WASHINGTON – The Obama Administration negotiated for the release of an American prisoner of war and secured his release in recent days.
American Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl had been held by the Taliban since 2009. He was re-united with his family in the United States in exchange for five Taliban prisoners being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The President, however, failed to notify Congress at least 30 days before the transfer or release of the Guantanamo detainees, as law requires. The Obama Administration cited concerns over Bergdahl’s health and safety.
In addition, the prisoner transfer is seen by some as a negotiation with terrorists, a practice supposedly never undertaken by the U.S. government.
However, others say that America never abandons its men and women in uniform, and the President did what he had to do to bring him home.
“Sgt. Bergdahl’s return is a powerful reminder of the enduring, sacred commitment our nation makes to all those who serve in uniform,” Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said after Bergdahl’s release.
The following are questions posed by an Iowa Congressman, asking Iowans how they feel about the way Bergdahl’s release was secured. Which statement do you most agree with?
- I support the Administration’s actions. The most important consideration is the freedom and safety of an American POW.
- I support the Administration’s actions and no reason is needed.
- I do not support the Administration’s actions primarily because the United States government should never negotiate with terrorists.
- I do not support the Administration’s actions primarily because the trade of Taliban prisoners will hurt our national security.
- I do not support the Administration’s actions primarily because the President acted outside of the law.
- I do not support the Administration’s actions primarily because I have reservations about SGT Bergdahl’s service.
- I don’t know.
- I have another answer.
I don’t believe the American people should negotiate with obama….
Political prisoners and POWs were commonly exchanged since the beginning of time. This practice is even recorded in the Bible. What changes the dynamics of this conversation is the use of the emotionally charged term “terrorists” and our vivid memory to the day the Twin Towers were attacked.
I support #5. Obama thinks he is the Emperor. No law bothers him. He does as he darn pleases. We asked for it.
“We don’t negotiate with terrorists”
That is pure bullshit.
Past presidents have done that very same thing.
Richard Nixon – released Viet Cong in exchange for Americans, ya John McCain was happy about it back then.
The VC were terrorists, not army.
And trust me on this one, I was there, the Viet Cong made the Taliban look like pussies.
Ronald Reagan – Iranian held American hostages, lest we forget the Iran/Contra deal.
(con’t)
George W. Bush paid a ransom of $300,000 to a radical Islamist group Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines that was holding two American missionaries.
The “We don’t negotiate with terrorists”…..bullshit
It’s a pledge of reflexive stupidity, forced on politicians by the reflexive stupidity of the right wing.
Ya, even those that call themselves “Independents”.
Ok I will give you that one, our policy has been never negotiate with terrorists yet at times our government has. Since you were there you must admit that the prisoners we traded for did their duty and was worth trading for. You are also right about the differences between the viet cong and the Taliban but let me ask you this, if we were not at war with the viet cong would they attack us because we were not one of them? My opinion stands, trading a deserter for their leaders, a very bad move.
BCN is my new NIT hero. And he has the military card covered. Sweet. I’m loving watching the neocons squirm and retract.
Not running or squirming here peter, I’ve always said that even though I have my own opinion I also have an open mind. If someone says something that isn’t what I agree with but does make sense I will give him credit but if they are complete looney then I will tell them that too, right peter.
My answer? Stay out of foreign lands. Build your own nation up the right way independent of other’s resources. Maintain firm but friendly diplomacy. Muslims and Americans could have been friendly had these things occurred. Now it’s too late.
Muslims are never friendly with anybody but other muslims. They believe that ALL infidels must die.
He walked away from his post and joined the enemy, soldiers that went looking for him were killed. His own words, he is ashamed to be an American. In my opinion he isn’t worth trading cow manure for. Well 1 thing is for sure, if this doesn’t get Obama out of there I don’t think anything will.
you must not be a real marine then cause any marine that isn’t pusstfied would know to NEVER negotiate with terrorists no matter who they have. If they have POW’s we go in and take them back.
yes I’m just glad they were able to bring this man home even though it could cause some problems later on. so i agree with the first point on the list