A Democratic congresswoman on Wednesday condemned the recent recriminations of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, expressing concern for the POW’s safety after he returns to the United States.
Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) called out the critics of Bergdahl, including one of her own colleagues, during the House Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S.-Taliban prisoner exchange.
“Let me just say at the outset to my colleagues I was somewhat stunned by one of the earlier questioners about Bowe Bergdahl,” Speier said during her opening remarks. “And I would just ask us to think for a moment how we would be responding if Bowe Bergdahl was our son. I really fear for his return to this country with the kind of rhetoric that is being spewed in this very room.”
She may have been referring to Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), who sparred with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel during the hearing over the government’s claims that Bergdahl isn’t yet fit to answer questions about allegations that he deserted his unit in 2009.
Hagel likewise used his opening statement at the hearing to denounce the critics of Bergdahl and his family.
“Like most Americans, I’ve been offended and disappointed in how the Bergdahl family has been treated by some in this country,” Hagel said. “No family deserves this.”
When Miller questioned why Bergdahl hasn’t yet returned to the U.S. to face questioning, Hagel took exception to the implication.
“Congressman, I hope you’re not implying anything other than that,” he fired back.
The terrorists in our midst fly the Gadsden flag.
Senator, I feel the same way you do.
A week ago I commented that Bergdahl’s family should seek refugee immigration status in Canada or some other European country because Republicans and the media has influenced the wackos to attack this soldier and his family.
I’m rather surprised we haven’t heard from Ann Coulter calling for him to be fragged - or is that only for officers?
Rep. Speier is spot on in her concerns. I’ve always really liked this Representative. She offers some really good food for thought…I hope Bergdahl gets his long-awaited planned homecoming from his community, family and friends. I saw the pictures of the preparations and was truly disheartened when they were forced to cancel due to the threats of physical harm that were made on both members of this community, but especially more pointedly against Bergdahl and his family.
How fucking pathetic and sad is this. The family is under heavy security because of death threats and this is a real possibility that someone will try to kill him. The Republican Party Patriots. Wow From the pictures I’ve seen of this kid, he’s a broken man. Who knows if he will ever be the same. These people calling for his head should go straight to hell.