United States Tactical Rifle Association

Bravo to all our working soldiers in uniform. I feel like recoil should be given award for video of the year honoring our "other" veterans returning home. Sometimes it's almost like their kind of loyalty makes it easier,...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=MNcrnyqGzbM

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So a few things come to light to ponder after reading the linked article and concerning Mike Morell testimony this week concerning the Benghazi attack on our embassy resulting in the death of Americans including current or former members of the special operations community. Specifically addressing altering the "talking points", disregarding reliable reports of field operatives in favor of office analysts, and in conjunction with Secretary Clinton's January 23, 2013 hearing testimony and her now famous comments on what difference it makes.

Ignoring for the moment the uproar in both the intelligence and defense communities regarding the handling and procedures surrounding the events that occurred that day, ignoring the conspiracy theories of political cover ups and protecting administration or justice and state department personnel, and ignoring the lack of effort in bringing the attackers and terrorist responsible to justice, and lets focus for just a moment on the difference the it makes in how we as a country, nation, leaders, culture, and even individuals are held accountable for our actions inaction and words.

Morell admitted to altering the talking points to point toward protests over the outrage response to a video supposedly mocking the Muslim and Islamic community. Secretary Clinton argued it made no difference if the administration got it wrong when it publicly and knowingly, regardless of reasons, by blaming it on protests concerning this video. On the contrary, it becomes vitally important when looking at the global results both internally and intentionally.

Prior to Mrs Susan Rices publicly and wide spread televised explanation of the reason for the attack in keeping with the talking points provided, the video in question had received very little attention or circulation and had largely been limited to an indie film developer underground. After the very public explanation and blame by the white house and administration the same video then went viral, skyrocketing in views and circulation as literally the world wanted to know and see for themselves. The already tainted perception from the administration that the video was offensive to Muslims prevented any fair and open judgment and swayed popular opinion of the video as must be offensive. This single act resulted in world wide protests, hostility, violence, increased deaths, and fueled international hostility toward the US and non-Muslim religious communities.

The administration could very well then be directly responsible for these results and the words and actions of our representatives and leaders carry a more significant weight then some are prepared to be held accountable. The men and women on the ground, in the trenches, and even across the nation care that we get it right, are held to the highest standards of truth and transparency and we should expect the same from those that would lead us. Trust in those that, work, fight, and sacrifice every day defending this nation and lives or ideals we represent. This is likely the greatest tragedy in the entire story that goes far beyond the death of four Americans.

None of us are perfect and we all make mistakes. How we handle them and grow through he outcome defines more than just our character but also our legacy as individuals and a nation. I have the highest admiration for General Patreaus, who resigned after owning the poor personal choices he made when the affair he had came to light. He did not hide nor try to distort the facts or truth. He simply accepted them, asked forgiveness from those he hurt, and moved to reconcile with his family and those that would hold him accountable. While not directly related to the events around Benghazi, imagine the impact on the nation and world if those responsible held themselves to this standard and the impact that truth and forgiveness could have. It makes all the difference in the world. Share this!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-colmes/hillarys-what-difference_b_4675413.html

Hillary's 'What Difference Does It Make' in Context The right wing, which has been trying to push a Benghazi "scandal" since before Mitt Romney blew the 2012 election, has concentrated on one phrase Hillary Clinton said during her five-hour congressional testimony. And it's a phrase they ar...