Republican Congressman Broke Military Protocol, 'Endangered Troops'

Did Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) unwittingly give away information that made it easier for armed militias to target the Green Zone, in the deadliest attack on the fortification this year? That's precisely what Brandon Friedman of VetVoice accuses McHenry of doing, in what at the very least amounts to, he contends, a violation of "operational security (OPSEC)."

At issue is a video that McHenry made while in the Green Zone, describing an Easter Sunday attack.

McHENRY: Good morning. You see, right over my back here (points), there was a rocket attack this morning. According to our folks here, there were eleven rockets, uh, one hit just over my head, another hit a parking lot, and another hit the gym. Well, interestingly enough, I wasn't able to get into the gym this morning because I didn't have an ID that was appropriate. And so I was escorted back to the room and just a few minutes later, that's when the rocket attacks occurred. So, uh, small wonders. . .what a small blessing. . .a big blessing on Easter Sunday morning. So, thanks so much.

"Only two days after McHenry promoted a video of himself in the Green Zone describing in detail the effectiveness of the rocket attacks on Easter Sunday," Friedman notes, "the area was hit with a barrage that killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded 17 others." Friedman goes on to assert, "The bottom line is that whoever launched that strike could take the information McHenry provided and use it to kill Americans in the Green Zone."

Friedman is far from alone in his concern:

On Saturday, I communicated with one military officer currently in the Green Zone who stated that this was "undoubtedly a violation of OPSEC." On Sunday evening, I spoke with a senior intelligence official in Washington who seemed dumbfounded by McHenry's remarks. Asked whether he considered this a breach of operations security, the official shouted over the phone at me, "Of course! He's helping to dial them in." He meant the people firing the rockets.

Friedman notes the "rich irony" of the situation, as McHenry had previously lambasted an ABC News report "on CIA covert activities against Iran." At the time, McHenry asked for the House Oversight Committee to open an inquiry into how sensitive information got leaked to ABC.

Earlier this year, McHenry endorsed John McCain, just a month after suggesting to House colleagues that conservatives were justifed in feeling "physically ill at the prospects of a President McCain." One wonders if it is not appropriate to feel the same nausea at the prospect of a Representative Patrick McHenry.

Comments

[filo]

Why didn't he draw a map in the dirt like Geraldo?

[speakingtruth2power]

Republiscum is about all they have left after most of their leadership has been forced out

and/or retiring, fearing more scandals from their enabling of fascists, perverts and crooks.

[bighair]

Now this little gem from Rep McHenry after video surfaced of his " 2 bit security guard" remarks after not being let into the green zone gym....This guy is priceless!

[MizJ]

Is this what the South elects to serve in congress?

[mommadona]

Yes.

The dregs.

[lynnn]

These people disgust me.

[adzeman]

This hypocrite deserves retirement. A nasty guy with a closet full of Craig quality skeletons, yet he lambasts on "family values". He is a disaster and needs defeating. I hope North Carolina figures out what a pig he really is, and send him on vacation.

[engineer68]

I think Chris Matthews enjoys having this redneck on Hardball.

[Grannysue]

Another Bush cowboy, who just loves to run over to Iraq trying to look important. The GOPERS speak out of their ass most of the time. Hence McBush telling everyone things are going splended in Iraq, sort of mind boggling since he opposed the new G.I. bill. I say anyone who wants to stay in Iraq can do so, you will be moved to the Greenzone and when our military leaves your on your own pals.

[iamFrank]

Is this the same representative that called the uniformed guard a “two-bit security guard” because the soldier questioned his credentials? McHenry it is a small wonder how you got voted into office. He should be escorted to the perimeter of the green zone and told to find his own way home. Arrogant Moron!

[Zhonni]

I mentioned that and provided the link in my previous comment but it is the only one being held up.

Maybe they can make it two being held up.

[Markometer10000]

Interesting that the video has now been removed by whomever it is that owns that youtube channel.

Curiously, all the videos in the channel are from of Rep. McHenry.

[MajorKong]

Imagine the howls from the Right if a Democrat had done something like this.

[kae]

you know it!

[CaptainObvious]

Especially in an election year... there'd be public hangings.

[RadioResearch]

Too bad the rockets missed him! Then he would really be able to brag about his combat experience. And they make fun of Hillary for her bogus "sniper' remarks - geez.

[anthonylee]

I don't understand what all the "fuss" is about . . . . Rep. Pat would make a fine addition to President Bush's Cabinet (Secretary of Defense). He'd fit-in perfectly, and do an equal or better job than Rumsfeld!

He's just following the lead of the Commander and Chief, isn't he!?!?

[antiparanoid]

Benedict McArnold

[hmmmmmer]

How can Republicans like this sleep at night. He probably made the video to show what a man he was by being there, what a joke. Was he not told about giving out information like that and then posting it to the web or was he just arrogant? I would go with arrogant.