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Military group who criticized president for taking credit in bin Laden killing responds to his recent comments
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But first.
President Bob May say he's not taking some military veterans criticism too seriously.
But now the vets are taking on the -- latest words joins -- former navy CEO Scott Taylor he is the president's special operations up sex education fun.
Who made the video attacking President Obama for national intelligence leaks and for bragging about killing -- not -- -- welcome sir.
-- -- it's -- to be with the of well a silly seems that there is now I'm -- there they've -- put the video.
-- President Obama says he didn't take you guys too seriously and now it's your turn I guess right.
Well I think this -- a two part answer first style I would say that with all due respect to the president that his statements were condescending and and belittling to a group that has collectively.
Literally hundreds of years of of service to this nation.
And the second part of the answer is I think that his dismissive statements actually mean the opposite because I think that he understands that the American people know that this kind of group has the authority.
And the knowledge to speak on the impacts of these least own troops on the ground and much more credibility than a campaign spokesperson.
Thought now instead general Martin Dempsey is traveling from from Afghanistan and Iraq want my colleague Jennifer Griffin is traveling with him and he had pretty -- takes issue with you he says.
If someone uses the uniform whatever uniform for partisan politics I'm disappoint because I think it does -- that bond of trust we have with the American people.
He then they then goes on to say that that that some of the critics said.
That there are critics of the criticism that might be -- but he won't comment on that.
What's what's your response to general Martin Dempsey doesn't like -- former navy seal speaking out like this.
Well I have nothing but respect for the for the general he's active duty we are not we are now citizens.
And we have a First Amendment right to be -- -- speak out and we feel as though we're doing the right thing.
And and this is what this is what we're doing then I understand that there may be folks do -- may take issue with it.
I'd like to hear what his comments really were per hour or what is what his thoughts are that he can't speak about of course I just got a call from Afghanistan.
Two days ago from active duty teammate of mine who.
Here's a look at -- gonna do to help balance and I told him knowing nothing because -- active duty so you can't do anything so this group feels as though.
Then we're are speaking out also that we feel strongly about and not and helping those -- who can't speak for themselves and can't speak out and at the response has been overwhelming.
Overwhelmingly positive.
We still haven't allies -- the issue of national security leaks an investigation going on here in Washington so certainly.
People are taking it very serious is not senator Feinstein was a -- Who is one of the leading Democrats -- -- -- one of the most outspoken Democrats on the the question of whether or not the president was brain are taking credit for the -- a -- lot of I don't think anyone doubts.
It was the courage and the bravery and the Navy SEALs and all the people who have been supporting them in this endeavor.
What and what isn't that you don't like that President Obama has done vis a vis DSL have -- lot of killed.
Well let me first preface this by saying our group is as much more than just Navy SEALs represent all the special forces and an intelligence com.
Former.
Special operations and intelligence officials.
The president deserves credit as would any present for -- of an operation like this.
However the -- -- high level access to Hollywood producers the year anniversary campaign commercial.
You know we criticism criticize for the video.
But if you see the video and watch and its entire -- entire TB I statement certainly overshadow the credit that he does give the team for -- take any action.
I suspect the one of these survey you know what the president zeroing in on is that there's at least one member of your group who has been quite vocal was a member of the birth their movement in the has put some rather.
Insulting things -- FaceBook page about President Obama.
And I suspect that he was really sort of speaking to that person -- -- adding that -- here.
That I suspect that that's what he's -- driving at do you not agree.
Well let me let me say that.
Our our response is.
In our group it's very diverse we have Obama donors president's -- supporters.
And we have folks of course that a Republican I would say that generally the military although it's diverse probably is a little bit conservative.
So it's not a far stretch to say that we have a lot of conservatives but we also have former home of former.
President Obama supporters and donors so I think that -- campaign has done nothing.
But come out with statements including the president self that are directed at the messengers and sort of attacking them.
And not taking seriously the actual message itself so I think that might my divisive that the presidential campaign.
And then everyone out there and Americans understand how serious this is this is take the actual message serious.
As was called upon by democratic congressional leaders like like John Kerry and not Republican -- congressional leaders like Senator McCain.
I in my wildest.
Dreams -- I can't imagine anyone saying in reference to Navy SEALs I don't take these folks too seriously.
I can assure you that 99.9.
Percent Americans aren't great the sacrifice and Navy SEALs and other intelligence us if people put their cells on the line for us.
Ice I I don't I suspect that president wasn't -- -- said that because.
I know that day -- every -- does respect the Navy -- immensely and intelligent people.
Well we're we're really appreciate that we're not looking for credit we feel very strongly about -- -- About issues that are that could potentially -- -- -- -- -- -- future operations.
And put our our Brothers and sisters that are on the front lines in jeopardy.
And we feel strongly about it we have our first amendment rights we fought for them and we're gonna continue to do so.
And have -- with great bravery and more than what the rest of us are doing I might add -- US -- thank you.
Thank you very much -- it's a pleasure Greta thank you.
Thank you -- name.
