January 11, 2013 at 12:33 pm

Is Micheal a “real” soldier, or his his position only a gubernatorial appointment?

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south mauldin January 11, 2013 at 1:19 pm

As usual, owb puts one over the fence.

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D January 12, 2013 at 9:10 am

Mr. Lewis or own, the article doesn’t question patriotism. It refutes someone attempting to disregard someones service because it is outside of the customary “shoot’em up” that some see as the only function of the military. The article also refutes the comment that the Governor somehow lobbied to get her husband deployed. I’d suggest reading the articles before writing. As for the freedom to post these type articles, I applaud it and regardless of how I feel I love our freedom to do so. In terms of remaining anonymous that is a right as well so continue to pick and choose and name call.

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The Cauldron January 11, 2013 at 10:27 am

Signed,

“Nikki Haley’s Handler/Advisor”

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Gastonite January 11, 2013 at 10:27 am

How did Tiny Tim become a eunuch? A man or boy whose testicles have been removed or simply do not function.

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Manray9 January 11, 2013 at 11:35 am

I am retired from the military. As I write this, my son serves at FOB Hadrian in Afghanistan. I cannot believe Michael Haley meets the physical readiness standards for the U.S. Army. Take a look at photos of him. He’s fat. My son tells me often about soldiers being pushed out of the army for being overweight. Gee, I wonder how this guy got a cushy National Guard officer’s billet — especially when he appears overweight? Oh, I forgot…his wife is Commander-in-Chief of the SC National Guard! This is politics, not military service.

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The Cisco Kid January 11, 2013 at 11:42 am

Mrs. Haley is a huckster and a hypocrite. Her husband is not a hero. However, I would much prefer him at a desk job in Afghanistan that representing the people of SC at “high level economic development meetings,” as she has (let’s hope, falsely) claimed.

Let us continue to hope that the voters of SC will eventually see the truth about this person and act on it next time by electing a responsible adult to this largely ceremonial office.

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Governors grant January 11, 2013 at 11:53 am

Fat? He’s a weeble. Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down.

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Perer January 11, 2013 at 1:16 pm

Will, are you hoping for a late-night phone call soon? That furry curry might be lonely.

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Mike at the Beach January 12, 2013 at 1:28 am

“Furry Curry?!?!” Oh my funny…I just split my spleen laaughing…

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Old Bike Dude January 11, 2013 at 2:24 pm

I served in VN. My son served in Afghanastan. Mick Zais was never a Marine infantryman.

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Joker January 11, 2013 at 3:46 pm

Careful – Mick Zais did two tours in Nam as an Army infantryman and was was most definitely in the shit. He may not be worth much as the State Super or even as a College President, but he was the real deal in the Army.

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The Colonel January 12, 2013 at 10:15 am

Joker,
He was the real deal as a university president as well – he turned Newberry around at a time when the college was sinking into obscurity. Doubled the endowment and the number of students while cutting the number of slackers in the “old guard”.

OBD – if half of the guys who claim to have been Marine infantryman or members of the 1st Cav or 173rd Abn in Viet Nam had actually fought in or even been to Viet Nam, we’d have ended the war in 45 minutes. Not suggesting that you didn’t just pointing out that the stories of who did what get twisted quickly by those who wouldn’t know an infantryman from a bellhop.

For the Record Zais is a USMA Grad with a BS in engineering and a MA in History and holds an MA and PhD in social psychology and organizational behavior.

He served as an infantry platoon leader, company commander (twice), battalion commander, brigade commander and deputy CG of the USAR before retiring. Most of his time as an infantryman was in light units (think tough, mean little bastards, who walk a lot…) As I recall, he served two tours in “the Nam”.

He put his time in and saw an opportunity to make some real money as a civilian and retired – he probably wasn’t destined for that second or third star because of his inability to suffer fools.

No, I don’t work for him and only know him in passing but he is a honorable guy with an impeccable record and he’s smart as a whip.

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Fifty Shades of Nasty January 11, 2013 at 3:52 pm

Love the photo opp in the State – the kids and mom have clearly been crying, and will miss their dad/son. Nikki is dry eyed and has the fake face going. Can’t wait to get back in the saddle.

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shifty henry January 11, 2013 at 4:56 pm

….. dusting off the saddle and getting the polish out (but I still haven’t found my spurs) – to quote my dear friend Strom, “jus’ one mo’ time!”

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norman January 11, 2013 at 3:59 pm

Zais is a retired BG he was Commissioned an Infantry officer after finishing USMA. Thirty one years of outstanding service. He has a PhD. I doubt he has to prove his faithful service to our nation.

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Lynn January 11, 2013 at 4:10 pm

When and how did Michael Haley go from being a non-commissioned officer to being a Lieutenant to now Captain? (Without a college degree?) Battlefield promotion while riding a desk? Help me understand this. There are pay raises that go with these promotions as well as status and perks. I’m just not getting this. Is he crowding out someone who genuinely worked, suffered, and deserves a promotion, there are only so many slots available. Will he make Major or Colonel before Nikki is gone?

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junior justice January 11, 2013 at 4:53 pm

Colonel Cuckold –

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Carolinagurl January 11, 2013 at 11:06 pm

I will tell you how. The good ole girl system. You really need to check out the Haley connection and fill in the blanks. Michael is a diversity officer…A lady in Nikki’s office is Chief Diversity officer. Do the math. Through FOI you can find everything you want to know. OEPP Director was prior Internal Audit Director at SCDOR. She is a Col and diversity officer in the SCANG. M Haley is a diversity officer. Also, look into the Internal Auditor’s replacement at DOR. You can find her on the state salary database.

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The Colonel January 12, 2013 at 3:11 pm

CPT Haley has a degree in business administration from UNC Charlotte. He apparently went through Federal OCS at Benning.

Promotion from 2nd Lieutenant to Captain is automatic assuming you are qualified unless you screw up. In the National Guard it takes roughly 5-6 years to make CPT – you must have a bachelor’s degree in order to be promoted to CPT.

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norman January 11, 2013 at 4:18 pm

I would think he attended the part time Palmetto Academy and then got in to the very political SCNG full time system. Remember SC is the only state with an elected NG Adjutant General.

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shifty henry January 11, 2013 at 5:00 pm

What I am ignorant of is what exactly does his unit do for us? I’ve never heard of an “agriculture battalion”… and what is their military role? Do they shoot popcorn at an attacker, or do they use potato guns? Anybody out there know for sure about this?

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junior justice January 11, 2013 at 5:02 pm

They smash watermelons with sledgehammers – like Gallagher!

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The Colonel January 12, 2013 at 3:18 pm

We’ve had agricultural development teams in Afghanistan for years. They attempt to encourage the local farmers to grow things other than poppies and introduce them to modern farming methods. The Army operates a school for soldiers/units selected for this detail.

This gig does have some inherent danger because the teams are out among the populace for much of their rotation though they do not go out “…lookin ta pick a fight…”.

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Jack Seaman January 11, 2013 at 5:11 pm

Given that Mike ran an unsuccessful “barter” business (think “jockey lot”) prior to becoming the Official First Cuckhold, he will probably be training Afghanis in skills such as trading cows for magic beans.

These two just ooze class, don’t they?

Nice hat, BTW. He looks like a doorman.

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shifty henry January 11, 2013 at 6:05 pm

Actually, he will learn more from them. Perhaps he’ll open a used camel lot in Lexington. Keep an eye on business license applications.

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stfu January 11, 2013 at 8:30 pm

This will not end well for Mr. Halley if Trikki does not do exactly what she is told to do.

This environment allows anything to happen at any time.

Whether she understands this or not right now I do not know.

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Palmettorumrunner January 11, 2013 at 10:59 pm

So will he be growing poppies?

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tired and retired January 11, 2013 at 11:39 pm

Why does our Defense Department feel obligated to provide Afghan farmers with soldiers who can impart agricultural advice? My impression was that we went into Afghanistan to fight terrorism. Now it seems we are presuming that we can make Afghans less inclined to engage in terrorist attacks if we can make them more successful as farmers and businessmen. Is this a valid presumption? Or, is it simply a waste of tax dollars and American lives? Our nation seems to have become acutely aware that the drafted soldiers we sent to Southeast Asia were never given the appreciation they deserved for the sacrifices they incurred. Now we seem to be giving a great deal of appreciation to our servicemen. One downside to giving so much love and praise to our armed forces is that it can seem almost “unpatriotic” to question the reasons or policy that has put them in harm’s way. We have no strategic interests in Afghanistan. If policy makers believe we can successfully combat terrorism by spending money and risking lives on programs such as that in which Michael Haley is participating, they are kidding themselves and the American people.

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D January 12, 2013 at 9:18 am

Very good comments. At the end of the day our U.S. Government decided to expand the operation in Afghanistan to include country building. That was not a military choice. It became a requirement based on policy. The military is a arm of the U.S. Govt so when the American people question what we are doing they should look at Congress who decides on funding and the Commander in chief who makes the call on policy. I wouldn’t slam a guy for doing what he is told to do. Last time I checked Mr. Haley is going where he is ordered and as a commissioned officer has the special trust and confidence of the President.

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junior justice January 12, 2013 at 10:50 am

“special trust and confidence of the President” – ???

If so, it’s because potus never met him. Or else, it could be as a favor to Nikki.

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D January 12, 2013 at 5:33 pm

Every military office has a commission which states “special trust and confidence of the president”.

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D January 12, 2013 at 5:34 pm

Check that e every military officer has a commission stating that.

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The Colonel January 13, 2013 at 7:52 am

The President of the United States of America

To all who shall see these presents, greeting:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of ………………, I do appoint [“him” or “her”] a [“Second Lieutenant” or “Ensign”] in the [name of service] to rank as such from the …. day of …….. …… This Officer will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the duties of the office to which appointed by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.

And I do strictly charge and require those Officers and other personnel of lesser rank to render such obedience as is due an officer of this grade and position. And this Officer is to observe and follow such orders and directives, from time to time, as may be given by me, or the future President of the United States of America, or other Superior Officers acting in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.

This commission is to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States of America for the time being, under the provisions of those Public Laws relating to Officers of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the component thereof in which this appointment is made.

Done at the City of Washington, this …. day of …….. in the year of our Lord ……………. and of the Independence of the United States of America the ……….

By the President:

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Booyah January 13, 2013 at 8:56 pm

There are MANY finely graduated levels of service with different sacrifice/benefit ratios, and let’s not fucking pretend that everyone who “goes to war” regrets it or is actually making a sacrifice.

Yeah, you can get dead due to hostile fire. You can also have a truck back over you in the motor pool. Both suck, but the risk is pointedly MUCH lower in some jobs.

My career in the Air Force didn’t involve near the risk that a “Marine Infantryman” slot normally entails, nor do I so pretend. A skate slot is cool, as there are “many ways to serve”, but never pretend gravy is shit.

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embarrassed for her January 14, 2013 at 10:08 am

Please do not use Nikki and class in the same sentence.

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ceilidh10 January 14, 2013 at 1:07 pm

All of men and women in uniform deserve our respect.

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